Reviews of Kichaka Zumbua

"Our trip to Ruaha and Kichaka Zumbua did not have an auspicious start - although this was quickly forgotten once we were settled into the camp.

Our flight up from Beho Beho left in pouring rain and was well over an hour delayed - so we, and our luggage, were a little damp and bedraggled when we arrived at Mesembe airstrip. However we were met by a smiley Kichaka guide who explained it was a 3 hour drive to camp, but we would stop on the way for lunch - but then suggested we would get to camp around 5:30 pm - "game driving" the second half of the journey. For the first 45 mins of the journey were were very uncomfortable and annoyed that our guide (driver!) was totally focused on using his mobile phone whilst driving - making and receiving calls as well as doing a lot of texting. Once his focus returned to us he said we would soon be at this amazing spot for lunch. Unfortunately when we arrived another truck was already there - having had the same idea.

Obviously he had no plan B as there followed a slightly hairy and comical drive along the scrubby river bank looking for a suitable shady alternative. The spot he found was adequate at best ! We had a surprisingly tasty lunch - but it was VERY hot by now and we did not want to spend the next 3-4 hours driving slowly spotting game, feeling very uncomfortable in the back of a truck. Preferring to drive straight to camp to arrive in time to take a regular late afternoon / early evening game drive. After quite a bit of negotiation, and a call back to the camp to get it agreed we were driven, very quickly (!!) to Kichaka Zumbua - arriving just before 4pm - and after a briefing and a quick change we enjoyed a game drive and sundowner in a relaxed fashion.

Talking to other guests this arrival pattern is the norm (including the mobile phone use - which Moli was very unhappy to hear about but dealt with). We think guests should be briefed in advance about the length of the total journey to the Camp from pick up - so they can be prepared to dress accordingly and they are aware they will have a 3-4 hours post lunch / middle of the afternoon game drive. It is likely to work better on cooler days than the one we endured. We don't regret pushing back on this approach - but the guests the day after us enjoyed great viewing of Wild Dog and Lion, which definitely help to salve the discomfort.

We did not do the 2 day fly camping we had booked.

Moli explained it was far to hot to make this a comfortable experience, and he could offer us 2 nights in Kichaka Zumbua instead - with no change of planned activities. We subsequently discovered he gave us the room he and his family (who were not in camp) usually use. We were not unhappy with this outcome and appreciated his flexibility !
Expert Africa recommended Kichaka for its walking safaris - and it did not disappoint - they were fantastic. Moli's knowledge, enthusiasm and experience made every second of every walk an absolute delight.

We learnt so much - not just about the flora and fauna - from human history to the extraordinary life of termites. We cannot recommend this as a way to experience the African bush highly enough. A real and unexpected bonus was Moli's hosting at breakfast and lunch, the anecdotes and knowledge continued to flow - along with much laughter ! The length of the morning walks and the interaction with Moli and other guests at lunch meant there was not as much downtime as we might have expected - not that we were complaining !

They were long days but time flew by (unfortunately !). Afternoon game drives were a little sedate by comparison and partly due the the season as well as the remote location we did not see a huge amount of game. However there were also no other trucks to disturb our tranquillity and experience. Dinner was taken on separate tables - although we did ask to join other guests one evening which was happily accommodated. Dining on the "star terrace" was a real treat - we were lucky with clear skies and amazing star displays. all of the food was very good - with an eclectic mix of different dishes for lunch and dinner. We would have preferred a much larger proportion of vegetables though and on our next visit might just say we are vegetarian !

Ironically given my comments about our journey in, our most productive "game drive" in terms of variety of species seen was our trip back to Mesembe airport - however this was in the cooler morning and in the company of the excellent Moyo so a lovely way to remember our stay in Ruaha." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania

"Amazing camp!! We were the only guests!! Super remote location above the river many miles from the Mwagusi sector.

Serious bush walks (hours of tracking and approaching large animals) during the mornings, followed by private plunge pools, superb service/food, and an evening game drive with no other vehicles in sight.

Moya was our guide and host due to Moli and and Noelle being out of camp. He was clearly up to the task! Moya is an incredible walking guide, and he is a warm and captivating person with whom to converse.

His knowledge of everything in the bush and cool personality were such a joy to experience.

We've had the good fortune to learn from a number of very good guides, but Moya might be the best!" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania

"This was a really special experience. To be somewhere so remote and spend 4 days not meeting any other people or vehicles was magical.

Although it was off-season it was a great time to visit as the rains had ended and there were plenty of animals to see. Being able to walk and get close to animals was really amazing. Moli's knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious and we probably learnt more about animals, Africa, fauna and the whole ecosystem in those 4 days than in our previous 7 visits to Africa.

The camp is very luxurious but it still always feels like it is about the animals and the park. The food was absolutely superb as well and all the staff were really lovely and displayed a huge pride in their work and achievements." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania

"Kichaka is a unique experience. Away from the hustle and bustle, in spectacular accommodation with fantastic views, this is the place where I could spend the rest of my life.

I don't want to waste too many words here. Everything has already been said in other reviews.

Although I like birdwatching and can also do this in my home country, Moli was able to spark a new enthusiasm for it. I have never experienced his knowledge in this concentrated form before. This energy and passion is also transferred to the whole team, and I definitely want to come back.

