Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
505 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
Ian G
Wiltshire
"My Aug 2018 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 3 Aug 2018 and 13 Aug 2018
"An amazing experience, which was just what we wanted.
Slightly spoilt by a management issue at one of the camps.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing comes to mind" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Slightly spoilt by a management issue at one of the camps.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing comes to mind" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Mexico
"Fantastic bush and wildlife experience "
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 30 Jul 2018 and 17 Aug 2018
"The entire trip was impeccably organised by Expert Africa. Travellers should be aware that they do not book international flights or arrange travel insurance. End July/August is a splendid time to go on safari in Tanzania; we came across no mosquitos and few Tsetse flies. The three lodges we stayed at were each very different in feel and location and this made a fascinating two week safari with four nights at each lodge, followed by a week in Zanzibar. With two game drives a day one is often out in the bush for up to 12 hours a day and one has to be prepared to be in the jeeps for this length of time, as the opportunities for getting out are very limited because of safety. The bush is, of course, wild and the going often rough, so first time safari goers need to be prepared to be thrown around in jeeps (but with seat belts!).
The game viewing at this time of year is magnificent and we saw several crossings of the wildebeast in the Mara river, quite a few prides of lions in the Ruaha, including the full pride of 13 at one point and two close up sightings of an entire pack of wild dogs at Beho Beho. Three separate leopard sightings in the Serengeti were very special.
Zanzibar is the ideal place to wind down after a safari but one needs to choose one's hotel carefully according to what atmosphere and recreations one wants. Near Stone Town, or not, swimable beach, or not, isolated or not. Some of the taxi and shuttle drivers can be quite on the wild side, but it is the nature of the island!
Our expectations were more than fulfilled on this magical trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
The game viewing at this time of year is magnificent and we saw several crossings of the wildebeast in the Mara river, quite a few prides of lions in the Ruaha, including the full pride of 13 at one point and two close up sightings of an entire pack of wild dogs at Beho Beho. Three separate leopard sightings in the Serengeti were very special.
Zanzibar is the ideal place to wind down after a safari but one needs to choose one's hotel carefully according to what atmosphere and recreations one wants. Near Stone Town, or not, swimable beach, or not, isolated or not. Some of the taxi and shuttle drivers can be quite on the wild side, but it is the nature of the island!
Our expectations were more than fulfilled on this magical trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
Volcano
"A Fantastic Vacation!"
I visited Tanzania between 21 Jul 2018 and 8 Aug 2018
"This was our 4th visit to southern/eastern Africa, and although each trip has been different and wonderful, this was probably our best trip yet.
The highlight was our time spent at Kichaka in Ruaha, since walking safaris are our favorite activity. Owner/Guide Andrew Molinare (Moli) gets rave reviews, and deserves every one of them.
We visited 5 parks and camps, with significant travel distances involved. Expert Africa did a fantastic job coordinating all the internal flights with Coastal Aviation, and everything went extremely smoothly." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
The highlight was our time spent at Kichaka in Ruaha, since walking safaris are our favorite activity. Owner/Guide Andrew Molinare (Moli) gets rave reviews, and deserves every one of them.
We visited 5 parks and camps, with significant travel distances involved. Expert Africa did a fantastic job coordinating all the internal flights with Coastal Aviation, and everything went extremely smoothly." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
DS family
E Sussex
"The best holiday we have ever had!"
I visited Tanzania between 11 Jul 2018 and 22 Jul 2018
"We all agreed that this was the best holiday that we had ever had. Even better than our honeymoon! A fantastic holiday to have with teenagers and we were surprised with the number of familiies that we saw.
Although we were busy on safari, the holiday still felt relaxing as we did not have to think about or do anything. All our needs were taken care of.
There was something for everyone on this holiday and all enjoyed the birds, scenery, butterflies, stars and crabs as much as the big game. All lodges were outstanding, although different and we definitely needed the four days on the beach after the safari to relax.
The only issue we encountered was Kearsleys not being at Dars airport to collect us and our very expensive phone call to them. They did respnd quickly to our call though." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Although we were busy on safari, the holiday still felt relaxing as we did not have to think about or do anything. All our needs were taken care of.
There was something for everyone on this holiday and all enjoyed the birds, scenery, butterflies, stars and crabs as much as the big game. All lodges were outstanding, although different and we definitely needed the four days on the beach after the safari to relax.
The only issue we encountered was Kearsleys not being at Dars airport to collect us and our very expensive phone call to them. They did respnd quickly to our call though." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr D
Devon
"Family Safari"
I visited Tanzania between 6 Jul 2018 and 15 Jul 2018
"This was a most enjoyable safari.
The 4 day stay with Kichaka principally involved walking. This was balanced by 3 days of more luxurious living in Jabali Private House.
This combination served our family group well, it being a mix of those who have been on many safaris and one who was new to the experience. All the guides and staff that looked after us at both operations were excellent.
The holiday was a great success." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
The 4 day stay with Kichaka principally involved walking. This was balanced by 3 days of more luxurious living in Jabali Private House.
This combination served our family group well, it being a mix of those who have been on many safaris and one who was new to the experience. All the guides and staff that looked after us at both operations were excellent.
