Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
504 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
Meerkat Family
Hove
"12 days in Southern Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania between 12 Jul 2008 and 25 Jul 2008
"Staying at three seperate and different sites was the perfect way to get a wide spectrum of experiences. An excellent balance of comfortable facilities and excellent food with a feeling of excitement and really being out in the African bush.
Exceeded all expectations - the staff at all the camps were fantastic, the variety ofgame and birds we saw amazing.And I left knowing this was the best holiday I could have had. Especially pleased as travelling with two children (9 and 11) and they were constantly thrilled and excited by each new experience and never once complained about sitting in cars, funny food or not seeing something -
Thoroughly recommended and thanks for the expert advice that enabled us to enjoy it so much.
Suggestions for improveent:
Not really - had to phone for clarification about what currency to take but otherwise was totally satisfied." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Exceeded all expectations - the staff at all the camps were fantastic, the variety ofgame and birds we saw amazing.And I left knowing this was the best holiday I could have had. Especially pleased as travelling with two children (9 and 11) and they were constantly thrilled and excited by each new experience and never once complained about sitting in cars, funny food or not seeing something -
Thoroughly recommended and thanks for the expert advice that enabled us to enjoy it so much.
Suggestions for improveent:
Not really - had to phone for clarification about what currency to take but otherwise was totally satisfied." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr H & Ms E
London
"Elephants!"
I visited Tanzania between 30 Jun 2008 and 11 Jul 2008
"We'd done a big trip to Tanzania with you 5 years ago. This one to new corners of Ruaha and Selous was just as good!
Your recommendation on the order of the camps - starting with Mdonya and working up to Beho Beho - was spot on. Trips to Tanzania (especially if you include Beho Beho) are not cheap, but well worth it. The logistics worked well, with Kearsley and Coastal doing there bit. We've rarely been back to the same camp twice but we did it with Mwagusi - and it remains our favourite of the 3 we visited this time.
We had been a bit worried about the new information about the Health Desks at Dar and the need to show your Yellow Fever certificate. You gave us some helpful info on your own experiences. And - after all that - we were never asked for the certificates! I think it would have been different if we were going to Zanzibar or coming from Kenya.
Many thanks - and look forward to travelling with you again." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Your recommendation on the order of the camps - starting with Mdonya and working up to Beho Beho - was spot on. Trips to Tanzania (especially if you include Beho Beho) are not cheap, but well worth it. The logistics worked well, with Kearsley and Coastal doing there bit. We've rarely been back to the same camp twice but we did it with Mwagusi - and it remains our favourite of the 3 we visited this time.
We had been a bit worried about the new information about the Health Desks at Dar and the need to show your Yellow Fever certificate. You gave us some helpful info on your own experiences. And - after all that - we were never asked for the certificates! I think it would have been different if we were going to Zanzibar or coming from Kenya.
Many thanks - and look forward to travelling with you again." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms Meerkat
Surrey
"Tanzania trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 27 Jun 2008 and 11 Jul 2008
"Everything that Expert Africa arranged was done efficiently. All the transfers were on time and we were kept informed at every transfer.
Thank you for making our holiday a magic experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Thank you for making our holiday a magic experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs lion
UK
"Expert Africa triumph again"
I visited Tanzania between 26 Jun 2008 and 6 Jul 2008
"We were very happy with the organisation and reality of the trip. Everything went smoothly and there were no snags. Timing for each section was good and at no stage did we have to rush to make a deadline. All staff that we dealt with throughout the holiday were efficient. Many were exceptionally friendly and made us very welcome.
Being a bit of an animal enthusiast, I do think it is important to stress that certain species are unlikely to be seen. I was disappointed to be told that certain species were not found in the locality of the camps despite assuming from comments in the guide that they were around ie Roan, Sable.
Having said that, there was plenty of game, and for safari newcomers, more than enough species to keep them happy.
Suggestions for improvement:
We have had two excellent trips with your company in the last two years. Both were competitively priced, superbly organised, and delived more than was promised. Ellie is a gem who updated us at every opportunity and who provided me with specific information on the two camps that we visited as she had been to both herself. Her level of knowledge was far higher than that we have experienced from reps of other companies and,as we have now been on safari eight times, we are really impressed.
Your website is the best around for imparting information and I like the visitors comments and general organisation that it contains.
Could I suggest that you update your info about cameras in the travel book you issue. More info about digital cameras, suitability for getting batteries charged, size of memory cards, dangers of heat and dust would help a lot of first time safari travellers.
In general though, carry on with your excellent work." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Being a bit of an animal enthusiast, I do think it is important to stress that certain species are unlikely to be seen. I was disappointed to be told that certain species were not found in the locality of the camps despite assuming from comments in the guide that they were around ie Roan, Sable.
Having said that, there was plenty of game, and for safari newcomers, more than enough species to keep them happy.
Suggestions for improvement:
We have had two excellent trips with your company in the last two years. Both were competitively priced, superbly organised, and delived more than was promised. Ellie is a gem who updated us at every opportunity and who provided me with specific information on the two camps that we visited as she had been to both herself. Her level of knowledge was far higher than that we have experienced from reps of other companies and,as we have now been on safari eight times, we are really impressed.
Your website is the best around for imparting information and I like the visitors comments and general organisation that it contains.
Could I suggest that you update your info about cameras in the travel book you issue. More info about digital cameras, suitability for getting batteries charged, size of memory cards, dangers of heat and dust would help a lot of first time safari travellers.
In general though, carry on with your excellent work." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs K
N London
"An unforgettable holiday/adventure"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 21 Jun 2008 and 6 Jul 2008
"The trip was unforgettable. We felt our itinerary was perfect with just the right amount of time in each place. We were overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people wherever we went which added enormously to the enjoyment of our time in Tanzania. It is certainly a country I would like yo go back to.
We felt Claire/Expert Africa did a fantastic job sorting our holiday and preparing us for the trip. We were really impressed with how smoothly it went considering how much we moved about." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
We felt Claire/Expert Africa did a fantastic job sorting our holiday and preparing us for the trip. We were really impressed with how smoothly it went considering how much we moved about." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The Bee-eaters
UK
""
I visited Tanzania between 21 Jun 2008 and 1 Jul 2008
Overall trip
Excellent
Porky
Perth
"Excellent"
I visited Tanzania between 9 Feb 2008 and 24 Feb 2008
"Claire Scott organised everything. It met all of my expectations. Mdonya was a little disappointing but not a disaster. Beho and Mwgusi were all I expected and more. Try them!"
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr Giraffe
Exeter
"Overall experience in Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania between 9 Feb 2008 and 17 Feb 2008
"Very happy with trip. Once we were used to looking for animals in a very "green" Africa (after extended short rainy season) we enjoyed ourselves very much.
The weather was colder and wetter than expected in Ruaha and the contrast temperature in the Selous was dramatic.
Despite limitations of the Mdonya Old River Camp, this site had more atmosphere and is probably the one we would chose to visit again, if we went back to Tanzania. The hills, river valleys and varied vegetation made game/bird viewing here pleasurable and very interesting." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
The weather was colder and wetter than expected in Ruaha and the contrast temperature in the Selous was dramatic.
Despite limitations of the Mdonya Old River Camp, this site had more atmosphere and is probably the one we would chose to visit again, if we went back to Tanzania. The hills, river valleys and varied vegetation made game/bird viewing here pleasurable and very interesting." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
D & S
Shenfield Essex
"Tanzania February 2008"
I visited Tanzania between 9 Feb 2008 and 24 Feb 2008
"We really enjoyed our trip - as usual. The whole of Tanzania was green due to the rains and the comparison with our last visit was remarkable! We had some amazing experiences and a few close encounters, which all adds to the enjoyment.
We had a small problem with Kearsley as the drivers could not tell us the pick-up times from the Royal Palm on each occasion. As it was weekends, the office was closed, and we had to make a phone call to obtain the information.
Otherwise, the whols trip went like clockwork - all due to your excellent organising as usual.
Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
We had a small problem with Kearsley as the drivers could not tell us the pick-up times from the Royal Palm on each occasion. As it was weekends, the office was closed, and we had to make a phone call to obtain the information.
Otherwise, the whols trip went like clockwork - all due to your excellent organising as usual.
Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Coucal
Herts
""
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 7 Feb 2008 and 22 Feb 2008
"One of our most memorable overall Africa experiences. Partly because of the variety of camps, scenery and activities, partly because of the fact we visited in the early part of the wet season, implying green landscapes with fat and happy animals. This can make for very photogenic stuff, with animals pictured amongst fields of flowers and greenery, rather than dust, and I took some of my best ever pictures on this trip. Bird variety and sightings are also fabulous at this time of year.
The downside of the wet season is that things can become a bit more chaotic, with roads becoming impassable and airstrips being temporarily unusable. As such, not quite as "stress-free" as safaris can be at other times of the year, but very much recommended as an experience if all you've done before is the dry season (which was the case for us). Oh, there's one other downside too - more insects!
The balance of the trip was excellent in terms of safari/beach/city, with the Zanzibar accommodation being perfectly chosen to suit our particular preferences - thank you Ellie. Logistics were flawless throughout. Overall, very pleased indeed, and starting to think about our next trip already." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
The downside of the wet season is that things can become a bit more chaotic, with roads becoming impassable and airstrips being temporarily unusable. As such, not quite as "stress-free" as safaris can be at other times of the year, but very much recommended as an experience if all you've done before is the dry season (which was the case for us). Oh, there's one other downside too - more insects!
The balance of the trip was excellent in terms of safari/beach/city, with the Zanzibar accommodation being perfectly chosen to suit our particular preferences - thank you Ellie. Logistics were flawless throughout. Overall, very pleased indeed, and starting to think about our next trip already." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
504
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.
