Ruaha

Kichaka Zumbua

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Kichaka Zumbua?

Stays at Kichaka Zumbua start from around US$1.6K per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025

We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!

Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

Kichaka Zumbua

About Kichaka Zumbua

A pared-back and intimate camp in the untouched Eastern sector of Ruaha's wilderness.

As the sole safari-makers in this area of Ruaha, Kichaka promises a sense of exclusivity, made only more tangible by its staggeringly remote location. Set high on a ridge overlooking the Great Ruaha River, Kichaka Zumbua is run with a careful hand by Moli and Noelle, who enjoy hosting meals for their guests and telling their incredible stories from the bush. You'll gather memorable tales of your own on a walking safari with Kichaka's expert guides, who know the region like their own backyard. Back at base, the camp takes inspiration from the grasslands laid out before it, and nature is never far away...

Ruaha , Tanzania

From $1.6K per person/per night

Safari

3 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Gazing across Ruaha's quiet grasslands, where baobabs rise like sentinels, scarred by a thousand years of elephant use, Kichaka Zumbua fits right in. With thatched roofs and an understated style, the main lodge is split into three: the cushy lounge and information centre, open-air 'Star Bar' where you'll gather round the fire for drinks, and a dining room. The camp is completely solar-powered, but equipped with all-important charging points for cameras.

The rooms

Adding to its exclusivity, Zumbua has just three suites designed with organic materials and giant canvas windows that reveal the fabulous view. Down a short path, you'll find your open-sided bathroom, complete with a carved stone tub and outdoor shower. On the other side of the suite, there's a sitting area and crescent plunge pool, and, up a set of steps, a rooftop terrace for the ultimate vantage point. There are three larger bandas opening in 2024 as well.

Activities

Kichaka's specialty is walking safaris (for ages 16 and over) and with a seasoned guide leading the way, you'll set off to find rare antelope and even shadow a herd of elephant on foot. Apart from being home to the highest concentration of elephant in Tanzania, you can also spy huge prides of lion, leopard, spotted hyena and African painted dog on day or night drives. During the rainy season, Ruaha is especially good for birding as the migrating flocks arrive at the river.

Why we love it

Safaris don't get more intimate than this, with zero crowds and up-close encounters on foot.

Insiders Tip

Stay at Zumbua for an extra night or two to enjoy Kichaka's wonderful fly-camping experience.

Something to think about

The camp offers a set menu, but the team will happily adapt it to suit your diet - just be sure to let them know well in advance. And heads up, there's no wifi or cellphone service.

Trips

Ruaha Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Tanzania

Off-the-beaten-track in southern Tanzania

11 nights from $9.3K per person

Dar es Salaam Katavi National Park Ruaha National Park

Tanzania

Remote bush & beach in southern Tanzania

11 nights from $6.6K per person

Dar es Salaam Nyerere National Park ('The Selous') Ruaha National Park

Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Kichaka Zumbua

How do I book Kichaka Zumbua?

Kichaka Zumbua can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Kichaka Zumbua or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Kichaka Zumbua?

Stays at Kichaka Zumbua start from around $1.6K per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

Escape the crowds in this rugged park where 10% of the world’s lion roam amongst the mighty baobabs.