Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
505 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
Mr & Mrs F
W Sussex
"A fantastic holiday with amazing experiences"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 12 Jul 2011 and 26 Jul 2011
"This holiday was truly a most memorable experience. The advise given by Expert Africa was invaluable & led us to chose a holiday that really reflected what we had envisaged. Each location was perfect, the accomodation excellent & the people involved charming.
The booking was handled extremely effeciently (and we like the little touches such as the travel wallet, which was very useful!) We would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa & would certainly consider your services for another trip at some point in the future.
Many thanks to all concerned for delivering as promised!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Oh dear, now I'm going to sound really boring.......NO !!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
The booking was handled extremely effeciently (and we like the little touches such as the travel wallet, which was very useful!) We would not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa & would certainly consider your services for another trip at some point in the future.
Many thanks to all concerned for delivering as promised!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Oh dear, now I'm going to sound really boring.......NO !!!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr G & Ms M
USA
"Trip was great."
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 18 Jun 2011 and 8 Jul 2011
"Trip was excellent. We weren't quite sure what to expect, and experience far exceeded our expectations. I think the last 4 days of the safari were planned around the migration, which wasn't taking place. As a result, we had 12 days of game drives, perhaps a bit much, but always found something new to see. Our first guide from Wayo, George, was spectacular. Other guides were also very good. The only part that didn't quite work, as I indicated in questions above, was the walking safari.
We found the tipping a bit awkward, since at least twice we were the only ones in camp. Several lodges don't take credit cards, and some didn't do laundry. We could have used more cash.
Overall a great trip - thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Online info very helpful." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
We found the tipping a bit awkward, since at least twice we were the only ones in camp. Several lodges don't take credit cards, and some didn't do laundry. We could have used more cash.
Overall a great trip - thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Online info very helpful." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The A Family
Hassocks
"We had the most wonderful time."
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 11 Jun 2011 and 26 Jun 2011
"We had the most wonderful time, it was a very special trip and did not disappoint.
We loved being on safari, the choice of camps was inspired and I would definitely choose similar camps next time. The Zanzibar beach lodge is a real gem, another excellent suggestion.
The only disappointment was the Zanzibar Palace Hotel which I would most definitely not recommend.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The service was excellent and I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends. I will certainly use you again.
Many thanks for a wonderful trip!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
We loved being on safari, the choice of camps was inspired and I would definitely choose similar camps next time. The Zanzibar beach lodge is a real gem, another excellent suggestion.
The only disappointment was the Zanzibar Palace Hotel which I would most definitely not recommend.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The service was excellent and I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends. I will certainly use you again.
Many thanks for a wonderful trip!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr M
Oakham
"June in Southern Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania between 4 Jun 2011 and 14 Jun 2011
"We enjoyed visiting two new locations and thought both the camps were excellent. We were treated to (too much) delicious food and excellent guiding. The landscape at both locations was very beautiful. If we had any disappointment it was that the animal action was a bit predictable, in as much as we didn't have too much of the excitement of predator-prey interations we have experienced on some previous trips.
In Selous at least this was probably partly due to the still abundant water supply and lush vegetation, making some of the game a bit elusive. We also noticed that quite a few of the animals in both locations were still very wary of any vehicles. We were really pleased that we chose Oyster Bay for our last night - it was a delightful and gourmet end to the trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really - you already do a pretty good job and we recommend you to anyone who want a good introduction to or advice on travelling in sub-Saharan Africa." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
In Selous at least this was probably partly due to the still abundant water supply and lush vegetation, making some of the game a bit elusive. We also noticed that quite a few of the animals in both locations were still very wary of any vehicles. We were really pleased that we chose Oyster Bay for our last night - it was a delightful and gourmet end to the trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really - you already do a pretty good job and we recommend you to anyone who want a good introduction to or advice on travelling in sub-Saharan Africa." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Westerham
"Fantastic Trip"
I visited Tanzania between 13 Feb 2011 and 27 Feb 2011
"From the transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal and then our safe delivery to catch the BA flight home . everything went like clockwork. Havind been twice to Tanzania before , the trip certainly lived up to expectations .
