Ruaha

Mdonya Old River Camp

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Mdonya Old River Camp?

Stays at Mdonya Old River Camp start from around US$530 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.

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Mdonya Old River Camp

About Mdonya Old River Camp

A simple but comfortable tented camp, ideal for adventurous travellers

If all-frills five-star lodges make you feel distant from your natural surroundings, then this camp is for you. Situated in Ruaha National Park, the setting and wildlife are truly the hero of the safari experience. And it’s off the beaten track. Mdonya offers full day drives where you can maximise your time out in the bush and enjoy meals out in the open - colonial style. The lodge is so immersed in its surroundings that the wildlife of Ruaha National Park wanders freely through the camp, completely at home.

Ruaha , Tanzania

From $530 per person/per night

Safari

12 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

One of the favourite guest experiences at Mdonya is sitting around the fire at night, under a blanket of stars, sharing stories of the day, learning more about fellow guests and if you’re lucky, listening to lions roar in the distance. Behind you is where communal dining happens in a large, open-sided tent. Food is good and you can expect silver service with a genuine smile. The laid-back lounge offers reading material and tea and coffee throughout the day.

The rooms

The 12 double tents are spacious and secure. We love the ensuite shower and flush toilet which are open to the sky and the shaded, polished-floor verandah out front where you can recline in a canvas chair and watch the world, literally, stroll by. There is no electricity in the tents (you can charge your paraphernalia at reception) but they are ambiently lit with lamps and candles. Maasai guides will escort you to and from your tent in the evening.

Activities

What we appreciate about Mdonya is their understanding that the guests really are there for the wildlife. They offer full-day safaris. And the feedback has been positive. Enjoy breakfast and lunch out in the national park and don’t expect a “box” lunch. The food is fresh and lip-smacking. Wildlife is abundant with all the great predators present. Lion and leopard sightings are plenty. Expect to see elephants, giraffe, buffalo, a plethora of birds, antelope, monkeys, jackals and a lot more!

Why we love it

The camp was established by an Italian pioneer of safaris and the simple tents and traditional camp layout will make you feel as if you're an intrepid adventurer of old.

Insiders Tip

This is a great place to try a balloon safari (check with us for availability). You'll have the skies pretty much all to yourself and watching the sun peak its rays over the varied terrain is mesmerising.

Something to think about

This is a "no frills" bush camp but in the best sense of the term - just remember that there is limited electricity and the dining and activities are usually shared with other guests.

Trips

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Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Mdonya Old River Camp

How do I book Mdonya Old River Camp?

Mdonya Old River Camp 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 Mdonya Old River Camp 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 Mdonya Old River Camp?

Stays at Mdonya Old River Camp start from around $530 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.