Kikoti, in the Maasai language, means "the place where life began", and is the name given by the local Maasai to an ancient pre-Jurassic kopje in the Tarangire eco-system, which lies adjacent to the camp. A luxury tented camp, Kikoti echoes the luxury of the traditional safari camps of a bygone era, defined by superior service and campfire hospitality rather than modern conveniences and an anonymous welcome.

Kikoti's proximity to Tarangire National Park also allows the guests to enjoy a wide choice of exploratory game-drives through the classic African savannah and acacia parkland of this undiscovered wilderness. Moreover, its position in the migratory corridor just outside the park provides a range of activities that are forbidden elsewhere in the game lands of Northern Tanzania. These include; nature walks, foot safaris and extended bush trekking with rangers, all of which offer unique opportunities to revisit nature in her primeval state. Located on a community conservation area, a portion of all accommodation rates goes to the local community, who use it for community-chosen development projects such as schools, water boreholes, roads and dispensaries.

Location

The camp is only 10minutes away from Tarangire National Park (transfer from Arusha available). The camp stands on Boundary Hill, just outside the eastern boundaries of the park. 1 Kilometer from Tarangire National Park boundary and three hours drive from Arusha, it lies on the migration route for the plains game and offers a diverse array of wildlife.
Tarangire is 114km from Arusha, Tanzania. The national park lies around 7km off the main Arusha-Dodoma road. The Tarangire National Park lies at the core of the much larger Tarangire Conservation Area (TCA), which extends across the Maasai Steppes. This area was once used for trophy hunting until it was restored to the traditional Maasai owners in the late 1990s.

Accommodation

The camp offers 18 luxury tented chalets (8 double beds, 10 twin bedded), each with ensuite bathroom (hot and cold running water, showers, flushed WCs, 24-hour electricity, laundry, library). Built on raised wooden platforms built entirely from natural materials, the chalets are presented in the style of classic ‘Out of Africa’ safari tents with natural wooden beds, woven rugs, wickerwork furniture and wide private verandahs. Wildebeest, water buffalo, hyenas and zebra have been known to graze beneath the rooms.

Dining and bars

The restaurant offers fresh local produce, freshly baked bread, fruits and vegetables in season and great home cooked meals. A breakfast buffet is served between 6:30am – 9:00am, with breakfast boxes provided for early morning game drives. Packed lunches can also be arranged but for the guests in camp, lunch is served between 12:30pm – 2:30pm, and dinner between 7:30pm and 9:00pm. The Kikote Camp menu will typically include a wide selection of East Africa, Tanzania and traditional safari choices as well as numerous international choices.
After dinner, a performance of traditional Maasai dance is offered. The comfortable bar area is constructed from local woods and features carvings from African ebony and jacaranda. At night, the central dining and bar area are lit by traditional safari lanterns and drinks are served around the campfire. A short drive away from the camp the Kikoti rock, an ancient rock formation made from limestone. It’s an easy hike to the top, with stunningly beautiful views of the bush and plains below, the ideal place for a sundowner.

Conferences and events

The camp does not offer specific conference facilities but will be happy to quote for small meetings and social gatherings. A wide range of Tanzania incentives can also be arranged in or around the national park.

Weddings and honeymoons

The camp makes an ideal Tanzania wedding destination.

Child-friendly facilities

The camp welcomes children and will be pleased to supply additional beds.

Activities

• Night Drives

At night, Kikoti takes on an otherworldly feel, lit by moonlight and thousands of stars bright and clear in the African sky. As Kikoti is outside national park grounds, night game drives are permitted, allowing you to see some of the hidden secrets of the surroundings. The camp has 2 open night drive vehicles, with experienced spotters and drivers to show you some of the lesser seen sights.
Smaller animals such as genets, aardvarks and porcupines come out at night, along with the larger game, giraffe, Tarangire’s famous elephant and even lions and leopards. Even on quieter evenings, guests can see the dik-diks, miniature antelope bound through the bush, African hare and some of the rare elusive night birds.

• Nature Walks with professional armed rangers

Learn to how to track animals and recognize their habitats on a nature walk with one of our experienced guides. Find termite mounds, snake holes, animal prints and learn about the useful and medicinal properties of local plants, including the extraordinary baobab tree.

• Bush sundowner

On the top of a Kopje, with outstanding views from the park, enjoy sundowner cocktails and snacks.
The camp offers a wide range of game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles.