Tanzania

Kwihala Camp is set deep in the bush on a hillside with magnificent views of Ruaha. This beautiful area at the core of the park is famed for its rich game viewing and very rare sightings of other safari vehicles.

More reasons we love this camp:

• Ruaha – Africa’s less-traveled wildernesses – is host to 10% of the world’s lion population
• Game rich conservation area
• Intimate camp with only 6 art-deco styled tents, simple but elegant
• Well-known for their highly knowledgeable, exceptional guides

Often regarded as the most beautiful and special places anyone has ever been to! Definitely off the ‘beaten path’ – but nicely combined with Katavi National Park in Tanzania – and scores high marks all around.

Reasons why we love this place:

• You have to really want to get here, off the grid and limited flights but it’s well worth it! Exclusive – only 6 wood/thatch bandas – and remote.
• White sand beach, crystal clear (fresh) water, peace and relaxation, seemingly limitless warm sunshine, great food, outstanding yet laid back service
• Chimpanzees – the show stealer!
• Two seasons:
  • Dry season (June – October): warmer temps, hazy skies, chimps are ususally found in the lower slopes
  • Green season (November – March): slightly cooler temps, sporadic rains and passing storms
• Closed every year typically between 26 March to 30 May (please note: these dates may vary)

On foot, what a way to explore Ruaha National Park! Kichaka Expeditions is well-known for their walking safaris. As one of their hosts and guide, Moli, is particularly fond of saying, ‘To see the bush you must drive, but to fully understand it you must walk!’.

Some more reasons why we enjoy Kichaka Expeditions:

• Kichaka developed their concept based on the movements of wildlife being able to move around freely to explore without the constraint of being in a permanent camp/one location. It’s an incredible way to experience the vast wilderness of Ruaha.
• Mobile fly tented camping at it’s best! Fantastic bush dining.
• The camp can take either private or small groups (shared option) bookings of no more than six guests at any one time, ensuring complete exclusivity in the wilderness

Sheltered in a grove of palms on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, part of the watery byways of the Rufiji River system, Siwandu is perfectly situated to fully experience the breathtaking landscape and abundant wildlife of Selous Game Reserve, in Southern Tanzania.

• The camp is evenly divided into two more intimately sized camps; North Camp and South Camp
• Each camp has its own lounge, well-stocked bar and dining area, and each has its own kitchen where our chefs produce fine cuisine
• Either camp is available for private/exclusive use

Beho Beho is a luxurious property that was one of the first to be sited in the Selous Game Reserve. Situated in the highlands of Southern Tanzania, this private camp is very exclusive and offers a unique experience for the discerning traveler.

Reasons why we enjoy Beho Beho:

• You can explore this area by foot, by boat or by open safari vehicle – the choice is yours. Beho Beho’s experienced guides will plan your safari program based on your requirements. What a treat!
• Intimate feel with only eight ‘bandas’: stone built, palm-leafed thatched cottages. Your own private home in the bush.
• Located near a permanent water source which bodes well for great animal viewing
• Specialty of the camp are their guided walking safaris

Katavi National Park in the far west of Tanzania is well away from that ‘well-worn safari path’ of tourists. The park centers on a series of wide flood plains with waist-high grass in the early dry season, green and flooded like a mini Okavango after the rains. Chada Katavi is located right in the heart of it all.

• Chada is very much far-flung and natural in every way. A very unique destination for the avid safari enthusiast
• Six spacious safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, complete with safari-style bucket showers – hot water on demand – and eco-flush toilets. Basic yet charming and full of character
• Unbelievable game with innumerous herds of buffalo roaming the plains; elephant, lion, leopard, crocodiles and tons of hippo
• As the dry season reaches its peak, the Chada River becomes the only source of water for miles – meaning huge pods of crocodile and hippo who need the water to survive

Rubondo Island – in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria – is ‘the’ destination for those intrepid travelers seeking the thrill of adventure in a truly wild area. The camp is the only lodge on the whole island!

More reason’s you’ll want to stay on Rubondo Island:

• The camp has only eight waterfront cottages, all with en-suite bathrooms with flushing loos and running hot water
• There’s a private treehouse
• A wildlife refuge, Rubondo became home for many species that were rescued: threatened chimpanzees, the shy sitatunga antelope and rescued African grey parrots to name a few
• Now home to over 100 species that are flourishing!

This quote pretty much sums it up: “All in all, days at Sand Rivers aren’t about box ticking or endless driving in search of the next animal. It’s a sense of gradual absorption in this corner of the natural world that we’d love you to feel.” More reasons to visit this place:

• Located on the banks of the Rufiji River in the vast Selous Game Reserve of southern Tanzania
• A unique experience of sleeping in open-fronted rooms, being close to nature while enjoying all the comforts of a conventional lodge (while being completely safe!) – unforgettable!
• Visits to Stieglers Gorge, Kidai Island, Hot Springs and Lake Tagalala are available (at an additional cost)
• Great area for lions, wild dogs, leopards and more!

This traditional tented safari camp is located in the Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania. With just 7 tents set on raised stilts on the banks of the mighty Rufiiji River, the camp is superbly located for some of the best game viewing in the Reserve.

Other reasons we enjoy Selous Impala Camp:

• Great location within the Reserve for excellent game viewing; particularly strong during the June to November dry season, whilst the park remains beautiful during the converse December to March green season
• The elegant and comfortable tents are overlooking the Rufiji River
• Excellent staff, and knowledgeable guides
• Enjoy a dip in the pool to cool off
• Activities include game drives, very strong motorboat safari, walking safari and bush meals

Made famous by Jane Goodall’s initial research in the 1960s Gombe Stream National Park is one of the smallest in Tanzania and its main attraction is the chimpanzees which Goodall was researching.

• The lodge itself is a more budget-friendly option that Greystoke Mahale which is a little further down the lake in Mahale NP
• The tented rooms are basic, but comfortable. The main draw-card to the park is the chimps, not the accommodation available!
• Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in the mornings, with afternoon hikes for the adventurous.
• The rest of your day can be spent relaxing of or hiking to various waterfalls, swimming or sailing on Lake Tanganyika

Ruaha National Park is one of the most under-rated safari destinations in Africa, and Ikuka is one of the newest properties opening up in this region and is set to become a firm favorite with safari-goers!

• Perched high on a rocky escarpment,Ikuka offers commanding views across the Ruaha Valley below
• Each of the 6 spacious tents have been incorporated onto the Ikuka escarpment and offer stunning views
• Ruaha can be quite hot in the dry season, and therefore, the swimming pool is set to get a good work-out!
• Ruaha NP itself is one of the most diverse areas in all of Tanzania and is an absolute “must-see” for second time safari goers looking for something new!

This property is beautifully put together and is an oasis in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Located on the northern side of the city, this property is best enjoyed on a longer stay.

• The common areas of this property are beautifully decorated and the collection of African art and curios is to be admired
• Rooms are all spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms are to die for!
• The gardens and pool are perfect to relax in and escape Dar’s famed humidity
• Because the property is on the northern side of Dar, we’d recommend a 2 night stay, or at the very least an overnight and a half-day to really enjoy the property. It’ll be a little too rushed to have a quick overnight stay on a fly-in, fly-out itinerary

Jabali Ridge will undoubtedly be one of the hottest property openings on the continent next year! Opening in June 2017, we can’t wait to see this new addition to Ruaha National Park.

• Walking safaris, night game drives and daily game drives will be available
• Children aged 12yo+ will be allowed in the 10 bush suites (including 1 family suite)
• A stunning infinity pool is planned, which will be much needed in the Ruaha dry season