ASILIA JABALI PRIVATE HOUSE – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Jabali Private House is perfect for families and friends and is an intimate, exclusive-use property surrounded by lofty, ancient baobab trees.  The house has three bedrooms, a lounge and a dining area plus a private pool looking out over the dense forest that fringes the bordering Ikuka escarpment.

A dedicated team — including a private chef, guide and vehicle — means you can choose to spend all day out on a game drive or enjoy more time at the house relaxing around the pool or savouring a long lunch.

Ruaha National Park is known for its healthy herds of elephants and buffalo and its bold lions, which are known to take down giraffes and even elephants. Night drives allow you to spot often-elusive nocturnal creatures, while walking safaris are a great way to catch sight of smaller animals and plants or learn how to track.

LOCATION

The camp is set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment in the Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania around 50 minutes drive from Msembe Airstrip.

HOUSE

Jabali Private House is an exclusive retreat for family and friends. The place is yours to enjoy, regardless of whether you prefer your getaway quiet and relaxed or lively and fun-filled.

Jabali Private House has two master suites with king-sized beds and en suite bathrooms with showers. The wooden shutters slide open if you want to let the breeze flow into your room during the day. A third en suite bedroom has twin beds and all the rooms have Wi-Fi connectivity.  The house is built around three ancient baobab trees, where weaver birds make their nests.

Enjoy your meals outside on the deck and cool off in your own private pool or head over to neighbouring Jabali Ridge to enjoy the pool, bar, library and spa.

The house comes with a private chef who can tailor meals to suit your preferences. Everything is homemade, from fresh breads and cakes to ice creams and salads. If you prefer to stay out longer in the morning, we can prepare a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the bush. Alternatively, you can savour a leisurely brunch back at camp. Your chef will prepare a light lunch and a gourmet dinner that you can enjoy on the deck under the stars.

Jabali Private House is perfect for families with children of any age. Because it’s booked on an exclusive basis you can plan your days based on your family’s needs whether you want to be out tracking lions or prefer to enjoy some quality time at the house.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania, located in the centre of the country. It forms a transitional point between the landscapes of East and Southern Africa, with its golden plains of sun-bleached grass and ancient baobab trees.

The greater Ruaha area is thought to be home to one-tenth of the entire world’s wild lion population, with large prides roaming the plains. Cheetahs, leopards and packs of wild dogs are seen hunting here, too. You might also spot greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, elephants, giraffes, bat-eared foxes and some of the 570 bird species.

We usually head out for a game drive first thing in the morning and again late in the afternoon when it’s cooler and the animals are active. However as you have a private guide and vehicle you are free to set the pace of your stay if you prefer a later start. A typical day starts off with an early wake-up call and tea or coffee. You can head off on your first game drive of the day after breakfast or have it packed to take with you as a picnic. You’ll be back at camp in time to freshen up before sitting down to lunch.

Mid-afternoon is time for a rest. Read a book, take a dip in the pool or visit the spa at Jabali Ridge. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea and an evening game drive or walk with sundowners. End the day with a drink at the bar and a leisurely dinner under the stars.

Game drives – the best times to depart on a game drive are early morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day when animals are less active.  The vehicles are open-sided six-seaters with removable canvas roofs and sides that offer unobstructed views. Vehicles are also equipped with charging points and coolers to keep your batteries full and drinks chilled.

Night drives – see a different side of Ruaha with a night drive. It’s a special opportunity to spot shy, nocturnal animals and the those that prey on them. With the aid of a knowledgeable guide keep your eyes out for leopard, genet, serval, honey badger, civet and African wildcats, bush babies, nightjars and owls. Take a moment to a gaze up at the night sky.

Walking safaris – feel a part of the Ruaha landscape by taking a walking safari you’re your experienced guide and local tracker. This is a completely different way to experience the bush. Your senses are much more engaged as you spot tiny but fascinating creatures you’d never see from the vehicle such as dung beetles, ants and butterflies. Get a thrilling close up view of kudus and elephants or spot hyena dens amid the kopjes.

Photographic safaris

Neighbouring Jabali Ridge is home to one of Asilia’s specially modified photographic vehicles. It is equipped with all the gear— from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats.

Asilia Spa – visit the spa at Jabali Ridge for a relaxing massage after a long overland journey or a hot, dusty walking safari. We can also organise treatments right in your room.

JABALI RIDGE IS CLOSED FROM MID MARCH TO THE END OF MAY

JABALI RIDGE IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL AGES