Thirty years since we first set foot in Ruaha and how this park has remained such a secret, delights and mystifies us in equal measure. Ruaha is remote, vast and wild and the beauty of its landscape is jaw-dropping. Innumerable herds of buffalo, a profusion of predators, ancient baobabs, immense boulders, sweeping sand rivers... and not a soul in sight.
This private walking safari takes you on a unique 3-night walking adventure in lesser known areas of Ruaha swapping creature comforts for private wilderness.
Our lightweight, roving camp, Charlie, is fully mobile; A-frame tents that pack up and move allowing you to explore areas otherwise unaccessible. This is a camp designed with mobility at heart and swapping luxury for location.
We believe the dry season in Ruaha is nothing short of magical and wildlife of all kinds abounds. Days spent exploring quietly on foot make a safari experience in Ruaha unbeatable. So we only offer our multi-day walking safaris from July to October to ensure the best walking experience and game viewing.
It is also a wonderful time of year to combine with our gorgeous bush camp, Kigelia. Head there for a couple of nights after your walking safari and you've got an epic safari combo.
Ruaha is a little visited and scenically stunning park that offers some of the best dry season game viewing in Tanzania.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide.
Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.
Not all travellers into Tanzania require a visa. You must have a single entry tourist visa or business visa, is the general rule but there are country exemptions from this. On the most part, single entry or business visas can be obtained on arrival but we recommend where possible, to process the visa online ahead of travel - just make sure you allow enough time to do so!
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.