The following is the detailed info on the 7 Best Camps and lodges in Iringa Ruaha NP, Tanzania. These are best for travellers seeking a more immersive luxurious experience with nature and adventure in Southern Tanzania. These camps offer unique accommodations, a close connection to the wild, and great opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Each camp has been rated based on its amenities, location, activities, safety, and accessibility.
1. Jabali Ridge by Asilia Africa ★★★★★
Location: Ruaha National Park, 120 km from Iringa Clock Tower
Accessibility: 4-hour drive or 30-minute charter flight
Uniqueness: On a rocky outcrop, Jabali Ridge provides breathtaking views of Ruaha’s vast landscapes and wildlife. The lodge features luxury suites crafted from stone and canvas, harmoniously blending with nature while offering an exquisite and comfortable safari experience.
Located near the seasonal Mwagusi River, the lodge boasts a prime location in the heart of Ruaha National Park’s premier game viewing area. Here, guests can witness impressive herds of elephants and buffalo, often observed by the resident lion prides. The rich biodiversity of the area also includes leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, various antelope species, and giraffes. Additionally, there are over 550 bird species, making it a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
Why Jabali Ridge?
- Luxury: Every detail at Jabali Ridge is designed for comfort and elegance, from the spacious suites with private verandas to the stylish communal areas. Guests can relax by the infinity pool, savour gourmet meals, and enjoy personalized service that caters to every need.
- Nature: The lodge’s location offers direct access to the rich biodiversity of Ruaha National Park. Expert guides lead immersive game drives and walking safaris, allowing guests to engage deeply with the stunning natural environment and its wildlife.
- Exquisite Experience: Jabali Ridge promises an unforgettable safari adventure, with exclusive access to some of the park’s best wildlife viewing areas. The combination of luxurious accommodations, breathtaking scenery, and top-notch hospitality creates a truly unique experience.
- Safety: With comprehensive security measures and dedicated rangers on hand, guests can explore the wild with peace of mind.
- Availability: Pre-booking is essential, as the lodge’s limited capacity ensures a personalized and intimate atmosphere.
- Rating: 5 stars for its luxurious offerings, stunning natural setting, and extraordinary service. Also, on the impact they have had on the communities for 20 years now. Congratulations Asilia Africa!
All photos by Explore Tanzania
2. Ikuka Safari Camp ★★★★★
Location: Ruaha National Park, 130 km from Iringa Clock Tower
Accessibility: 3-hour drive or 30-minute charter flight
Uniqueness: Perched on top of a ridge within Ruaha National Park, Ikuka Safari Camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of the park and its wildlife. This camp stands out for its luxury-tented suites that blend seamlessly into the natural environment, providing both comfort and an authentic bush experience.
- Safety: Like all camps in Ruaha National Park, Ikuka is well-guarded with round-the-clock security. Rangers and guides are available to ensure the safety of all guests.
- Other Features: The camp offers expertly guided game drives and bush walks to give visitors a deeper connection to the wilderness. The camp’s open-plan design allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding plains, and guests can enjoy gourmet meals and personalized service.
- Availability: Pre-booking is mandatory, and spots fill up quickly due to its small, exclusive nature.
- Rating: 5 stars for its exclusivity, views, and high-end service.
All images by Ikuka Safari Camp
3. Jongomero Camp ★★★★★
Location: Situated in the remote southern region of Ruaha National Park, Jongomero Camp offers a true wilderness experience, far removed from other camps. This area is both quiet and spectacular, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature.
Accessibility: The camp is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Ruaha National Park entrance. This provides a scenic journey that enhances the safari adventure.
Uniqueness: Jongomero Camp combines smooth and seamless service with a strong sense of wilderness. The camp boasts high standards of service, food, and comfort. Also, it retains an authentic atmosphere that enhances the safari experience. The surrounding area is unlikely to see other vehicles, ensuring a more private and intimate wildlife experience.
- Wildlife Experience: Game densities in this part of Ruaha may not be as high as in areas further east. But, there is still an abundance of wildlife to observe. The camp offers excellent guidance, ensuring that guests make the most of their safari experience.
- Additional Features: Jongomero Camp also provides the option to fly camp, adding an adventurous element to your stay. Each tent is elegantly appointed with en-suite bathrooms and private decks, perfect for soaking in the stunning views.
- Availability: As Jongomero Camp offers limited accommodations, advanced booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
- Rating: 5 stars for its luxurious comfort, exceptional service, and authentic wilderness experience in one of Tanzania’s most beautiful national parks.
All photos by Expert Africa
4. Kichaka Expeditions ★★★★★
Location: Inside Ruaha National Park, offering unparalleled access to wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Accessibility: Approximately 1.5 hours from the park entrance via a scenic drive through the park, and about 130 km from the Iringa Clock Tower. Which translates to around a 3.5-hour drive.
Uniqueness: Kichaka Expedition accommodation provides a luxurious glamping experience in Ruaha National Park’s heart. The facility is designed to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness while offering high-end amenities and comfort. Each tented suite is strategically positioned to maximize views of the abundant wildlife, making it an ideal choice for discerning safari enthusiasts.
- Safety: Safety is a top priority at Kichaka, with 24/7 security and experienced guides accompanying guests during activities. The camp is unfenced, allowing for an authentic wildlife experience while ensuring guest safety through well-established protocols.
- Other Features: Guests can enjoy spacious, elegantly furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The camp features a communal lounge and dining area, perfect for socializing after a day of game drives. Kichaka also offers personalized itineraries, including guided walks and night drives, enhancing the safari experience.
- Availability: Advanced booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as the camp offers limited accommodations for a more exclusive experience.
- Rating: 5 stars for its luxurious setting, exceptional service, and immersive safari experience.
All images by the Kichaka Expedition
5. Mwagusi Safari Camp ★★★★☆
Location: Ruaha National Park, 135 km from Iringa Clock Tower
Accessibility: 3-hour drive
Uniqueness: One of the most authentic and rustic camps in Ruaha. Mwagusi Safari Camp is an eco-friendly lodge built along the seasonal Mwagusi River. The camp is known for its close connection to nature and the bush, offering guests an intimate experience with the wildlife and landscapes of Ruaha.
- Safety: The camp is well secured, and its experienced staff ensures that safety protocols are followed. Walking safaris are accompanied by armed rangers to protect guests from any wildlife encounters.
- Other Features: Mwagusi’s bandas (traditional open-fronted tents) offer an authentic wilderness experience. The camp is deeply committed to conservation and sustainability, and its guided safaris focus on educating guests about the flora and fauna of the park. Meals are served under the stars, and the camp’s secluded location guarantees a peaceful, uninterrupted stay.
- Availability: Advanced booking is required, though the camp is open to accepting walk-ins if space is available.
- Rating: 4.5 stars for its eco-friendly approach, prime location, and unique wilderness feel.
All Photos by African Mecca Safaris
6. Asanja Ruaha ★★★★★
Location: Asanja Ruaha is located within Ruaha National Park, along the Great Ruaha River.
Accessibility: approximately 120 km from the Iringa Clock Tower, a 3-hour drive or a 30-minute charter flight from Iringa. Ruaha National Park is accessible through flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam
Uniqueness: Asanja Ruaha, part of the Asanja Africa family, provides an intimate safari experience centred on sustainable tourism. Settled among pristine Miombo forests and iconic ancient Baobabs, the camp features luxurious tented accommodations that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking landscape, offering guests both immersion in nature and modern comforts. Each spacious tent is 140 sq meters, equipped with a private veranda and plunge pool overlooking the river, along with en-suite facilities including flush toilets, freestanding baths, and outdoor showers.
- Safety: Guest safety is a top priority at Asanja Ruaha, with 24/7 security and experienced guides. All activities are accompanied by rangers, ensuring a secure environment for exploring the rich wildlife and stunning scenery.
- Other Features: Guests can partake in expertly guided game drives and walking safaris, designed to provide deep insights into the park’s diverse ecosystem. The communal lounge and dining area, housed in a Meru-style tent, offer a comfortable space for relaxation and wildlife viewing. Meals can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, weather permitting, and a nearby fire pit provides a cozy setting for social gatherings. Full-board accommodation includes all meals, a selection of drinks, most activities, parking, Wi-Fi, and laundry services, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
- Availability: Advance booking is highly recommended due to the camp’s limited capacity, ensuring a personalized and exclusive experience for all guests.
- Rating: 5 stars for its unique location, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional service.
Photos by Yellow Zebras Safaris & Expert Africa
7. Ruaha Hilltop Lodge by Utulivu ★★★★★
Location: 15 Km from the Ruaha National Park Gate, 130 km from Iringa Clock Tower
Accessibility: 2.5-3 hour drive from Iringa town
Uniqueness: As the first camp to be built inside Ruaha National Park, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge is perfectly situated close to the Great Ruaha River, offering a unique and immersive safari experience. The camp is ideal for wildlife lovers, providing incredible opportunities to view animals right from your room.
- Safety: The lodge has 24-hour security, and guests are always accompanied when walking around.
- Other Features: The lodge consists of stone chalets, each with a private veranda overlooking the park, perfect for watching elephants and other animals come to drink. Guests can enjoy guided safaris, bush walks, and bird watching. The camp offers both basic and luxury options for accommodation.
- Availability: Due to its popularity, pre-booking is essential. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
- Rating: 5 stars for its premier location, wildlife proximity, and overall experience.
Photos by the Ruaha Hilltop Lodge (Facebook)
Conclusion
For travellers who are looking to combine adventure. luxury with relaxation, the camps at Ruaha National Park provide the experience. From the luxury of Ruaha River Lodge to the rustic Mwagusi Safari Camp, each camp offers something unique, allowing visitors to immerse themselves. When planning your visit, remember that each camp offers its own unique flavour of adventure and relaxation.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to experience the best of Iringa’s wild side. And yes, the best of the Southern Tanzania tourism circuit. Don’t miss the chance to experience the untamed beauty of Iringa, where every day is an adventure waiting to unfold.
So, why wait? The untamed beauty of Iringa awaits you.
NB: Consult with the camp concerning the bookings, and general inquiries. Although most accommodation accepts +5-year-old children as well, might be important if you are travelling with family.
Looking for alternative accommodation around Iringa Town? Click here to learn more!
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