ASILIA JABALI RIDGE – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Jabali Ridge is a stylish camp in the wildlife-rich Ruaha National Park – the camp is perched on a rocky kopje with views across the Ruaha savannah stretching all the way to the Mwagusi River. 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 and has golden plains of sun-bleached grass and ancient baobab trees.

Jabali Ridge’s eight suites are set among giant granite boulders. Relax in the hammock on your wooden deck and unwind with a book or cool off in the infinity pool which overlooks the vast plains. You can  head to the spa to try a hot-stone massage after a day spent walking through the bush or tracking lions in a game vehicle.

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.

CAMP

Jabali Ridge’s eight suites are set among giant granite boulders and are superbly well appointed and comfortable.  The raised suites are expansive and airy with bird-nest thatched roofs and wooden shutters that slide to open up the rooms. Beds are king sized and en suite bathrooms have flushing toilets and rain showers. Out on the deck you can get comfy on one of the large cushioned benches and enjoy the stunning views from each room.

Jabali Ridge has been carefully designed to blend into its environment, making use of open spaces and natural materials. Even the existing granite boulders have been incorporated to provide privacy and shade. With just eight suites, the camp feels blissfully exclusive and remote.

Everything at Jabali Ridge is homemade from fresh breads and cakes to salads and ice creams. The camp can prepare a picnic breakfast to have during your game drive or enjoy a leisurely cooked brunch back at camp. Lunch is a light meal in the dining area and in the evening you are serve a delicious, gourmet three-course dinner under the stars.

Jabali welcome families with children over 5 years old with exceptions made based on camp occupancy upon enquiry. Jabali Ridge does not have any programmes specifically for kids and children under 12 should share a tent with an adult.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

A landscape of sun-bleached plains, mighty baobabs and hardy shrubs, Ruaha is home to large numbers of lion, elephant, buffalo and even endangered African wild dogs. During the rainy season, visitors can hear the incredible thundering of the Ikuka waterfalls and even witness the Mwagusi beginning to flow after being dry for seven months. The dry season is equally exciting, with opportunities to spot buffalo herds in the riverbed and elephants digging in the sand for water.

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. Cheetah, leopard and packs of wild dog are seen hunting here too. Visitors can also spot greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, elephants, giraffes, bat-eared foxes and some of the 570 bird species.

The best game viewing in Ruaha is from June to November, when it’s hot and dry. The rains that fall from November until April transform the landscape making it perfect for photography and birding. Jabali Ridge closes from mid-March until the end of May when the park is difficult to traverse.

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. Safari vehicles are open-sided six-seaters with removable canvas roofs and sides that offer unobstructed views and are equipped with power 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 those that prey on them. With the aid of a knowledgeable guide look for leopard, genet, serval, honey badger, civet and African wildcats as well as bush babies, nightjars and owls. Take a moment to a gaze up at the breath taking night sky.

Walking safaris – feel part of the Ruaha landscape by taking a walking safari with an 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 kudu and elephants, or spot hyena dens amid the kopjes.

Photographic safaris – 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 for a relaxing massage after a long flight or a hot day in the bush. If you’d prefer the camp can also organise treatments in your suite.

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

JABALI RIDGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 5 YEARS AND UP