Designed with a simplicity that lets nature do the talking

Kigelia’s carefully judged simplicity allows for a particular intimacy with the bush, and the beasts we share it with.

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Dining

Bedrooms

Airy. Spacious. Classic.

Our six tents at Kigelia lie deep in the heart of the Ruaha bush.

Bedrooms

Soak it all up

Kigelia has a special kind of magic that means we live alongside the wildlife. There is no better spot to enjoy your early morning coffee.

Bedrooms

Perched above the passing wildlife

Each room is built on the edge of the dry riverbed, a wildlife lookout from your own digs.

Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms

Safari style bucket showers

Open to the elements and known to have to odd onlooker from time to time.

Dining
Bathrooms
Dining

A mess full of character

Open to the elements, full of light and a wonderful setting to share safari tales with camp mates.

Dining

Dinner under the stars at Kigelia

The lanterns are lit and dinner is served, we’re all set for your romantic evening serenaded by the sounds of the wild.

Dining

Lazy lunches al fresco

If you're sitting in a riverbed with your toes in the sand, breeze in your hair and the whisper of the wild all around you - you're doing lunch right, we reckon.

In a grove of sausage trees in Ruaha National Park on the banks of the Ifuguru River, in the best game area in the park.

Key details

Open

June to March

6

ensuite safari tents

6

private star beds with each room

Safari bucket showers

Flush loos

One large family safari tent

Charging available

Minimum age

8

Reviews

A. Corstjens

Review for kigelia

Outstanding Experience

It was a outstanding experiance. Compliments to the team and organisation.

Camps visited:

M. Bondallaz-Wavre

Review for kigelia

Super Friendly and Caring Staff

We spent 5 nights in Kigelia, a quiet little and rustic camp with a super friendly and caring staff, lovely comfortable tent, excellent food. A superb savannah strewn with majestic baobabs and herds of wildlife. We never got tired of watching all these wonders. A pure quietude and so much happiness ...

G. King

Review for kigelia

Wonderful Camp and Staff

Wonderful camp and staff. Great guide.

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.

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.

P. Obermayr

Review for kigelia

"Wonderful Stay"

The stay was wonderful and we felt very comfortable

FAQs

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.

What's included in a safari?

Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.

What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?

Lodges are more permanent, often with solid walls and more amenities available. Tented camp are light touch, with canvas walls, open air and the sounds of bush throughout!

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.

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.

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.

How far in advance should I book my safari?

For peak seasons, between 9 and 12 months ahead is wise. This can vary depending on the places and camp you'd like to visit with some filling up earlier. The best camps and guides are worth planning for.

How long are the drives between camps?

It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.

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