Nyikani Camp Central Serengeti: Our full report
Nyikani Central’s elevated location at the foot of Banagi Hill offers lovely views of the Serengeti below.
While currently a semi-permenent camp, they have plans for it to become a permament camp in the future.Despite the open nature of the site, the tents blend in well with their surroundings. The main areas consist of two spacious mess tents, a dining tent and a separate lounge tent. The lounge tent has a selection of comfortable sofas, wooden coffee tables and beautiful, locally crafted chairs. The area in front of the main area has been cleared back for a camp fire and a pleasant space for outdoor dining.
The dining tent is open-sided, with individual tables. Each table is decorated with local fabrics, providing a splash of colour.
The 14 guest tents are spread out to offer privacy, each with two small wooden chairs and a coffee table on their verandas. The rooms are spacious and each has a writing desk, a large bed with teal bedspreads, a cupboard for personai items, with luggage rack and an electronic safe for valuables. Charging points are available in the rooms. Placed around the tent are colourful wooden bird figurines which are locally crafted and a fun addition to the quirky décor. Light linen curtains hang in front of the insect-screen windows, allowing for additional privacy, but light enough to allow for the breeze to pass through the tent.
The ensuite bathrooms are accessed through a linen curtain partition, with a large wooden vanity with twin basins, and circular hanging mirrors above. The bathrooms have flush toilets and safari (bucket) showers on a pulley system. Just ask for your shower whenever you want it, and a room attendant will bring plenty of warm water. Toiletries are provided.
The family tent was added in 2022, and is the only tent that is raised on a wooden platform, the rest of the tents being on the ground. This family tent is a prototype of the new tents, which will be added when the permanent status of the camp is approved. The raised platform allows the tent to have a more elevated view and the deck is a great spot to relax and look out over the plains. The interior of the family room is spacious, with each bedroom having an ensuite bathroom, on either side of a small lounge area in the middle, leading out onto the deck.
Activities at Nyikani Central usually include game drives, however, balloon safaris can be booked in advance and are charged separately.
Our view
We think Nyikani Central is a good option for a two-night stay in the popular central region of the Serengeti, and it’s only a 20 minute drive from Seronera Airstrip. The inclusion of local crafts and colour into the traditional canvas style offers a lovely modern feel. We look forward to seeing the new tents once the camp is granted permenent status.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Two nights could be enough to explore this busier part of the Serengeti
- Directions
- Nyikani Central is located 20 minutes drive from Seronera Airstrip.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Although we have not had the opportunity to stay and enjoy a meal here we believe that a typical lunch could consist of potato salad, a mixed green and avocado salad, served with pork spare ribs. For dessert, a fresh fruit platter is the sort of dish they'd serve.
When the camp is full guests have buffet meals. Otherwise the meals are individually plated. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All inclusive package available Includes drinks
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome
- Special activities & services
- None provided
- Equipment
- None provided
- Generally recommended for children
- We think this would be a good option for families, especially with the new family tent.
- Notes
- Parents should supervise their children at all times as the camp is unfenced and game roams through the camp day and night
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator which is rarely used. Guests’ batteries can be charged in the tents.
- Communications
- There are two-way radios in the tents for guests to communicate with the main area.
Wifi is available in the main area but not in the tents. - Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- The guest tents have flush toilets and 20-litre safari (bucket) showers – which means you need to be fairly quick with your shower.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is at Serena Lodge clinic
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris (guards) are present to escort guests to and from their tents after dark.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in the main areas and kitchen.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included in the all-inclusive package rate, otherwise it is an additional cost. As usual, underwear can't be laundered, but soap powder is provided in the bathrooms to wash your own.
- Money
- There is an electronic safe in each tent.
- Accepted payment on location
- Credit cards are accepted - Visa, Amex, Mastercard - with a 5% surcharge. Cash is accepted in most currencies.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
