Ruaha River Lodge

There are two main areas, each with dining tables, a lounge and a bar. One is perched atop a rocky outcrop, commanding impressive views over the bush, while the other is right down by the river's edge, for intimate wildlife viewing. Both are thatched, with reed sides, cool stone and cement floors. Décor is simple, with attempts to bring surrounding features into the design (it could use a bit of sprucing up and a splash of colour here and there.)

29 stone and thatch cottages are spread along the river bank, each with a front-row view of the action. Most of these are triple-sleepers, with twin or double-bed configurations. They are wonderfully spacious, with large verandahs that lead off an open-plan bedroom/lounge, with two couches and a desk. Stone walls and cement floors help to moderate temperatures, as do the mesh windows. Long, white curtains add a touch of class to the rather basic and slightly outdated interiors. The en-suite bathrooms have been designed with function, rather than style, in mind.

Activities are more or less limited to early morning and late afternoon game drives, but if you'd like to spend the day adventuring deeper into the park, the lodge will happily pack you a picnic for the day. The lodge's position on the Ruaha River makes for impressive concentrations of game during the dry season, with elephants, buffalo and many species of antelope in abundance. Bush walks are also available, accompanied by armed park rangers rather than specialist walking guides.