The holiday was a great success." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Al & Jules
Australia
"Aussie impressions of Selous/Ruaha -June '18"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Jun 2018 and 2 Jul 2018
"We love wildlife safaris, and this Selous/Ruaha venture was no exception in most aspects.
The overall efforts from Lyndsey at Expert Africa meant that the whole itinerary unfolded as planned - no hitches. She provided all of the necessary information from London to us in Oz. for me to feel confident of the outcome.
Our experiences in both Selous and Ruaha were what we had hoped for in respect to the vast wilderness feel to both regions, the variety of vegetation and topography, as well as the absence of hordes of other safari vehicles. We were a little disappointed that due to several factors ( maybe vegetation cover/animal numbers of some species) we didn't locate wild dog, cheetah or leopard in either location. We've never based our trips on seeing particular wildlife because often it's more luck than anything, and no one factor can change this.
The camps chosen were equal to anything we had previously encountered, and would recommend both Impala and Mwagusi.
Overall a great trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
The overall efforts from Lyndsey at Expert Africa meant that the whole itinerary unfolded as planned - no hitches. She provided all of the necessary information from London to us in Oz. for me to feel confident of the outcome.
Our experiences in both Selous and Ruaha were what we had hoped for in respect to the vast wilderness feel to both regions, the variety of vegetation and topography, as well as the absence of hordes of other safari vehicles. We were a little disappointed that due to several factors ( maybe vegetation cover/animal numbers of some species) we didn't locate wild dog, cheetah or leopard in either location. We've never based our trips on seeing particular wildlife because often it's more luck than anything, and no one factor can change this.
The camps chosen were equal to anything we had previously encountered, and would recommend both Impala and Mwagusi.
Overall a great trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Couple
London
"Great Trip "
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 8 Jun 2018 and 24 Jun 2018
"Great Trip with a good mix of safari, beach and town.
Seemed the timings were just perfect thanks to your advice! Safari was so well organised could relax and enjoy ourselves.
So glad we included seeing stone town to break it up slightly and the beach recommendations were just what we needed!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Everything was great, wouldn't have been able to do it without you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Seemed the timings were just perfect thanks to your advice! Safari was so well organised could relax and enjoy ourselves.
So glad we included seeing stone town to break it up slightly and the beach recommendations were just what we needed!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Everything was great, wouldn't have been able to do it without you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Sydney
"My Jun 2018 trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 1 Jun 2018 and 17 Jun 2018
"We had a fabulous honeymoon and really appreciated Claire's expertise.
We have already recommended Expert Africa to 3 people since returning home. Thank you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
We have already recommended Expert Africa to 3 people since returning home. Thank you!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dad
UK
"Our Trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 10 Feb 2018 and 25 Feb 2018
"I was able to research our trip with the help of your excellent website and conversations with Lyndsey and book a holiday which exceeded my expectations. I was keen to avoid crowds at safari camps and therefore avoided the Serengeti and crater and choose Ruaha and Selous. Both were fabulous and we enjoyed visiting at this time of year when the areas were so green and lush. Ruaha with its baobab trees was particularly beautiful. We also enjoyed the contrast of Selous with the river and lakes and the option of boat safaris to see crocodiles and hippos.
I was pleased to have had 2 nights in Stone Town. What a fascinating town. We booked a historic tour for 8.30am before it became too hot and found our guide well informed. The last 3 nights at Mtembwe Lodge were wonderful. The place was paradise and we really didnt want to leave. All in all a super holiday.
The only plan I would have changed would have been to have stayed 3 nights at Ras Kutani instead of 2 nights, as the journey seemed too long from Dar es Salaam for just what ended up to be one whole day there as we only arrived at 6pm and had to leave at 7.30am. The hotel was good but we couldn't really appreciate it in the time allowed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
I was pleased to have had 2 nights in Stone Town. What a fascinating town. We booked a historic tour for 8.30am before it became too hot and found our guide well informed. The last 3 nights at Mtembwe Lodge were wonderful. The place was paradise and we really didnt want to leave. All in all a super holiday.
The only plan I would have changed would have been to have stayed 3 nights at Ras Kutani instead of 2 nights, as the journey seemed too long from Dar es Salaam for just what ended up to be one whole day there as we only arrived at 6pm and had to leave at 7.30am. The hotel was good but we couldn't really appreciate it in the time allowed." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Grantham
"Fantastic trip"
I visited Tanzania between 7 Feb 2018 and 27 Feb 2018
"We had a wonderful time overall and met some very interesting people.
We would have no hesitation in doing the same trip again, but I don't think we would take in Mafia Island. I think it's just us - we've outgrown just going to the beach. If we were planning this again I think we would stay an extra night and chill out at Beho Beho (in fact, Beho Beho offers far more luxury than Pole Pole and was much more comfortable) and then maybe a day at Oyster Bay in Dar before coming home." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
We would have no hesitation in doing the same trip again, but I don't think we would take in Mafia Island. I think it's just us - we've outgrown just going to the beach. If we were planning this again I think we would stay an extra night and chill out at Beho Beho (in fact, Beho Beho offers far more luxury than Pole Pole and was much more comfortable) and then maybe a day at Oyster Bay in Dar before coming home." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
505
reviews of Ruaha by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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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.