We were meet at Arusha by our guide /driver Jackson who looked after us for 8 days. At all times he was absolutely excellent . Endlessly cheerful, he did his utmost to fill our game viewing desires. The vehicle was cleaned after every day and with the amount of mud we collected in and out that was no mean feat. Somedays we out practically out from dawn til dusk , always looking for the next sighting. Tea ,drinks and lunch stops he took in his stride , putting out the tables and chairs in some fantastic locations
Many thanks to Claire for all her advice and planning the trip for us.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was our eight trip with Expert Africa and everything as usual was immaculate" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
We were meet at Arusha by our guide /driver Jackson who looked after us for 8 days. At all times he was absolutely excellent . Endlessly cheerful, he did his utmost to fill our game viewing desires. The vehicle was cleaned after every day and with the amount of mud we collected in and out that was no mean feat. Somedays we out practically out from dawn til dusk , always looking for the next sighting. Tea ,drinks and lunch stops he took in his stride , putting out the tables and chairs in some fantastic locations
Many thanks to Claire for all her advice and planning the trip for us.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It was our eight trip with Expert Africa and everything as usual was immaculate" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Petersfiel
""
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 5 Feb 2011 and 1 Mar 2011
"Claire Scott organised us our third trip with expert Africa and all have been fantastic
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As far as we are concerned our trips have been perfection." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As far as we are concerned our trips have been perfection." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 17 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Amberley
""
I visited Tanzania between 31 Jan 2011 and 11 Feb 2011
"I really can not thank Ellie too much for the service she provided at Expertb Africa.
She assessed with great patience the sort of pople wevwere and our interests and past experience of Africa and then quitely recommended where we should go. She was spot on with these suggestions and provided us , as aresult, with a truly memorable trip. Not a fault or confusion anywjhere. We wre always met promptly at every arrival by efficient handlers.
Expert Africa is clearly well regarded at the Camps and not surpisingly. many thanks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You have my individual assessments. For me it was all faultless but then somewhere basic like Kwihala fits my personal bill perfectly but might not others, perhaps particularly the ladies, who might prefer more luxuries. However, Ellie pointed this out to me and already knew neither Jill nor I wanted the 'Hilton Bubble' experience. However, youneed to make sure that your clients do fit the style of the camp....but recommend it nevertheless as something thoroughly worth the extra effort!!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
She assessed with great patience the sort of pople wevwere and our interests and past experience of Africa and then quitely recommended where we should go. She was spot on with these suggestions and provided us , as aresult, with a truly memorable trip. Not a fault or confusion anywjhere. We wre always met promptly at every arrival by efficient handlers.
Expert Africa is clearly well regarded at the Camps and not surpisingly. many thanks.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
You have my individual assessments. For me it was all faultless but then somewhere basic like Kwihala fits my personal bill perfectly but might not others, perhaps particularly the ladies, who might prefer more luxuries. However, Ellie pointed this out to me and already knew neither Jill nor I wanted the 'Hilton Bubble' experience. However, youneed to make sure that your clients do fit the style of the camp....but recommend it nevertheless as something thoroughly worth the extra effort!!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs CL
SW London
"A really memorable holiday"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 29 Jan 2011 and 8 Feb 2011
"Fantastic!
Selous and Ruaha gave us the variety of countryside and wildlife we wanted, and we thoroughly enjoyed the tented camps. A few relaxing days at Unguja made the perfect end to our trip. We loved Tanzania and the people we met.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your service was excellent, especially in one way that you do not ask about: we were not sure which country we wanted to visit, and our ideas were quite vague to start with. Your team were very skilled at questioning me, proposing ideas and narrowing the choices down gradually. This plus the layout of your website helped us make the right choice.
