Tanzania’s largest national park is known as a home to masses of elephants, the endangered African wild dog, and the Great Ruaha River, which gives this 13 000 square kilometre wilderness its name. Abundant kudu and sable amble between the miombo woodlands and predators stalk prey across the unending escarpments, while safari goers like us perch ourselves atop vegetated rises to watch all the magic unfold. This East African safari location is a refreshing, relaxing break away from the hubbub of the country’s popular Serengeti. There are a handful of luxury lodges that are expertly located to enjoy and explore the supreme surroundings, and they are exactly what our dreams are made of. Here are a few of our favourites. Let us know when you’re ready and set to relax in Ruaha National Park!
What’s not to love? Fresh coffee served with a smile out in the golden morning glow, lion cubs with full bellies parading through the veld, and days that end with a candy-coated horizon in full view from a private viewing deck. Ikuka Safari Camp kind of has it all including the location: Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, where magic like this exists.
Total and utter wilderness at Mdonya Old River Camp in Ruaha National Park, where every member of this untamed wilderness roams freely around and in between the 12 guest tents. Sharing in the shade enjoyed by the giant African elephant that passes through the unfenced campgrounds, and celebrating under the starry night sky that shrouds Ruaha in darkness each night. This is Tanzania’s largest national park and experiencing it this way – in canvas tents, unfenced from the wilderness – is one way you’ll never forget it.
Jongomero and it’s fantastic, authentic woodwork, remote location, and superb comfort make it one of Ruaha’s most desirable safari camps. Reclaimed driftwood has been used to build this solid beds inside spacious tented suites with gorgeous wooden floors, en suite bathrooms, and large verandahs all under thatch. Bush breakfasts along the river, dinners under the stars, and walking among elephants are all apart of Jongomero’s waking activities, and when bad time comes calling, were all too happy to obey!
“Kigelia Ruaha is where you go when your soul seeks the humbling solitude of giant baobabs, the exhilaration of encountering Africa’s big cats or great herds of elephant; where the focus is on experiencing nature and not the gold taps, and where you can feel at home while simultaneously enjoying the care of a dedicated team.”
Ruaha is one of Africa’s greatest remaining true wilderness areas. An enormous conservation area that is vastly unchartered, preserved for the wildlife it was always intended for. We are privileged guests on its abundant plains and through the respectful and sustainable treatment of this wild land, we get to see 10% of Africa’s lion population thrive in the park. Among them leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, and so many more iconic species. At Kwihala Camp, we know we’re getting the most out of what magnificence Ruaha has to offer.
