Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
505 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
"My Sep 2012 trip"
The one thing I would consider doing differently is to fly to Kigali via Amsterdam and miss out Nairobi. Costs more but less hassle." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2012 trip"
We are still processing our 3,000 + photos!!!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
"one of our best trips to Africa"
We had great guiding and game viewing.
We really liked all our accommodation and especially liked the nomad camp in Serengeti
The holiday was everything we wanted it to be" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
"Just go - it is fantastic!"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It may be a good idea to monitor the professional qualifications of the safari guides as there are clearly differences which the visitor should know about prior to deciding on the camp. At Ruaha the guide had started as a waiter in the camp and then worked his way up and got trained by Fox himself. In SA Sabi Sabi we came across guides with a degree as a safari field guide and he was the third generation and practically started training with his grandfather.
We met a lot of experienced safari tourists who are interested in very knowledgable guides. We also believe it is important to have a driver and a guide rather than a single driver guide who we had in Selous. There needs to be a lot more information avaibable in your brochures and website on the training the guides have received for us to make an informed decision which trip and camp to book.
To manage expectations you should also explain the various areas to go on safari - for example: you get very close to wildlife if you are on a private game park safari (SA) in contrast to a National Park (Ruaha), where there are stricter rules to not follow the animals beyond the tracks. You may also point out that the local game parks provide shooting licenses for parts of the park (to make more money) which is affecting the behaviour of wildlife and visibility when you are on a safari close to such an area. (Selous)" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"My Sep 2012 trip"
"Southern Tanzania - great holiday!"
Both camps have significant wildlife in their immediate areas but both are some distance from the permanent wet areas that attract most animals during the dry season. If you accept this (as we did), you will have a excellent holiday at these camps - but if you want to minimise your travelling, other camps might, in our view, be more suitable.
We then had 3 nights on the coast at Ras Kutani - a very comfortable, friendly and laid-back location for a couple of days relaxation.
The internal logistics worked excellently with the Coastal Aviation flights all being more or less on time (or even early).
However our return BA flight was delayed by over 2 days due to mechanical problems which resulted in an unexpected (and unwanted) weekend in Dar es Salaam - a situation compounded by a lack of information from BA on the status of the repairs.
Despite that final hiccup, this was an excellent holiday in a great safari area - and a complete contrast to the more popular and crowded north of Tanzania." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"Our September trip to Tanzania"
We have already decided to return in a couple of years time. Everyone in Africa was so very friendly and they made our trip into the fantastic memories we will cherish." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2012 trip"
Many thanks for organising yet another great tailor made holiday." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"My Aug 2012 trip"
"A wonderful holiday well organised"
You really know what you're talking about and I have the greatest faith in your judgement on camp choice and in your operations. Uganda next I think!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 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.
