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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50% off flights in the South

Book our 7-night Southern Tanzania itinerary, including Kigelia and Sand Rivers - and enjoy a 50% discount on return flights to Dar es Salaam and inter-camp flights.

New bookings only and 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

05.11.2025

E. O'Boyle

Review for kigelia

Top Class and Memorable

As always with Nomad, the welcome, kindness, humour, professionalism, food, guiding, vehicles, comfort and sleeping were absolutely top class and memorable.

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Kiba Point, Nyerere

24.10.2025

M. Stanton

Review for kigelia

Exceptional Hospitality

We had an amazing four nights at Kigelia Ruaha. The hospitality was exceptional. The accommodations were refined, yet integrated well into the landscape. We would love to return.

Camps visited:
Kuro, Tarangire Serengeti Safari Camp, Serengeti Kigelia, Ruaha

21.10.2025

P. Obermayr

Review for kigelia

"Wonderful Stay"

The stay was wonderful and we felt very comfortable

Camps visited:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere Chada, Katavi Kigelia, Ruaha

15.10.2025

S. McNess

Review for kigelia

Delighted with Camp

For our first safari we could not have chosen anything better. We were delighted with the camp, its service and food. Our guide was knowledgeable, helpful and thoughtful. We saw so much due to his knowledge and instincts. I doubt anywhere can match all that Kigelia offers .

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha

08.10.2025

J. Grover

Review for kigelia

Magical Place

This is a magical place…with a terrific team to ensure you have a great time.

Camps visited:
Chada, Katavi Kigelia, Ruaha

08.10.2025

A. & R. White

Review for kigelia

Magical Kigelia Ruaha

Kigelia Ruaha is a magical place and the Nomad staff are the best. What an experience! If you want to go on safari we would highly recommend a visit to Kigelia - the lack of other tourists; the knowledge and friendship of our guide and the peace and tranquility of the camp all contributed to a holid...

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Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

FAQs

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Can I go on safari and visit Zanzibar in one trip?

Yes absolutely, Tanzania has superb transport links from the mainland to Zanzibar as well as neighbouring islands too. Many travellers choose to spend some time in the wild on safari before heading to the coast for some R&R.

What is a typical daily schedule on safari?

Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.

Are there age restrictions for safaris?

Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.

How do you get to your safari lodge?

The transport networks in Tanzania are very good with internal flight schedules across the country. It is possible to fly into the parks and land at one of the bush airstrips. From there, most lodges will arrange for a transfer journey from airstrip to the lodge. Depending on the lodge location, this can vary in journey time. Or, if you opt for a driving safari in northern Tanzania, your guide (included as standard with Nomad) will transport you from location to location.

How much driving is involved in a Tanzania Safari?

The driving distances on a Tanzania safari can vary depending on the area you are visiting and also your appetite for driving. Northern Tanzania allows for a full driving circuit with National Parks within reasonable distances. We love to drive when we can as we believe it allows for an exciting adventure through towns and villages and you learn so much about Tanzania and its wonderful people.

Is English spoken in Tanzania?

Yes, English in widely spoken in Tanzania, especially in camps and by safari guides. Swahili is the main language and knowing a few words and phrases will always earn you a smile.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania?

We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.

How much does a safari cost?

The cost of a safari does vary, from simple bush camps or tented camps to high-end luxury or private houses. In Tanzania, there is a wide spectrum of accommodation allowing travellers to mix and match, building tailormade itineraries to suit a budget. Specialist tour operators are able to advise on the best options for your budget. Included in the safari cost is access to the wild, expert guides and unique experiences.

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