Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
507 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
Mr & Mrs D
London
"Tanzania Walking Safaris Oct/Nov 2024 "
I visited Tanzania between 28 Oct 2024 and 7 Nov 2024
"Very happy with how Tamara guided us through the options for Walking safaris and organised the trip.
One small gripe the EA are aware of - we had quite a long lay over on arrival and time would have been better split 50/50 between Terminal 3 (International) and Terminal 1 (light aircraft). Terminal 1 was relatively basic and Terminal 3 would have afforded more and better eating options after 20 hours of travelling. Feedback on this was very quickly and sensitively handled.
We expect to use Expert Africa again !" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
One small gripe the EA are aware of - we had quite a long lay over on arrival and time would have been better split 50/50 between Terminal 3 (International) and Terminal 1 (light aircraft). Terminal 1 was relatively basic and Terminal 3 would have afforded more and better eating options after 20 hours of travelling. Feedback on this was very quickly and sensitively handled.
We expect to use Expert Africa again !" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr&Mrs Jones
Europe
"My Oct 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 23 Oct 2024 and 4 Nov 2024
"Overall we had a great experience, Ruaha NP is extraordinary and together with our stay at Mwagusi camp it made good for everything what was disapointing or frustrating (i.e. guides at Impala and Kigelia)."
Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs J
Henley
"My Oct 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Oct 2024 and 2 Nov 2024
"This was our first safari, and overall the trip exceeded expectations. Jessica really took the time to understand the kind of thing we were looking for and her recommendations and advice were spot on.
It was nice to bump into Chris (the boss) on our trip - once on one of the flights and again at Mdonya. He's clearly extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all things safari.
We loved the two camps, and it was great to visit two different areas as the experience was different at each. In particular we loved the fact that both parks were relatively quiet and on the game drives we rarely saw other people.
We expected both of the camps to be quite basic in terms of facilities, but we felt really spoilt at both, the tents were lovely and the food was excellent. Probably because of this, the time in Zanzibar, which we were anticipating being a bit of luxury at the end, fell a bit short in comparison (although Jessica's first recommendation wasn't available).
Overall, I'd highly recommend Expert Africa and we hope to be able to book another trip with them one day!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
It was nice to bump into Chris (the boss) on our trip - once on one of the flights and again at Mdonya. He's clearly extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all things safari.
We loved the two camps, and it was great to visit two different areas as the experience was different at each. In particular we loved the fact that both parks were relatively quiet and on the game drives we rarely saw other people.
We expected both of the camps to be quite basic in terms of facilities, but we felt really spoilt at both, the tents were lovely and the food was excellent. Probably because of this, the time in Zanzibar, which we were anticipating being a bit of luxury at the end, fell a bit short in comparison (although Jessica's first recommendation wasn't available).
Overall, I'd highly recommend Expert Africa and we hope to be able to book another trip with them one day!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
J and C
Clayton
"Our Oct 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 5 Oct 2024 and 19 Oct 2024
"Jessica Plumb is an outstanding professional who was always available to us, even with last minute changes. We have recommended her to others and we would certainly contact her again if we were ever to return to Africa.
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
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
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr B.
Bishop's Stortf
"My Sep 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 23 Sep 2024 and 19 Oct 2024
"Lovely trip would maybe spend more time in Ruaha"
Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
London
"Our Honeymoon"
I visited Tanzania between 8 Sep 2024 and 24 Sep 2024
"Expert Africa managed everything from tailoring our trip to our preferences to then booking and making sure everything went completely seamlessly.
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
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
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs WW
London
"Our September 2024 honeymoon"
I visited Tanzania between 30 Aug 2024 and 16 Sep 2024
"The trip was excellent and each of the camps (Siwandu / Ikuka / Fanjove) were perfect for what we wanted: quiet, close to nature but high end.
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
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
Overall trip
Excellent
Ali
United Kingdom
"My Aug 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 22 Aug 2024 and 1 Sep 2024
"It was a trip of two halves really. We loved Nomad’s Kigelia, great authentic camp, excellent staff and food, exceptional guiding. We like Nomads philosophy too. Star gazing tents an asset. Wildlife and landscape good. Couldn’t have been happier.
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
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
Overall trip
Good
Mr J
London
"My Aug 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 9 Aug 2024 and 23 Aug 2024
"A great trip and a brilliant introduction to safari – we’re hooked!!"
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr M.
USA
"My Aug 2024 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 3 Aug 2024 and 12 Aug 2024
"Quite pleasant.
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
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
Overall trip
Good
507
reviews of Ruaha by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Inspire meWhere 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 Zumbua
Kichaka Zumbua is a small, luxurious camp offering on outstanding walking safaris in a remote area of Ruaha.
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.
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.
