Best hotels in Ruaha

Unlike most temporary camps, Kigelia has a modicum of luxury that is in keeping with its external environment. Constructed of canvas to leave as little foot print on the land as possible, there is nothing but the relaxing necessities to distract you from the surrounding beauty. It has a remote setting under kigelia (sausage) trees and overlooking the Ifuguru Sand River. Enjoy the daily game drives with a worthwhile walking safari thrown into the mix for good measure. Wonderfully positioned for predator sightings, herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe and much more. There is never a dull moment at this camp.

The bigger sister of Kwihala Camp just down the road, Jabali is one of Ruaha's most sophisticated offerings. Taking inspiration from the heart-stoppingly beautiful Ruaha landscape of baobabs, palms and rippling kopjes, architect Nick Plewman and designer Caline Williams have waved goodbye to everything you ever imagined a safari camp should be. The result is a stylish haven of sultry, earthy colours, open spaces and smooth lines (and not one single piece of canvas). There's nowhere quite like Jabali Ridge – form an orderly queue!

Kichaka Flycamp offers an adventure into one of Africa's most remote, pristine and wild national parks: central Tanzania's Ruaha. The camp is owned and operated by Andrew "Moli" Molinaro and Noelle Herzog, who opened it in 2013, having spent several years in the safari industry. Their desire is to offer a truly wild bush experience, focused on exploring this remote wilderness on foot. The camp is mobile, and refreshingly simple. The luxury is in the quality of Moli's guiding, and the relaxed, personal and fun environment curated by Noelle and the team. No plunge pools, spa treatments or crystal here, just good old-fashioned Africa, with superb hospitality.

Journey to this newly-revitalised wilderness, the Usangu Wetlands, to experience nature up-close and without boundaries. Usangu is a tiny, four-tented camp on the banks of the wetlands, where the leaves of miombo trees provide an idyllic hiding spot. Out and about, there are myriad activities to get involved in, with waterways to explore and plenty of gregarious birdlife to spot. On game drives, keep your eyes peeled for big cats and even bigger elephant and on night drives, the prize spot is the highly-endangered pangolin. On top of that, Usangu has a passion for conservation and you'll see it in full force while here.

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...

This brand new development from Asilia Africa offers discerning travellers an opportunity to experience Ruaha in ultimate luxury and seclusion. Jabali Private House, set among a cluster of magnificent baobab trees, is only available for exclusive bookings, making it perfect for a family or a small group of friends. The house comes with a private chef, guide and vehicle, allowing you to move at your own pace. At over 20,000 square kilometres, Ruaha is Tanzania's second largest national park, oozing wildness, with a diverse range of wildlife and few visitors.

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.

Want to get really close to nature? Experience wildlife of all sizes from Kichaka Bush Camp. This three-year-old venture was established in a remote section of Tanzania’s Ruaha Park by safari leader Andrew ‘Moli’ Molinaro and his partner Noelle Herzog. It's a camp for serious nature lovers – although the tents are spacious and comfortable and the dining is freshly fabulous, this is not the place to visit if you're looking for cocktails and spa treatments. You're not at the movies here – you'll be creating a personal wildlife experience you'll simply never forget. And you'll be back...

A certain gravitas comes with thirty years’ experience, and this lodge has it. Founded in 1987, Mwagusi is lovingly owned and managed by Chris Fox, a Tanzanian-born conservationist, whose family had a hand in getting Ruaha proclaimed a national park way back when. The camp is remote and the wildlife viewing is exceptional. If you’re into ethical travel, then stay here. A guide-training programme and English classes are a permanent fixture for staff and you can participate in their “Pack for a Purpose” campaign. The lodge has a unique look, but one thing for certain, it’s incredibly appealing.

This intimate tented camp is tucked in the shadows of a riverine grove on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero Sand River. It's one of Ruaha's National Park's more luxurious camps – an hour's drive from its nearest neighbour, so you're ensured intimate wildlife viewing. Known for elephants and high predator numbers, particularly the African wild dog, the wilderness is sure to provide you with some action-packed bush adventures.

Central Tanzania's Ruaha National Park is one of the largest and most important parks in East Africa. Interestingly, Ruaha River Lodge is the oldest of its kind in the park. It occupies prime position on a prominent kopjie (rocky outcrop) with superb views over the Great Ruaha River, and across the reserve. The lodge offers plenty of beds, but good management and friendly, efficient staff help to keep the atmosphere personal. While the south-eastern section of the reserve (where the lodge is situated) can get busy, it exudes a real sense of wilderness and boasts abundant wildlife.

This intimate, owner-run tented camp lies within the beating heart of wild and wonderful Ruaha - Tanzania's largest national park. While the camp certainly caters to your every travel need, what with its jaw-dropping scenery, luxury tents and epic wildlife experiences, it's the blessedly untamed surroundings that really steal the show. Watching lion and elephant roam the across the bush, and flocks of birds mingling together against the flaming African sky is very hard to beat from Ikuka Safari Camp...

This exclusive-use camp, nestled in Ruaha National Park, operates year-round, offering a private and immersive wildlife experience. Surrounded by diverse landscapes, including the Mwagusi River, it's an ideal spot for intimate exploration. With a capacity of just six guests, Kokoko Camp offers a uniquely personal touch to your safari adventure.

Under the magnificent shade trees, on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero river lies the beautiful exclusive-use Jongomero Private Bush Manor. This hidden gem is tucked away in a remote corner of the Ruaha National Park. Here you will get a chance to experience Africa’s best kept secret. Beautiful, ornate wood doors open onto the heart of the epic manor, revealing its inviting lounge and dining space with an expansive open-plan kitchen bar. The high thatched central relaxation space is bookended by two, decadent and identical inter-connecting suites, each with stylish roll top baths and extra-large rain showers. The infinity lap pool has shaded seating and sun loungers with 180 degree views of the seasonal river and wildlife that wander into view. Jongomero Bush Manor is accessed with by private entrance, meals are prepared by a private chef and safari game drives are undertaken in a private vehicle. The main area boasts a magnificent terrace with views of the seasonal Jongomero river. Enjoy the cozy TV lounge, stay connected with full WiFi coverage and enjoy the privacy of your own private askari and private game drive vehicle, as well as a private guide to enhance your experience. Enjoy the height of hospitality at this exclusive-use manor that can accommodate 4-8 travellers.