Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
504 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
"Our Oct 2024 trip"
The camps we visited both had excellent facilities and staff but Jongomero staff really stole our heart! What wonderful and authentic people!
We recognized real changes in Southern Tanzania that have occurred during the five years since we last visited. Climate change has affected the weather. We had three evenings of rain at Jongomero (one torrential) that surprised everyone since it was still the dry season. At Siwandu, the temperatures reached the high nineties.
Both changes impacted game viewing but our guides were great and went above and beyond to ensure great viewing opportunities. Another change that we noticed in the Selous was “progress” since the new dam was completed. The airstrip has been expanded and they are building yet a newer, bigger one. There is now miles of unpaved highway and lots of truck traffic. Of course, all of this has impacted wildlife. Lastly, we talked at length with many of the camp staff. They told us that cell phones and technology in general is changing life in their villages. Many young people are looking at other options rather than the traditional tribal ways." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2024 trip"
"Our Honeymoon"
We absolutely loved our trip and it was the trip of a lifetime!
Thank you so much for everything you did for us, it was so special.
I cannot fault anything Expert Africa organised for us." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
"Our September 2024 honeymoon"
Almost every aspect of our trip was exciting and wonderful. It made for a perfect honeymoon.
Jessica @ Expert Africa listened carefully to what we really wanted and made recommendations that suited our wants and needs for the trip.
She was patient in updating the trip itinerary multiple times and we felt well looked after." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2024 trip"
However Ubuntu, despite being a very good camp, didn’t fulfill my needs. Although the wildlife viewings were good, the guides don’t really listen to what you want to see, in my case elephants and landscape, despite it being written in my details. The camp itself is good and the staff and food.
Expert Africa delivered on everything else and all our connections went smoothly, thank you Jessica.
Jessica and Tam (and Lindsey) were also very helpful and knowledgeable in the planning stages, giving me lots of information especially about Ruaha national park as I knew nothing about this park, or Kigelia.
I love Tanzania and I’m sure I’ll be back, maybe next time I will get the landscape shots in the Serengeti that I am after…. Fingers crossed.
Perhaps Asilia need to train their guides on the unusual guests who want to photograph the scenery and trees, as well as the animals, and who prefer elephants over cats! so that they can understand that, and who make special requests to do this.
All in all thank you Expert Africa, Jess and Tam for helping me to plan the trip and organising it for us." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2024 trip"
"My Aug 2024 trip"
Excellent ground services at every juncture!!! Was never left to figure what to do or where to go next.
Highlight was excellent photo opportunity for leopards at Kigela (2) and Mwgosi (1)
Very special.
Good job!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"My Jun 2024 trip"
We appreciated the efficient communication with Tam as well as the information pack and travel guide.
everything worked out very smoothly." Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Tanzania safari
"Ruaha, Tanzania: 21-29 June 2024"
Every step of the planning and booking process was simple and fun.
Our overnight and transport through Dar es Salaam was smooth, and Ikuka and Kitchatka Zumbua are both excellent camps that complement each other very nicely.
We would be thrilled to return to each camp some day!
We highly recommend Expert Africa. Thanks again!" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"Rwanda & Ruaha"
We should also give a shout out to Lyndsey, not only for organising the trip and making some great suggestions, but also for rescuing the situation when our plane to Dar was delayed by 12 hours. Thanks, Lyndsey!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Where to stay in Ruaha
Our suggestions for safari camps in Ruaha National Park
Mdonya Old River Camp
Designed with simplicity in mind, Mdonya River Camp focuses on a great wilderness experience rather than creature comforts.
Mwagusi Safari Camp
Mwagusi is a long-established, permanent, tented safari camp, on an attractive bend of the seasonal Mwagusi River.
Kwihala Camp
Kwihala is a permanent tented camp in Ruaha National Park, offering a high level of comfort and guiding in a natural setting.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Upmarket and stylish, Ikuka Safari Camp is set high on an escarpment with spectacular panoramic views over Ruaha National Park.
Jongomero Camp
A stylish and luxurious camp in a remote part of Ruaha, Jongomero offers excellent guiding and service in a remote, wilderness area.
Kigelia Camp
Kigelia is a stylish tented camp, set amid a grove of sausage trees, and combining a simple set-up with comforts and luxury.
Kichaka Expeditions
In a remote corner of Ruaha, Kichaka is a private mobile camp focusing on superbly guided walking safaris.
Ruaha River Lodge
In a lovely location beside a rocky river, the unpretentious Ruaha River Lodge is the largest and most economical camp in Ruaha National Park.
Kichaka Zumbua
Kichaka Zumbua is a small, luxurious camp offering on outstanding walking safaris in a remote area of Ruaha.
Jabali Ridge
One of Ruaha's most luxurious camps, Jabali Ridge nestles among kopjes and baobabs, with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Usangu Expedition Camp
Usangu Expedition Camp is a seasonal camp in the Usangu Wetlands – a remote and enchanting part of Ruaha National Park.
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House in Ruaha National Park provides luxurious accommodation for private groups booked on an exclusive basis.
Jongomero Walking
Fly-camping and walking safaris from Jongomero Camp give you the chance to explore remote safari areas in Ruaha National Park.
Asanja Ruaha
Asanja Ruaha Ndembo is a smart new safari lodge in a picturesque setting overlooking the Great Ruaha River.
