RuahaRuaha is the 'other park' in the southern circuit and is perfect for those seeking that elusive, raw Africa experience in a truly wild landscape. Famous for its large prides of lion and elephant, you can also find cheetah on the plains and leopard sightings are frequent. Ruaha is ancient and wild, studded with thick baobabs many hundreds of years old, and carved through the centre by the Great Ruaha River.
Ruaha has a completely different landscape to the Selous; red scorched earth, baobabs and snaking sand rivers. The game viewing here is excellent and works on the same seasonal patterns as the Selous – making them great companions.
Ruaha's boundaries were recently extended, making it Tanzania's largest National Park. The park’s location, in central western Tanzania means it is far from civilisation and, apart from a few very keen overland trippers, is accessed only by light aircraft. Many people regard Ruaha as Tanzania's best kept secret, and, while we save that particular accolade for nearby Katavi, there is no doubt that this park can offer one of the wildest and most private game viewing experiences in Africa. The relatively few camps mean that you have swathes of untouched African bush to explore. And with its amazing birdlife (547 different species!) as well as copious big game; Ruaha is one of the most interesting and diverse parks you can visit. Ruaha: Accommodation choices
The first Ruaha camp to mention is Mwagusi, an old safari favourite located in the best area for game. Mwagusi is an authentic safari camp and guarantees a game-viewing experience to knock you sideways. If Mwagusi perhaps lacks luxury, Jongomero in the far south of the park does not, and takes the award for most beautiful camp. Mdonya Old River offers the best value and is a charming little safari camp, whereas Ruaha River lodge, with its 30 rooms tends to cater for the mainstream.
The final two camps to mention are similar in style to the mobile Serengeti camps, they are small, well-run tented camps to suit the adventurous traveller. Adventure Camps' Kwihala is great value for the luxury it offers whereas Kigalia is good for families.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Ruaha
In the north of Ruaha National Park, Mwagusi is a rare gem on the safari circuit, a privately owned lodge in possibly the best game area of Ruaha. If you are looking for a serious big game safari, look no further.
Ruaha
Another of the superb Selous Safari Company properties, Jongomero is a beautifully designed and maintained camp. Like its sister in the Selous, since its overhaul, it really does stand out as a luxury safari camp with a quality finishing all round. The area that it is located in is consistently very good for lion and large herds of buffalo.
Ruaha
Raw, rough and really really good! Mdonya excels at creating a camp that fits into the surrounding, offering a truly authentic safari product that is one of the best game experiences in the whole country! Even though the camp may be somewhat basic, this is the intention; Mdonya aims to give guests the true bush experience.
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