I am happy for you to contact us by email but I would rather not receive regular brochures; they often get thrown away, so are such a waste of paper." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Selous and Ruaha gave us the variety of countryside and wildlife we wanted, and we thoroughly enjoyed the tented camps. A few relaxing days at Unguja made the perfect end to our trip. We loved Tanzania and the people we met.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your service was excellent, especially in one way that you do not ask about: we were not sure which country we wanted to visit, and our ideas were quite vague to start with. Your team were very skilled at questioning me, proposing ideas and narrowing the choices down gradually. This plus the layout of your website helped us make the right choice.
I am happy for you to contact us by email but I would rather not receive regular brochures; they often get thrown away, so are such a waste of paper." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs O
Somerset
"A First Tanzania Safari"
I visited Tanzania between 8 Jan 2011 and 21 Jan 2011
"I suspect our main problem is having been spoiled by too many Botswana holidays. Tanzania was quite beautiful; 2 of the camps were pretty well spot on as advertised but choosing Manze was our mistake and made against Liz's advice. Overall, the bird and game sightings were excellent, bearing in mind it should have been wet with lush vegetation. In effect the Selous and Ruaha were having a mini dry season and we benefitted greatly from it, albeit with some pretty savage humidity at times.
We were privileged in having Kwihala and Beho Beho totally to ourselves and were looked after royally in both camps. Both delivered top notch guiding and everything that there was to see, we saw. We were a little disappointed in the park rules for Ruaha and the impact that nearby shooting in Selous and poaching in both reserves is having on game and bird behaviour. Unusually I collected a small portfolio of photos of damaged animals. Coastal is a bit chaotic and BA really needs to review the standard and scheduling of catering on the return flight from Dar.
On balance we had yet another great holiday thanks to Liz and Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
In respect of this holiday, the information on Kwihala will need a major update after the move and improvements this spring and I suggest potential clients should be told of the off road and driving in the dark restrictions that are imposed in Ruaha.
Coastal's 'flexible' scheduling may also need to be considered for clients with tight schedules." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
We were privileged in having Kwihala and Beho Beho totally to ourselves and were looked after royally in both camps. Both delivered top notch guiding and everything that there was to see, we saw. We were a little disappointed in the park rules for Ruaha and the impact that nearby shooting in Selous and poaching in both reserves is having on game and bird behaviour. Unusually I collected a small portfolio of photos of damaged animals. Coastal is a bit chaotic and BA really needs to review the standard and scheduling of catering on the return flight from Dar.
On balance we had yet another great holiday thanks to Liz and Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
In respect of this holiday, the information on Kwihala will need a major update after the move and improvements this spring and I suggest potential clients should be told of the off road and driving in the dark restrictions that are imposed in Ruaha.
Coastal's 'flexible' scheduling may also need to be considered for clients with tight schedules." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr E & Ms W
Uk
"Overall Feedback"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 20 Dec 2010 and 4 Jan 2011
"We both had a wonderful honeymoon - it surpassed expectations and every place we stayed was different but equally fantastic. It was an expensive trip but I felt it was worth every penny.
Liz in particular was amazing - right from advising and helping us put together an itinerary, to sorting our flights out in the Heathrow chaos and helping us when needed during our trip. Liz's achievement in swapping us from BA to Kenya Airways on 20 December (at virtually no extra cost), without any exaggeration, saved the whole trip.
I would whole-heartedly recommend Expert Africa to friends and family, and I'll be in touch when we visit Africa again!
Thanks again for all your hard work,
Neil and Jo
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep up the good work, everyone in Africa we met spoke very highly of Expert Africa." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Liz in particular was amazing - right from advising and helping us put together an itinerary, to sorting our flights out in the Heathrow chaos and helping us when needed during our trip. Liz's achievement in swapping us from BA to Kenya Airways on 20 December (at virtually no extra cost), without any exaggeration, saved the whole trip.
I would whole-heartedly recommend Expert Africa to friends and family, and I'll be in touch when we visit Africa again!
Thanks again for all your hard work,
Neil and Jo
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep up the good work, everyone in Africa we met spoke very highly of Expert Africa." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
505
reviews of Ruaha by travellers since August 2007
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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.
