Usangu Expedition Camp: Information from the owner

Guest Tent - 2 pax

Guest tent - 2 pax Under the cool shade of the miombo woodland, each of the four guest tents of Usangu Expedition Camp enjoys views over the wet grasslands towards the permanent water source of the Ihefu Swamp. The large mesh panels of the tents allow for continued airflow, even when closed during the night time hours, keeping the bugs out but allowing in the cool air and night time noises of the surrounding bush. An additional shade awning helps to combat the mid-day heat. The wooden flooring and wrap around deck is comfortable under foot and provides a welcoming outdoor seating area from where to spot game or enjoy a good book in the afternoon. Each tent features an en suite bathroom with flushing toilet and bucket shower, with a large bed that can be made up as a double or a twin. 24 hour electricity is available within the room, and there are charging outlets to ensure camera batteries are prepped and ready for the adventures of the next day.

Boating excursion

Usangu is a seasonal wetland and combines riverine areas with a swamp/lake. Using the boat provides you access to areas not reachable by car. This activity is available yearround but varies with the seasons. This activity can be combined with bait fishing while out on the water. Whether experienced at fishing or trying it for the first time, guests have the opportunity, often during sundowners, to participate in this casual catch-and-release activity, The boating excursion is offered all year round but varying with seasons.

Camera trap

All Usangu visitors will be allocated a camera trap for the duration of their stay (one per couple/tent). Place it in the surrounding area with the assistance of the camp guides and explore what animals have visited the camp during the night. Use your new tracking skills to place the camera trap in areas most likely to capture wildlife.

Game drives

Guided game drives are offered twice per day in the cooler mornings and evenings along with picnic breakfasts and sundowners out in the bush. With your private vehicle and guide, you have the flexibility to explore any (accessible) area of the Usangu wetlands. Usangu has five biozones and offers many different habitat types that are waiting to be explored.

iNaturalist species tracking

Become a global biodiversity contributor. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to log any species (fauna and flora) worldwide. We use this app to record all findings in Usangu for record-keeping and distribution mapping. You will receive training on how to identify and log sightings of species during your stay. As Usangu is still relatively unstudied there are still species to be discovered.

Information Centre

Usangu Expedition Camp is home to the Douglas Bell Information Centre which houses interesting details on the history and significance of the area. Guests can hear the story of the camp and spend time in the centre to understand the past, present, and future of the wild space of Usangu. The Information Centre will also be used for presentations from Asilia’s Positive Impact partners. Guests can visit at their leisure between activities to get a taste of the various conservation efforts in the region.

Night game drive

Night-time in the bush is very different from the day. A whole new world opens up with nocturnal species unseen in the day. Equipped with thermal cameras to ensure optimal viewing, with no disruption to the wildlife, Usangu offers night game drives like no other. Join your guide on this nocturnal experience to learn more about this hidden world.

Trails camping

A one-night sleep out in the wild, where the Usangu star cubes are set in a remote area. You will also have a back-up canvas dome tent for privacy as well as in case of rain. We suggest this experience is combined with a walking safari, but this is not essential as it can also be combined with boating and/or game driving. This activity can be planned with our walking guide in camp and does not have to be pre-booked.

Usangu star cubes

The Usangu star cubes are set up in a private setting within easy reach of your tent at the expedition camp. This offers a unique sleep-out experience, where you can sleep under the stars in the African wild, protected from critters and wildlife alike in a mesh cube, whilst keeping the comforts of your tent close at hand.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, away from the noise of the land cruiser and closer to the ground to observe the smaller and less obvious parts of the African wilderness. As part of your walking safari, you can receive an introduction to tracking where our specialist walking guide will teach you the basics of tracking, which will come in handy when setting your camera traps. Walking safaris are offered twice per day in the cooler mornings and evenings along with picnic breakfasts out in the bush and giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.