Ruaha is wild, expedition country - join us on our daily safaris of discovery here, from a little camp in its remotest reaches.
Embark on an enchanting sleepout under a canopy of a million stars at Kigelia, where the allure of the African night comes alive. Our meticulously crafted star beds, seamlessly integrated with your tent, invites you to embrace the untamed Ruaha. This celestial experience is a recent addition to our intimate bush camp in the southern reaches, promising an unforgettable night under the Tanzanian sky. This is not merely a sleepout, it's an immersion into the heart of the wild.
There’s no better tree to hug than a baobab, with their strangely human form. Smooth bark - dust scented. The crevices are home to reptiles, bats or owls. Round the trunks lie crunchy shells of their furry seeds, lemony to taste. It’s only when you walk, that you find this out -and many, many other things about the bush.
You get a tremendous feeling of anticipation when you’ve grabbed cameras and shades, and left camp with a Nomad guide, in our open vehicles. Who knows what we’re going to find, but for sure there’ll be moments of excitement, fascination and peace amongst the great beasts and herds of Ruaha.
Big days out in the wilds can be very big - all that excitement, sun and dust - so we’ve made sure our little camp is a haven of rest and relaxation. Miles from anywhere, it’s as quiet as can be, except the slosh of water into your bucket shower and the sounds of the bush. No shame just to hang back and take it all in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible.
There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.
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.
Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.