WHERE TO STAY IN RUAHA PARK

There are various levels of Ruaha safari accommodations both within the national park itself and just outside. These are either lodges or tented camps, ranging from superb, luxury suites offering every service, to deluxe and also no-frills lodgings in unspoiled wilderness. AfricanMecca classifies these in Safari Tiers, depending on the levels of accommodation, location, exclusivity, guiding standards, service, amenities, cuisine and much more.

At Jongomero Camp, you will experience the ultimate in Tier 1 luxury and fine living in one of eight boutique tented suites in an isolated setting in the southern wilderness, 70 kilometers (44 miles) from the next nearest habitation.



You will find yourself utterly alone in the footsteps of the earliest explorers, without another jeep in sight. The rooms are impressively individually furnished, set on raised decks of polished wood that extend to form large thatched viewing verandahs, with daybeds, safari tables and chairs. There is 24-hour hot water and electricity, but no Wi-Fi, since the aim is to detox from electronics and reproduce the colonial atmosphere of authentic East African travel in a by-gone age.

Swimming pool, bar, dining room, library and lounge reiterate the assurance that you are a privileged and valued guest. The quality of guiding is unbeatable. Fly-camping excursions to appreciate the true depth of the wilderness with specialist guides and park rangers can be booked in advance (read more on when is the best time to visit Ruaha).



At deluxe Tier 2, less opulent Mwagusi Camp is a charming campsite of thirteen tented chalets, each individually designed to merge with the landscape of the Mwagusi Sand River. Mwagusi is one of the few camps open during the wet season, which is the best time for bird watching.

At value Tier 3, Mdonya Old River Camp offers a simple, authentic safari base like those of hunters in the colonial era, with twelve Meru styled canvas tents in an acacia wood along a sand river which is used as a game corridor by migrating wildlife. Lodges in Ruaha offer all necessary comforts in permanent wood and stone buildings with fly proofing, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and inside and outside sitting areas.



Budget Tier 3 Ruaha River Lodge has twenty-eight comfortable and airy bandas uniquely furnished. A huge, sophisticated thatched wooden lodge perches above the river complete with restaurant, lounge, bar and library, all affording stunning views over the rock-tumbled Great Ruaha River bed and the distant Ruaha Escarpment. The Fox family owners are keen to pass on their commitment to conservation and love of Ruaha. They train exemplary game guides and offer both guided walks and fly camping trips in Ruaha.

There are tented accommodations and lodges at all levels within Ruaha National Park, in a variety of locations, with varying objectives and activities, so you are sure to find exactly the base for your requirements. All are unfenced in wilderness and visited by a wide assortment of wildlife.