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

24.10.2025

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

02.10.2025

F. Buelau

Review for kigelia

Great Experience, Stunning Safaris

It was a Great experience! The staff was very friendly! The Food was very good! And the Safaris were absolutely stunning!

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

FAQs

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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.

What should I take on Safari in Tanzania?

This is the trip of lifetime so you must have a good camera (or phone) to capture those wonderful memories. More importantly is a decent pair of binoculars - essential for your time in the bush. Sunscreen and insect repellant should be in the bag as well as a good water bottle, although you will be provided with a Nomad water bottle as part of your stay - hydration is really important on safari and in dry climates. Check your luggage restrictions with your tour operator as there are restrictions on luggage allowance for domestic flights in Tanzania. Also, if you react to insect bites be sure to bring antihistamines. It is a good idea to carry loperamide (commonly sold as Imodium) just in case.

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are arriving from endemic countries. Other recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You will also need to consider hepatitis B and malaria prevention medicines. In all cases, you must seek advice from your medical professional.

What I wish I knew before going on safari

Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.

What is Christmas and New Year like on Safari?

Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.

What is the luggage weight limit for internal Tanzanian flights?

Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.

What is the best month to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.

What are sundowners?

Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!

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