Highlights
- Spectacular game drives
- Wonderful birdlife
- Authentic wild safari experience
- Small, friendly camp
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EnquireKiota Camp is a relatively new, permanent camp located in Central Serengeti, Northern Tanzania. The nearby Seronera Valley, famous for its superb year-round wildlife-viewing, marks the boundary between the grassy plains of the South and the wooded hills of the North. Consequently, the area is home to wildlife from both habitats, creating one of the richest ecosystems in the Serengeti. It’s not uncommon to encounter lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah here, along with a multitude of smaller predators such as mongoose, fox and jackal. The camp is accessed via light aircraft, with the Seronera airstrip a 30-minute drive away, so it’s essential to pack wisely and travel light.
There is a main dining tent with a separate lounge, bar and library and a veranda affording guests spectacular views. There is a central power point in the main area of the camp with a universal adaptor. While there is no WiFi here, there is limited mobile phone reception at times. There are separate washroom facilities for the dining area and there is a fire pit for evening camp fires, weather permitting.
Activities in the area are naturally centred on the abundant wildlife with both game-drives and walking safaris on offer. The birdlife is breath-taking and wildebeest and zebra herds are found in the region from around December to May, when the chances of seeing predators are high. The Seronera is a popular area which can become very busy at times so a certain level of vehicle traffic can be expected, although the camp itself is well situated in a relatively quiet location. In common with other camps in the area, no night-time game-viewing is possible.
The accommodation comprises 10 tents in king, twin, triple or family configuration. Each tent has a private, shaded veranda overlooking the Serengeti ecosystem and an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, wash basin with running water, plus a safari-style bucket shower. All tents have a power point with universal adapter along with a writing desk, lounge chairs, and a digital safe. There is a morning tea and coffee butler service and a laundry service available at extra cost. The camp is well set out, with a distance of approximately 20 metres between tents. Overnight guards are on hand to escort guests to and from their accommodation after nightfall. The facilities are somewhat rudimentary, but overall the food and service is good.
Children are very welcome at Kiota Camp. It is important to note that there is no fencing and animals can wander through the camp. Whilst it is true that the wildlife tends to stay away from humans and tents, parents will need to keep a close eye on children and not allow them to wander off or play independently.
This eco-friendly camp offers solid year-round game-viewing, an authentically wild safari experience and good value for money. It is a safe choice of property in the mid-price range and guarantees a memorable stay in one of Africa’s most beautiful locations.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024