ASILIA KWAHILIA CAMP – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Kwihala is set deep in the bush of Ruaha National Park which is the largest national park in Tanzania offering amazing wildlife – yet it feels remote and peaceful with fewer visitors than other parks.

LOCATION

The camp is in the Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania.

CAMP

Kwihala is a classic expedition-style six tent camp which offers an intimate, exclusive safari experience with all the tents enjoying a fantastic view of the Mwagusi Sand River. The tents can be configured as twins and doubles and a triple room is available on request and feature king-sized beds and en suite bathrooms with flushable toilets.

The camp is simple and comfortable designed to reflect the old expedition camps of Africa. The tented lounge and dining room is the social heart of the camp where you’ll enjoy meals with fellow guests and chill out in the afternoon. After sunset sit around the campfire to share safari stories over a couple of G&Ts.

All meals are prepared in camp from fresh breads and cakes to salads and sorbets. If you’d like to extend your morning game drive the camp can pack a picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in the bush. Alternatively have a cooked brunch back at camp after your game drive. Lunch is a light buffet and dinner is a three-course meal served communally. In the dry season enjoy dinner in the sandy Mwagusi riverbed where elephants sometimes stroll past. In the green months eat alongside the flowing river – in the rainy season meals are served undercover.

Finish off the day around the campfire with a glass of wine under the glittering stars – you should be able to hear the nearby Ikuka waterfall in the still night air.

ACTIVITIES

The best time to visit Kwihala is from June to October, when the climate is hot and dry in Ruaha and you’ll find superb wildlife-viewing opportunities. From November to April the rains fall, turning the park’s landscape to a lush green, making it an excellent time for photography. The migratory birds are in Ruaha over the wet season, too. Kwihala Camp is closed from mid-March until June.

Head out on game drives to see elephants — the largest population in Tanzania is located here — and lions, known for hunting giraffes, buffalo and even elephants. On foot, discover the smaller inhabitants of the bush and learn how to identify animal prints and dung. At night, venture out with a spotlight to find nocturnal animals like bush babies and hyenas. Finish off the day around the campfire with a glass of wine under the glittering Milky Way. If you listen carefully, you hear the nearby Ikuka waterfall in the still night air, and even spot a meteor shower in the pristine sky.

Game drives – Asilia offers twice-daily game drives in six-seater, open-sided vehicles. The canvas roofs and sides give an unobstructed view but can be rolled down if it rains. All vehicles are equipped with fridges and power points to keep you and your camera fully charged.  In between wildlife sightings you will enjoy a break at a picturesque spot for coffee in the morning and sundowners in the evening.

Night drives – in the Ruaha you can explore Ruaha after dark and your guide will use a powerful spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals and predators.

Walking safaris – head out on foot accompanied by one of our expert guides and skilled local trackers to learn about plants and insects identify dung and prints and simply appreciate the experience of walking through the Tanzanian wilderness.

Photographic safaris – nearby Jabali Ridge is home to one of Asilia’s specially modified photographic vehicles which is can be booked by Kwihala guests. It is equipped with all the gear— from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats.

KWIHALA IS CLOSED MID MARCH TO END OF MAY EVERY YEAR

FAMILY FRIENDLY – THE CAMP WELCOMES CHILDREN 5 YEARS AND OLDER