Tanzania : Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park covers a vast area of wilderness almost the size of the Serengeti. The vegetation is mainly miombo woodland, acacia bush and open grassland. Huge, ancient baobab trees dot the landscape and the park is rich in wildlife with many animals depending on the Ruaha River for water.

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Quick links:

Ruaha River Lodge

Mwagusi Safari Camp

Jongomero Camp

Ruaha River Lodge
Ruaha River Lodge overlooks the Great Ruaha River in one of Africa's largest and unspoilt game reserves. Wild and remote, Ruaha National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife and the lodge boasts some of the finest views in Tanzania. The accommodation bandas, made of local stone and thatch blend into the bush and the verandahs are the perfect setting to watch animals come down to the river's edge to drink. Game drives through this vast wilderness will take you far into remote and unfrequented areas of the park. Walking safaris, led by an experienced guide give you the opportunity to see different aspects of animal life and really touch the wild.

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the lodge	game	sitting area

dining banda	the river	room

Mwagusi Safari Camp
Often thought of as Tanzania's best kept secret, Ruaha National Park, with its vast, unspoilt wilderness, protects a variety of species that may be unequalled in East Africa. Deep inside Ruaha, ideally situated where the wildlife is most concentrated and nestled into the banks of Mwagusi Sand River, lies a small, old style ten tent safari camp, Mwagusi, run by Chris Fox, who was born in the region, and his friendly and enthusiastic team.

Among some 80 species of animal to be found in the Park are Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Hunting Dog, Sable and Roan Antelope, Lesser and Greater Antelope, huge herds of Buffalo and large concentrations of Elephant. Indeed, Ruaha is Africa as it has been for generations, a marvel and delight. The 10 tents are designed within thatched bandas each with high density mattresses, dressing table, wardrobe, luggage racks and safari chairs all built in the traditional style of the camp. Solar powered lights as well as a number of traditional hurricane lamps provide lighting. At the front of each banda is a large covered veranda with a table and armchairs made from local materials. Each banda has an en-suite bathroom with flush loo and hot shower. The best of game viewing can be experienced from the seclusion of your veranda. You can go out either by vehicle in specially adapted open 4WD vehicles or on foot to view game.

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the lodge	dining outside	lounge

Mwagusi	dining area	sitting area

Jongomero Camp
Jongomero Camp is tucked away in a private corner of the remote Ruaha National Park. The camp has its own airstrip the only people you will meet will be other guests at Jongomero. The camp is spread along the banks of the Jongomero River. In the dry season this river's bed is completely dry; you can sit on your veranda and enjoy watching a variety of animals walking down the dry riverbed. Elephants frequently wander past, digging into the sand, trying to tap into the water beneath the riverbed.

The 8 tented rooms are spacious and roomy with the highest level of comfort in mind. Each one is totally private with a large open shaded veranda where you can relax during the warmer parts of the day. The luxurious interior of the tents are decorated in neutral 'safari' colours, the wide solid beds are made from indigenous wood, there are polished wooden floor boards and the en suite shower rooms have hot and cold running water throughout the day and plenty of storage space. Activities include game drives or take a guided walk in the area surrounding the camp to learn about tracks and signs of animals, or rest under a tree with lots of cushions and books with a picnic lunch. Fly camping is now an option at Jongomero.

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bar sitting area	bathroom	bedroom

safari	the tent	in the wet season