JOURNAL
Lodge décor: the Nimali look and feel
The décor ethos at each of Nimali's beautiful lodges takes its lead from the natural splendour of the Tanzanian wilderness, effortlessly combining the organic with utilitarian wizardry and no small amount of chic. The result is a magical mixture of exceptional style that underpins the Nimali brand while affording guests maximum comfort and all of the luxuries you'd expect on a Safari for the Senses...
When we began defining the Nimali"style" and looking at the elements we wanted to use as the foundation for the look and feel of our safari lodges, we were supremely conscious of the fact that Mother Africa is the star of the show and that we should not try to compete with her magnificence!
So rather than trying to outshine the incredible landscapes around our lodges we chose to echo them, taking our inspiration from the wilderness and using it as our guide, creating a colour palette from everything we could see, choosing décor items that reflected the natural glory all around us and design styles that complement wild Africa.
We kept our mantra of Safaris for theSenses top of mind, introducing a combination of organic textures that stimulate and heighten the senses - wood, metal, wool, cotton, glass, leather, grass, stone - all used in perfect harmony with one another to create a feeling of being at one with with wilderness around us.
Of course, comfort was essential, along with no small amount of indulgent luxury - we wanted our guests to be able to put their feet up and unwind without a second thought, making themselves at home while spoiling them with well-thought out, high quality finishing touches that evoke that all-important "wow" factor!
Each of our lodges has been designed to blend in as much as possible to the natural landscapes around them, using what the wilderness has provided to becoming part of the environment rather than intruding upon it. As a result, we've kept the actual design as simple as possible, preferring clean, modern lines over complex architecture.
The interiors had to conform to this design ethic and not overwhelm it, using the spaces we provided to create warmth and an atmosphere of being at home in spite of the remote locations. We think we've achieved our goal of making each lodge both unique and an integral part of the landscapes around them, using subtle differences and eye-catching individual elements that set each apart on an underlying common canvas that unites them as Nimali lodges...
A sense of calm embraces guests at Nimali Tarangire as soon as they arrive. Warm lighting softens the natural rock and stone that are used in the design. In the lounge and dining areas you can experience dark leather juxtaposed with recycled glass, woven furniture and basketwear.
In the suites, soft sages, browns and charcoals are offset by crisp white linen and punches of red on upholstered head boards. Burnt orange traditional cloth bathrobes and bright colours in the staff uniforms remind us we are in Africa.
Take a visual tour here.
In it's beautiful new location overlooking the central Serengeti with its vast savannahs interrupted by dramatic rocky outcrops and low hills, Nimali Serengeti has used the landscapes around it to full effect, with wide open lounge and dining areas and a sunken fire pit enjoying breathtaking views.
Woven calabash light fittings and beaded chandeliers are the order of the day here, with warm browns and chestnuts complemented by a combination of leather, wicker, wood, iron and antique brass.The theme is light and air, punctuated by muted earth tones including creams, soft greys and ochres. Warm wood hues complement traditional beadwork, soft white towels and bathrobes and huge freestanding tulip baths and vanities make the bathrooms pop.
Take a visual tour here.
The influence of Mother Nature is clearly felt at Nimali Mara, as soon as you arrive. Located on top of a kopjie, the surrounding rock has been used to full effect as part of the design of the lodge, especially around the pool where a cave-like effect has been created, with lots of plants in rough hewn rock planters.
In the lounge and dining areas you'll find porcupine quill lampshades, wooden beaded chandeliers, dark leather Chesterfields, plump grey couches, soft jute rugs, and wood and metal combined to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere of understated opulence.
In the glass-fronted tented suites, striped and muted tones of grey and cream sit side by side with white linen and bathrobes with accents of soft sage for effect. Swinging\hanging day beds on the verandahs beckon with sunken seating and soft scatters providing a place to relax and take in the unending views.
An antique accent has been introduced with copper bathubs and vanities, as well as exposed piping, and chains that suspend vanity units.
Take the virtual tour here.
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