Overview Accommodation Experiences When To Go

Imagine, with an eagle’s eye, one miniature encampment of tents in Ruaha's landscape of giants.

Our understated little bush-camp has been in the beating eastern heart of the park for years, where the wildlife is most concentrated. Sorties from here, encountering the great mammals of Africa, can be thrilling and hard to tear yourself away from. So, in camp we retreat - but with Nature up very close - a quiet, canvas refuge, only disturbed by our elephant visitors. They just don’t make them like this anymore.

Shaggy thatch, light and airy traditional safari tents with star bed attached. They just don't make them like this anymore.

Everything you need, nothing that you don't

Why be indoors when you don't have to be?

Each tent has space, a view and often the odd four-legged visitor that wanders by

Kigelia Ruaha has a charm and simplicity which, for us, means that it highlights the surrounding landscape rather than detracts from it.

Frippery-free tents, where the focus is what happens outside. Doesn't mean they lack comfort though.

A herd of curious impala in Ruaha National Park.

A pair of brothers, surveying their wilderness in Ruaha National Park.

On foot with the giants of the bush

Low-tech just suits this place. We don't want to spoil it with too much paraphernalia.

Kigelia Ruaha overlooks the dry river bed of the Ifuguru River, which often attracts herds of elephants who come to dig for water.

Dining with a backdrop of baobabs at Kigelia Ruaha.

Ruaha is known for very large herds of elephants, sometimes numbering in their hundreds.

Morning coffee with a view from your starbed

Lions move in big prides here, and some have adapted to hunting giraffe

Few things are more humbling than a century-old baobab tree.

Dining with your feet in the sand of a dry riverbed. Why? Because you can.

All creatures great, and small (which are often the most interesting)

The Rufiji River does not always flow, but when it does, it is a magnet for wildlife and a very welcome breakfast spot

Time. Time away from everything. Time with special people.

Breakfast never tasted better

Elephants gather at the waters edge in Ruaha National Park.

The freedom to roam in entirely open vehicles

Eles are such a feature of Kigelia and the Ruaha experience

This is big cat country

Greater kudu are among the animals you'll find here

Giraffe at canopy height Photo: Robert Michael Poole

Birdlife peaks in January to March but year round it is resplendent.

Some afternoons you just don't want to leave the mess

Early morning game drive

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Complimentary flights to the South

Book our 7-night Southern Tanzania itinerary, including Kigelia and Sand Rivers - and enjoy free return flights to Dar es Salaam and inter-camp flights.

New bookings only that travel before the end of October 2025 
This offer does not include inducement flights.

Enhancing lives at Kigelia

From enhancing dynamic careers to working with local communities and conservation projects, here are some inspiring stories from our camp in southern Tanzania.

Conservation & environment

Supporting conservation partners

Supporting conservation partners

Down in the south, we partner with Lion Landscapes to support the incredible work they do, and four of our Kigelia camp staff are involved in their carnivore sighting programme: eyes and ears on the ground that help them keep track of our precious predators.

Life long learning & growth

Creating career paths

The essence of Nomad

Spotlight on the very wonderful Ken Koskey, who's been part of the Nomad family for over 20 years.

He's a guide extraordinaire and specialist of the south, starting his career at Sand Rivers Selous where he walked the place flat, and brought alive the magic of fly-camping on the banks of the Great Rufiji River for countless guests.

He's worked in every one of our Nomad camps over the years, and is currently managing Kigelia, which he loves for its remoteness.

Southern Tanzania safaris

This is all about experience. A safari spent in the game rich plains of Ruaha, and the endless wilderness of Nyerere, the south is hard to beat.

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Reviews

24.07.2024

P. Oberland

Review for kigelia

First Time on Safari

This was our first time on Safari and we did not know what to expect. This far exceeded our expectations from our arrival at the airport to our three amazing days at this camp

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Chada, Katavi Greystoke, Mahale

30.09.2024

J. Richardson

Review for kigelia

Spiritual Retreat in Tanzania

My son & I went to Tanzania to embrace a new culture with beautiful people, great food and of course, the majestic animals. Nomad in Kigelia, Ruaha was without a doubt a spiritual retreat provided by an extraordinary staff who will cater to your every need. Our guide Julius taught us so much about w...

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Camps visited:
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Serengeti Safari Camp, Serengeti Kigelia, Ruaha

04.11.2024

A. Wereszczynski

Review for kigelia

Fabulous Accommodation Experience

Our accommodation was fabulous sleeping under the stares was perfect. We saw so many animals and learned lots from our guide, Ely was ever knowledgeable. Ken and all the staff we met were generous kind hearted people who we will never forget. Simon was attentive to our needs and laughed with us. Wou...

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Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

18.06.2024

J. Garrido-Mirapeix

Review for kigelia

Unique, Old Fashioned Safari

Kigelia is a rather unique, old fashioned exclusive and genuine safari away from the crowds. Very special even for the experienced safari traveller. Enjoy wildlife amongst a sea of mighty baobabs, and spoiled by the always fantastic Nomad crew.

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha

14.11.2023

A. Schorndorf

Review for kigelia

"Intimate Place in Bush"

Kigelia is a very special and intimate place in the heart of the bush. Everyone was wonderful and made our experience unique and tailored to our tastes. Ken, Good Luck, Raphael, Pender, Joseph, Nico & team we're all so great! Joseph always put a smile on our faces for dinner and we learned so much f...

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Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

18.09.2023

V. Unwin

Review for kigelia

"Surpassed Expectations"

Safari heaven. As veterans we’ve been on a few and Kigelia surpassed expectations. Staff and service are attentive; guiding second to none; the bush breakfasts a real treat and delicious as is all the food. Tent spacious and the showers are gorgeous. Nothing is too much trouble We will be back!

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha

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