Eating together at a large table was always an experience. Moli has so many stories to tell and really enjoys doing so. Anyone traveling here will definitely have an experience unlike any other. Moli and his team have created a place that is second to none." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania

"Our favourite camp and experience in Tanzania. We spent 4 nights, 5 days at Kichaka. From the moment we were picked up at the airstrip by Moyo and Vincent, we knew we were in for a special time. We were the only guests at camp and our afternoon driving from the airstrip to camp was an exciting introduction to the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park. From the moment we left the airstrip, we never encountered another vehicle or individual until we returned to the airstrip 5 days later.

Kichaka is located exclusively on a ridge overlooking the Great Ruaha River on the Eastern edge of the expansive national park with no other lodges or camps nearby. The location and the accommodation is wonderful. Our accommodation was incredibly comfortable, with a wonderful deck for sundowners and numerous animal sightings. You are up high and can see for miles. The plunge pool was such a luxury after a morning spent hiking in the bush. The bathroom was spectacular, and that sunken bath was so inviting. The rooms were gloriously cool at night time and we never had any issue with insects.

But what makes Kichaka truly exceptional is the interactions with both Moli and Noelle, the dedicated visionaries who have followed their dream to create one of the most exciting camps we have ever visited. Trekking with Moli was such an exciting experience. He is a gifted story teller, botanist, zoologist, birder and conservationist. Trekking in the bush was always at a comfortable pace, allowing for plenty of stops with witty observations and insights. We had close encounters with Lions, Lion cubs, wild dogs, Elephants and we learned so much about the amazing diedrick cuckoo, woodpeckers, baby crocodiles, Hippos and Thereapins.

Returning to the comfort of camp each lunch time to the genuine hospitality of Noelle was a joy. She is the heart and soul of Kichaka, always smiling, gracious and great fun. The food was the best we had on our whole trip. And just like our treks each morning, the menu was varied, fresh, innovative and delicious. Our encounters with each of the team from Kichaka were always polite, friendly and welcoming. It is clear the team are incredibly proud of working for Kichaka and both Moli and Noelle have invested both time and energy into training this charming team. Abdul was always ready with a cocktail or a refreshing drink to cool us down, and he always ensured the fire was lit before dinner to allow us to star gaze.

For us, Kichaka is the reason we adore Africa. Its remote, wild and free. It exceeded all our expectations and we are determined to return one day and go fly camping. This is a camp for dreamers, to escape the trappings and stress of modern life, and to reconnect with the very best of nature and people. We will remember our time in Kichaka forever." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"It is certainly a unique experience at Kichaka! Molli is both knowledgable and passionate about the bush, ably backed up by Moyo who is an excellent guide. Also Vincent who, despite being new to Kichaka, gave us some of our best spotting on the drives to and from the camp.

Molli’s walking safaris are not to be missed and give a unique perspective to seeing the animals close up. Absolutely amazing tracking skills that Molli and Moyo were generous to share with us. The new suites, built by the team during the pandemic, are stunningly appointed, each with their own plunge pool which are huge! Outside baths are a unique and a wonderful indulgence. Only three rooms meant we got a totally individual experience.

Molli and Noelle were wonderful hosts and kept us company at every meal. The food was all lovely but we did find that the lunches were very long giving us very limited down time between our morning walk and afternoon drive. Would have been preferable to have a lighter and quicker lunch so that we could relax and enjoy the amazing rooms and scenery. The remoteness of this camp makes it a unique experience and the only other people we saw were park rangers.

We would love to go back in the rainy season and learn even more from Molli and the Kichaka family." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Our third visit and keeps getting better. The new rooms and camp are outstanding but there is still the unique intimate atmosphere.

Quality of guiding as good as ever and great to see Moli developing new people.

Fly camp is a must for the wilderness lover and gives a different perspective and location to explore." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania

"I really didn't want to be in a lodge and had hoped to be accommodated in a fly camp, but once I got there, it was so hot that the rooms were a blessed relief. The rooms were incredible! I have stayed at some fabulous hotels, but this must top them all. I had my own swimming pool! The bathroom was heavenly - floating in a bath looking out on the bush. Then sundowner drinks and excellent food. The guiding was excellent, as Molli is so well known for. I found the heat rather difficult, so 5 hours chasing buffalo or tracking lions was quite a lot for me. But - that wasn't a problem, the next day, all I had to do was come along but tell Molli when I had had enough, and he called a Landy, which took me on a driving safari. Nothing was too much bother." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania

"Just superb.....Noelle and Moli run a 1st class operation and they are so much fun. We will go back and visit again.
Moli is superb to hike with...omg :)

Noelle serves the best food you can imagine!!!" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar

"Kichaka is in a fantastic location but sadly we went at a terrible time ... the heavens opened, getting there was hard, and getting back to the airstrip was an adventure in itself.

Moli is a great character and really fun to spend time with. He is a fountain of knowledge on so many different subjects, and despite not seeing much on walks he made them fun and interesting. I feel terrible putting the activities as average as I think this was purely down to weather which is obviously beyond anyones control. We desperately wanted to walk with elephants but sadly there were none to be seen. Feet were permanently wet from walking through effectively swamp.

We got to know his team pretty well and had a lot of fun with them helping to repair roads etc .. they were great and remained upbeat at all times. Game viewing was sadly limited and I suspect this was purely down to the weather.

Moli moved mountains to get us back to the airstrip which at one point looked like an impossible task, with roads washed away, we are very grateful to him for all his efforts. I suspect this would be a fantastic experience in dry season, but we still certainly had a real adventure there, and was very different to any other experience we have had in Africa !" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania