Reviews of safaris to Ruaha National Park
505 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Ruaha.
Mr & MS L
Connecticut
"Short rains - Long fun!"
I visited Tanzania between 6 Dec 2019 and 15 Dec 2019
"We had a great time despite an error made by our hotel in Dar.
Not Expert Africa's fault. Service from Jessica and her colleagues was great." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Not Expert Africa's fault. Service from Jessica and her colleagues was great." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs H
Bristol
"Fantastic Safari and Lovely Beach Holiday"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 13 Nov 2019 and 1 Dec 2019
"We had a fantastic holiday.
In most cases it exceeded our expectations with just a couple of exceptions. Our 4 days at Lake Manze were brilliant. The game viewing was great, as were the guides, managers and all aspects of the camp. Our 4 days at Old Mdonya were also great. The game viewing was brilliant and so were the guides however we found the present managers at the camps to be a little distant at times and I think the running of the camp would benefit if the managers engaged more with the guests and the staff as was the case with the previous managers.
Pongwe Beach hotel is fantastic in all ways and the whole family thoroughly enjoyed their stay. Generally all our travel arrangements worked well and our flights and transfers were good apart from our final transfer at Dar when the Coastal Shuttle bus failed to turn up and we had to pay out for taxis. All in all a great holiday and one that I would love to repeat at some time in the future." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
In most cases it exceeded our expectations with just a couple of exceptions. Our 4 days at Lake Manze were brilliant. The game viewing was great, as were the guides, managers and all aspects of the camp. Our 4 days at Old Mdonya were also great. The game viewing was brilliant and so were the guides however we found the present managers at the camps to be a little distant at times and I think the running of the camp would benefit if the managers engaged more with the guests and the staff as was the case with the previous managers.
Pongwe Beach hotel is fantastic in all ways and the whole family thoroughly enjoyed their stay. Generally all our travel arrangements worked well and our flights and transfers were good apart from our final transfer at Dar when the Coastal Shuttle bus failed to turn up and we had to pay out for taxis. All in all a great holiday and one that I would love to repeat at some time in the future." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
CC.
Porto Alegre
"Tanzania is awesome"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 9 Nov 2019 and 22 Nov 2019
"We are very happy with our experience. Lyndsey was very helpful all times, thanks for your help."
Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
J&B
Wirral
"Excellent Trip"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 4 Nov 2019 and 18 Nov 2019
"We were both really happy that we chose the itinerary we did. From the short stop at the Southern Sun in Dar, to the excellent safari camps in Selous (Beho Beho) and Ruaha (Ikuka) we had a brilliant time. We could not recommend these places highly enough. Also the contrast between Selous (Green, hot and humid) and Ruaha (brown, hot and dry) was stark, but we were able to see lots of wildlife in both locations and the vistas were simply stunning. The game drives were excellent - with very few other jeeps seen in Selous and only a few more in Ruaha. This was a great time to visit - there was some rain but it did not detract from the experience and it was uncrowded.
We booked 5 nights in Zanzibar to relax after the safaris and chose the Baraza Resort. It is a stunning place with excellent villas and vistas - but we did have some customer service issues - mainly centred around attention to detail by the hotel and not to be confused with the service of the hotel staff - which was excellent
Expert Africa did a superb job for us. Thanks again Lyndsey.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to add - you put together a very good itinerary for us. I really like the objectivity of your website and the service from Lyndsey.
So we'll be saving up and looking to go on another safari somewhere else in Africa - and I'll certainly contact you when that time comes." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
We booked 5 nights in Zanzibar to relax after the safaris and chose the Baraza Resort. It is a stunning place with excellent villas and vistas - but we did have some customer service issues - mainly centred around attention to detail by the hotel and not to be confused with the service of the hotel staff - which was excellent
Expert Africa did a superb job for us. Thanks again Lyndsey.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to add - you put together a very good itinerary for us. I really like the objectivity of your website and the service from Lyndsey.
So we'll be saving up and looking to go on another safari somewhere else in Africa - and I'll certainly contact you when that time comes." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr & Dr S.
Knutsford
"Amazing trip to Selous, Ruaha and Zanzibar"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 3 Nov 2019 and 18 Nov 2019
"We had a brilliant trip to Tanzania, with a great variety of scenery, wildlife and culture.
We appreciated the gentle encouragement to go to 2 separate safari parks as we had been put off visiting Ruaha by the extra cost, but it was worth every penny. The contrast in environment and scenery between Selous and Ruaha was particularly marked during our visit as the rains had come early in Selous but yet to arrive in Ruaha. We hadn't realised quite how striking the differences between the 2 parks and wildlife were. We appreciated that Olivia didn't pressurise us to book a more expensive holiday but we would recommend highlighting these differences explicitly to future customers.
The variety of walking, boat and driven safari was brilliant, with expert guides and drivers able to find/spot wildlife and share insights about every species. Sharing these experiences each night at the communal dining areas was lovely too.
The guidebook sent to us before the trip was a really useful extra and we used it to book a recommended eco-tour to Jambiani village as an extra. The leather travel wallet has a lovely construction but could do with being a tiny bit larger (just an extra centimetre?) to accommodate the A4 documents sent out before the holiday.
The camps, hotels and transfers all worked seamlessly - there were no niggles beyond a minor adventure with an aircraft stuck in the mud at an airstrip after overnight rain. We felt very well looked after at each destination and extend our thanks to every member of the teams for making our holiday so memorable." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
We appreciated the gentle encouragement to go to 2 separate safari parks as we had been put off visiting Ruaha by the extra cost, but it was worth every penny. The contrast in environment and scenery between Selous and Ruaha was particularly marked during our visit as the rains had come early in Selous but yet to arrive in Ruaha. We hadn't realised quite how striking the differences between the 2 parks and wildlife were. We appreciated that Olivia didn't pressurise us to book a more expensive holiday but we would recommend highlighting these differences explicitly to future customers.
The variety of walking, boat and driven safari was brilliant, with expert guides and drivers able to find/spot wildlife and share insights about every species. Sharing these experiences each night at the communal dining areas was lovely too.
The guidebook sent to us before the trip was a really useful extra and we used it to book a recommended eco-tour to Jambiani village as an extra. The leather travel wallet has a lovely construction but could do with being a tiny bit larger (just an extra centimetre?) to accommodate the A4 documents sent out before the holiday.
The camps, hotels and transfers all worked seamlessly - there were no niggles beyond a minor adventure with an aircraft stuck in the mud at an airstrip after overnight rain. We felt very well looked after at each destination and extend our thanks to every member of the teams for making our holiday so memorable." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Scotland
"Great trip to southern Tanzania"
I visited Tanzania and 1 other country between 31 Oct 2019 and 20 Nov 2019
"This was a very enjoyable trip.
It was good to experience different areas and to experience land and water safaris.
An added bonus was a wonderful few days in Zanzibar.
Expert Africa provide a great service. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly staff and a very competitive price." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
It was good to experience different areas and to experience land and water safaris.
An added bonus was a wonderful few days in Zanzibar.
Expert Africa provide a great service. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly staff and a very competitive price." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs JP
London
"Wonderful southern Tanzania safari trip"
I visited Tanzania between 19 Oct 2019 and 30 Oct 2019
"Overall we had a fabulous holiday in southern Tanzania - 4 days in Ruaha (Ikuka) followed by 3 nights in Selous (Siwandu) with a night either side in Dar. The two parks provided a wonderful contrast from the dry plains of Ruaha dotted with acacia and baobab trees to the the green riverine forest of Selous with its lakeside location. On balance we slightly preferred the luxury and glorious setting of Ikuka, but Siwandu was still very comfortable. Both camps provided fantastic and different animal sightings.
We haven't been to northern Tanzania but understand that southern Tanzania, Ruaha in particular, is an unknown gem.
Olivia did a really excellent job of arranging our holiday, patiently juggling arrangements to suit and answering all my questions. All the arrangements worked perfectly. There was always someone to meet us at the correct time and place. We would most definitely recommend Expert Africa and consider using them again for another holiday to Africa." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
We haven't been to northern Tanzania but understand that southern Tanzania, Ruaha in particular, is an unknown gem.
Olivia did a really excellent job of arranging our holiday, patiently juggling arrangements to suit and answering all my questions. All the arrangements worked perfectly. There was always someone to meet us at the correct time and place. We would most definitely recommend Expert Africa and consider using them again for another holiday to Africa." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms R.
San Giuliano T.
"The trip of our dreams "
I visited Tanzania between 1 Oct 2019 and 11 Oct 2019
"A memorable trip indeed !
We have wonderful memories, in spite of the disappointment in Mafia because of the weather.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your organization was perfect. We don't know how you could possibly improve it." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
We have wonderful memories, in spite of the disappointment in Mafia because of the weather.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Your organization was perfect. We don't know how you could possibly improve it." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr I
Abergavenny
"Tanzania 2019"
I visited Tanzania between 1 Oct 2019 and 14 Oct 2019
"We had an excellent holiday. Well planned and executed.
Where there were unforeseen difficulties they were swiftly overcome." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Where there were unforeseen difficulties they were swiftly overcome." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr D.
Maldon
"My Sep 2019 trip"
I visited Tanzania between 24 Sep 2019 and 4 Oct 2019
"We wanted a fly-in safari trip to Selous and Ruaha with an emphasis on wildlife viewing. This trip delivered on all counts. The camps both exceeded expectations."
Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
Overall trip
Excellent
505
reviews of Ruaha by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
Filter by month
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.
