Reviews of Usangu Expedition Camp

"This camp is far away from other camps. If you are looking for peace and pure nature (and don't want to encounter any other vehicles) this is the place for you. The journey from the nearest airstrip takes 2-3 hours, depending on which animals can already be seen on the way to the camp. In January, however, not all activities (e.g. boat tour) were possible, as there was rain at night. The previous months were also relatively wet and therefore not everything was accessible. Three nights were therefore just right, otherwise I would recommend 4 or 5 nights.

The staff were, as always, very helpful and attentive. The food (breakfast and dinner) was prepared directly over the fire at the fireplace with a special construction  (you have to see it and I won't explain it in detail here). Camp management seems to be organized differently in 2024 than in 2021 (I am referring to Asilia Camps). It is okay, but currently no improvement (my subjective feeling). Another note: If you expect a large communal table at dinner, you will be disappointed.

The tent is new with a fixed front door. The furnishings seem modern but suitable, and everything necessary is available. The shower and toilet are located to the left and right at the back. There is hot running water. Internet is available, but you have to go to the expedition room. The view is great. The camp is situated on a hill and you have a view of the vast landscape. At night, lions and hyenas could always be heard. Sometimes very close to the camp. No other accommodation is visible and no unpleasant noises have been heard.

Guides are very different in their personalities. You either have a connection with the guide or not. It is therefore difficult to assess, but I have never had problems with guides in this camp price range.

On my game drives, I was often out with two guides. This meant that four eyes made the best possible sightings for me. We also set up camera traps and sometimes moved through deep undergrowth to follow lions, for example. Overall, a very good experience with the guides at Usangu Camp. They have always tried to make the best possible sightings and have also considered a good position for photographing.

Overall, I can't report anything negative and definitely recommend the camp to others.

If you decide to travel to Usangu Camp, you should also consider Jongomero Camp, as you normally land at Jongomero airstrip (which is sometimes closed). Jongomero Camp is only 5 minutes away from this airstrip." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania

"I can't rate Usangu highly enough. My 'tent' was beautiful. The 'front of house' staff were welcoming and friendly. The food was lovely although more than I could eat so I always skipped lunch. My guide, Sainingo, was so knowledgeable and I learned a lot from him. All the staff gathering to sing, dance and drum their farewell to me seemed heartfelt and not in the least bit cheesy.

But the real star was that part of Ruaha NP - it is what I imagine the Serengeti would have been like 100 years ago. Vast open spaces with huge herds of Topi, Zebra, Sable, Roan, Waterbuck, etc. And most importantly no-one else around. The downside is that the animals are not as habituated to people as in the north of Ruaha and there are few graded tracks and lots of little streams so sometimes progress in the truck can be slow.

Sainingo showed me animals that I haven't seen before (a monitor lizard hibernating in a tree, a clutch of ostrich eggs, a civet cat, etc). I set 4 camera traps at the start of my stay and viewed the results the day before I left - again seeing some animals that I haven't seen before (a honey badger, a spotted hyena, a common duiker, more civet cats, etc). Also the night drive using a night vision app was spectacular; being able to see animals (a scrub hare and a porcupine family amongst many others) without disturbing them with a spotlight was fantastic.

All these sightings are added to the on-site Research Station data to help work out what animals are resident and their population sizes. Leena, the young woman running the Research Station, is passionate about the work already done and how visitors can contribute to the ongoing research.

All I can say is Go Now whilst it is still wild; the inconveniences are more than outweighed by the spectacular wildlife viewing and 5 star camp facilities. I hope to return." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya