Let’s just say it: before anyone books a safari, and right after talking about the Big Five, the Great Migration, and the dreamy tent photos, one more delicate question looms.
“But… what’s the bathroom situation?”
First of all — glad you asked! Second — you are absolutely not alone. Nearly every guest asks us this, usually in a slightly lowered voice, as if we might be offended by the intimate nature of the question.
Not to worry! We’re all friends here. And after 45 years of designing safaris in Tanzania, Thomson Safaris has this figured out. You’re coming for lions, elephants, and sweeping golden plains — not for survival training.
Let’s talk toilets.
At Camp:
The Toilets (Yes, Real Ones.)
In your Nyumba camp, your bathroom is private and en-suite — built right into the back of your tent. Not “down a path.” Not “shared with a curious zebra.” Not “best located by flashlight.”
It’s yours.
Inside, you’ll find a proper flush toilet and a separate shower area, just like a standard hotel room layout. Yes, it flushes. Yes, you can use toilet paper normally. No, nothing dramatic happens.
The flush system is thoughtfully designed to support our environmental commitment to leaving no waste in the wild places where we operate. Translation: you’re comfortable, and the Serengeti stays pristine. Everybody wins.
While you’re out spotting cheetahs, the camp staff cleans your bathroom daily. You chase wildlife; we handle the logistics.
At Camp:
Showers & Sinks (Hot Water Included)
Let’s address the other big question: “Is the shower… cold?”
Absolutely not.
Your tent includes two beautiful blown-glass sinks for washing up. Since we don’t have running municipal water (because, well, we’re in the wild), you’ll be provided with fresh, clean water daily. Each morning begins with a cheerful “Jambo jambo!” and a new vessel of water for freshening up.
The shower? Hot water, prepared just for you.
When you’re ready to rinse off the Serengeti dust, simply let the staff know. They’ll fill your shower with hot water on request. Instead of turning a tap, you pull a toggled chain to start the flow. Pull the toggle in the other direction, and the water stops. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and oddly satisfying — like ringing a very rewarding bell.
And yes, there’s plenty of hot water for a refreshing post-adventure rinse. We supply eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner and soap, but if you want to bring your own, make sure they’re biodegradable, so we can keep the earth beneath your tent exactly as we found it. (Your Prep Team can help with recommendations — they’re basically safari fairy godparents.)
In the Bush:
Bathroom Breaks on Safari
Now imagine you’re out in the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, watching a herd of elephants march across in the golden grass.
Nature calls.
What now?
You’re usually within about 20 minutes from an indoor bathroom while on a wildlife drive. Just give your guide a heads-up. And if that’s too distant for you, you can always “check the tires” for a quick bush break behind the vehicle. Safari guides are experts at many things — tracking leopards, identifying birds, and, yes, timing a strategic bathroom stop.
No awkwardness required.
Bonus:
The Legendary Outdoor Showers at Gibb’s Farm
And then there’s Gibb’s Farm.
Architectural Digest named the outdoor showers in the Gibb’s Farm cottages among the 10 most tranquil in the world — and yes, guests are obsessed. These are the kind of showers people genuinely write home about (there’s even a guest video if you need proof, we recommend watching with your sound on).
Showering under open sky, wrapped in greenery, with warm water cascading down while birds provide the soundtrack? It’s less “outdoorsy” and more “did I just wander into a dream?”
And somehow, it lives up to the hype. It’s the kind of experience that makes you linger a little longer… and seriously consider recreating it at home.
Not your vibe? Totally fine. Every room also has an indoor shower and a deep soaking tub—perfect for a post-safari soak while replaying the day’s lion sightings like your own personal nature documentary.
The Bottom Line
You’ll see elephants at sunrise. You’ll hear hyenas whoop at night. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.
But when it comes to bathrooms? You’ll be perfectly comfortable.
Go ahead — ask us anything else you’re secretly wondering about. We promise we’ve heard it before.