The Nyikani Migration Camps are located in the Serengeti ecosystem and move twice a year between Kogatende to Ndutu to ensure our guests are very well placed to experience the wilderness. From May through November, Nyikani Migration Camp is located in Northern Serengeti, just minutes away from the Mara River. Often featured in magazines and on television, wildebeest crossings over the Mara River are a once-in-a-lifetime event. Watch as the herds gather on the riverbank and then take the first leap into the water, often into the open mouths of waiting crocodiles. Nyikani Migration Camps' location allows for easy access to several crossing points along the river. A short distance from Kogatende Airstrip, this once remote destination is now easy to reach by bush plane. As with any migration experience, cats are following closely behind in search of their next meal. Designed to be lightweight to move seasonally, Nyikani Migration Camp operates off the grid and relies on a custom-built solar system for its power. Room fabrics are handwoven African designs, and the camp's furniture was commissioned and crafted by artisans in Arusha, Tanzania.
We arrived at this camp late in the day in the rain and despite that situation, the staff came out to welcome us, get us settled into our tent and even made sure we got showers after our long day being out on safari. The staff is incredibly hard working and they go out of their way to take care of guests. The camp location is excellent - we saw five river crossings during our three day stay, in part because we could quickly get to the Mara River. The evening campfire and view of the sunset from the dining tent are a once in a lifetime experience. In general, the Nyikani camps are very well run and I highly recommend them.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Nov 8, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our aim is to provide a truly unique experience and we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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Wow! What a great experience. My wife and I have dreamed of one day visiting the Serengeti! And we finally did it. The Serengeti is vast, the debate on what part, what hotel, and what would we see continued to appear. I am so happy and overjoyed that we selected the Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende. From day one, when our driver (Bennett) picked us up from the Kogatende Airport, I knew that we were in for a treat. Right when we started our route to the Nyikani destination, we stumbled upon two male brother lions. The landscape was endless, lush and full of wildlife. The camp was amazing. At this destination, everyone is there for you from staff to your guides. They greet you as soon as your car arrives with upwards of 5 - 8 people willing to help with your bags and ask you how your day was. Full of joy. We had deep conversations about life with both Elias's! Yes, there are two wonderful gentlemen by the name Elias who supported us. When we wanted to leave out early or late in the park, they helped us. Food, escorts or room accommodations, we had it all. Even better was our driver and guide Bennett. He was a wonderful person, knowledgable and knew how to get from point A to point B. He knew when the migration and river crossings were taking place, and was the first in line to rush to the front and give us a view. Yes, the speed up of all the cars is just as exciting as the crossing. He took us to a location where we spotted a Lioness with her cubs, Leopards on the rock and the elusive Cheetah. We saw two river crossings which can also be rare. The food was great, and location was perfect. The camps are tents, so don't be alarmed when you hear wild animals in the wild while you sleep. There are camp rangers who patrol the area and ensure that you are safe. Don't be surprised with the joy of waking up and seeing wildlife on the camp. We woke up to Zebra's, Wildabeest and even Elephants on the campground. Overall, there was so much excitement, love and joy. We couldn't ask for anything better.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Each room is nice. You can't go wrong with any location within this area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Sep 8, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are delighted to learn that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our goal is to provide a truly unique experience, and we are delighted that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was a lovely camp, with a nice location and very friendly service. We preferred the vibe to the “Luxe”-class camp that we (somehow) got booked into next. The staff was friendly, the tents were a nice “glamping” experience, and the food was good. The hot shower was fed from a 20-liters at a time bucket outside, but that was more than enough for a quick “army shower.” We would definitely rank this as high on the “comfort plus” level of accommodation.
A nice detail is that the path to the tents is on the backside, so your view out the front of your tents is free of (human) foot traffic.
It’s true that the wifi is only available in the common area. If Internet access is a big priority for your safari experience, I suppose you should take that account.
PS: They bring coffee to your tent first thing, which my wife says would have made up for any other shortcomings.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Sep 3, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our aim is to provide a truly unique experience and we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Truly a unique experience. Located in heart of Serengeti, you can experience hospitality of Tanzania at its best. Staff was very prompt with their service regarding wake up or morning tea and shower hot water provisions. Tents are spacious and beds very comfortable with best of linens.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Aug 30, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are delighted to learn that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our goal is to provide a truly unique experience, and we are delighted that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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The camp is the best place to stay in the northern Serengeti! The staff is so friendly and helpful, and the tents are well kept, it feels better than a luxurious hotel. The tents are cleaned, hot water showers are provided, tea/coffee in bed, and hot water packs are provided to keep you warm throughout the night. Highly recommend, had an amazing time with our guide Mirah!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Aug 11, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our aim is to provide a truly unique experience and we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What an amazing place to stay! Travelled with my adult daughter and niece. The staff are so friendly and attentive. You are right in the middle of the Serengeti park and you can hear the animals at night. There is no worry about them coming after you as there is security throughout the night and all they want is to eat the grass and leaves on the trees. My only “complaint” and we did mention this in the review, was the food was not served hot. It is buffet style and tasted fine, but the containers they served it in were not sufficient to keep it warm. But remember we are in the middle of nowhere! This would NOT prevent me from recommending this camp! This is how to experience Africa.
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Date of stay: October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Oct 28, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our aim is to provide a truly unique experience, and we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The migration camp is in a stunning location with incredible views from the tent. The set up is wonderful, with warm water supplied for the bucket showers and excellent plumbing. The set up of the food and lounge tent are exceptional and very comfortable. The staff are incredibly friendly, efficient and helpful. The food was absolutely incredible. The wifi is fast and efficient and the drinks menu varied. We requested local Tanzanian food on the final night and it was incredibly flavourful, beautifully presented and an experience we will never forget. This camp will exceed all your expectations and you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Jun 11, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our aim is to provide a truly unique experience, and we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Friendly staff. No wifi in tents, only common areas. It's also very spotty. Food was pretty good, but service is really slow. They don't really go by first come first served. We checked in first but were greeted with juice / orientation after a group that came in after us. Same thing happened at dinner. Felt like we were second class citizens. My mom is a pescatarian so they were really aware of what she couldn't eat, which was much appreciated. Unfortunately on the first night, they didn't tell us that they had prepared a separate dinner for her and she filled up at the buffet. They should have told us she had a separate meal when we sat down. They also don't allow guides to eat with clients (which felt very classist and icky), which should be up to the clients and guides to decide.
Hot water bottles in bed were a nice touch even though it was too warm for me. Without outer tent flaps down, the tent mesh is see through even with inner curtain hanging. In other camps, you can't see into the tent that well even with only the mesh.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location in northern Serengeti is great and the staff is very attentive, but there are a few changes that are needed.
The tent had holes in the mesh that allowed a lot of bugs in. I had more bug bites in three nights at this lodge than I did for the other 7 days of my trip.
The food was ok, but the buffet dinner the first night was not good. Food was not labeled and the staff weren't able to help identify items.
The lunch boxes were ok but not nearly as nice as other camps.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Bring your own bug spray and if possible mosquito netting for the bed.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyikani Migration Camp in Kogatende was one of the lodges that True Africa (company we booked our safari with) chose and arranged for us on our first every safari. Quite honestly, we had no idea what really to expect even though we did look it up and True Africa did send us the info but nothing quite prepares you to how remote it is and how well it's all set up. You have the luxury of a fixed building lodge in a tented lodge. It was incredible! Our tented lodge had a double basin!!! Most hotels I stay at don't have a double basin!
Anyhow, facilities and the incredible location aside, what made it was the staff. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They also made us feel safe. I mean we were in a tented lodge in the middle of the Serengeti where there are a lot of very hungry carnivores! It's also the smaller touches as well. In hotels you get a wake up call on the phone, here, you get a 'jambo' in person with fresh coffee and a cookie!
What really made our stay special was, a couple of nights before we checked out, I said to one of the staff that I would love to try proper traditional Swahili food - the way they eat it and for our last dinner there, the chef prepared a feast for us. It was absolutely incredible and I was so touched that they did this.
If we're ever in the Serengeti again, we'd definitely love to stay with them again. Sleeping with the sound of nature (mostly hyenas) and having the view of giraffes and elephants in front of us at breakfast is a good enough reason alone!!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nyikani Camps and Lodges, General Manager at Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Responded Jul 14, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Our aim is to provide a truly unique experience, and we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Machochwe area.
LOCATION
TanzaniaMara RegionMachochwe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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