MWAGUSI SAFARI CAMP – RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Ruaha is Africa as it once was generations ago and deep inside the park on the northeast side and nestling into the banks of the Mwagusi sand river lies Mwagusi Safari Camp. .

The camp is in keeping with traditional African style and blends in with the surrounding bush.  Each of the 13 bandas have views of the Mwagusi sand river and are comfortably furnished within canvas tents under cooling thatched bandas.

LOCATION

Mwagusi Safari Camp is located in the north east of the Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania.

CAMP

Mwagusi Safari Camp offers a unique and comfortable tented safari experience. Almost all of the camp is built from natural materials such as grass thatch, timber, driftwood, stones and reeds allowing the camp to be in perfect balance and harmony with its surroundings.

Each banda – meaning temporary shelter – is a large spacious tent sheltered by a cooling thatch roof and set on a polished red floor. The bandas have ensuite facilities with flushing toilet, an unlimited supply of hot water, shower, sink, shelving, a large mirror and good night-time lighting. Built using stones, driftwood and bones the bathroom is an area of interesting, unique and original design. Thick comfortable towels, soap and shampoo are provided.

An efficient same-day laundry service that is free of charge is offered. The tented living area includes dressing table and mirror, trunk for storage, comfortable beds with high-density mattresses, safari style chairs and bedside tables for night-time reading.

All the bandas are built into the sandy banks of the Mwagusi River providing their own private and secluded view. Each has large covered veranda with a comfortable cushioned seating area and swinging hammock – a perfect place to relax and view the passing wildlife.

Meals are eaten together with managers and other guests in any of our two main dining areas in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Private dining can be arranged on request. The main dining area is built looking onto the riverbed and has two large and comfortable seating areas where you can relax with an afternoon drink.  During the yellow season (June-December) guests are treated to unforgettable bush dinners under the African night sky in surprise idyllic settings. Dining “al fresco” in the green season, weather and insects permitting is also a treat not to be missed.

Adjacent to the main dining is the reading room – equipped with table and chairs, a comfortable seating area and shelving with reading books.

Food is prepared fresh every day in camp, using local produce supplied by nearby farmers and the nearest town market. An early morning wake-up call includes tea or coffee in bed. Breakfast includes various pastries, the infamous cinnamon bread, fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, a traditional hot breakfast, toast and confections. Breakfast can be eaten in camp or guests can opt for a bush breakfast. Set out early to catch the African sunrise followed by a picnic breakfast in the cooling shade of a tree out in the bush.

Lunch is buffet style and consists of a large variety of salads with meat or chicken dishes accompanied by a variety of delicious breads. Lunchtime pudding consists of fresh fruit desserts and creamy fruit pastries. Tea, coffee and a delicious cake is served each day in the late afternoon.

Dinner is a special occasion, with soup or vegetable starter followed by a cleverly created outdoor buffet of steamed vegetables, meat or chicken dishes, and mixed casseroles. Pudding is served next which is sinfully chocolate or zesty and fruity.

The camp caters for special dietary preferences and food intolerances.

ACTIVITIES

More than 80 species of animal can be found within 45 minutes’ drive from the Camp. With knowledgeable guides you can track wildlife quietly on foot or in four-wheel drive vehicles without the disturbance of lots of other vehicles.

Ruaha is interesting most of the year round and there are climatic variations: June to October is the ‘Yellow Season’ when game is most visible because the grass is shorter, and the animals come to the Great Ruaha River to drink. November and December are hot, and the short rains make the climate more humid though these certainly do not preclude a visit. January and February are predominantly hot and dry but again a good time to visit and is a period increasingly favoured by bird watchers. March can be wet and movement around the park a little more difficult. April and May are usually very wet, and the camp is closed during these months for annual refurbishment.

Game drives – There are two daily game drives, one early morning drive and one late afternoon drive taking advantage of the cooler temperatures when the animals are most active.  Flexibility is key at Mwagusi and you can choose the time and length of your game drives (from a 6 hour early morning drive, other shorter 2-3 hour drives or a full-day drive with picnic lunch). You will be accompanied by one of the camp’s knowledgeable guides and an experienced driver.

Vehicles are specially adapted open sided 4WD vehicles each with comfortable seats and high shade awning to enable one to stand and still be in the shade whilst game viewing. Each vehicle is equipped with reference books, beanbags for photography, drinks and all the necessities for a day in the bush. All guides and drivers have direct communication with the camp from the vehicles.

Night Game Drives – the distant whooping of a Spotted Hyena, the roar of one of the local male lions or the gentle chirrup of the African Scops Owlet are some of the characteristic and truly iconic sounds of the African night.

Two options are available – have an early dinner in camp before your night drive or a light dinner in the bush during your drive. All night drives must return to camp by 22:00hrs. Minimum of 2 guests and booking in advance is advisable – a park ranger will accompany you with a Mwagusi guide and driver. There is an extra payment for this activity.

Guided Game Walks – set out on foot for an interesting and different perspective of the African bush. A guided safari walk allows you to pass quietly through the bush creating a unique experience with nature and the wildlife.  You can also get to know and understand the different elements of the African wilderness, learning about plants and trees and their local medicinal uses as well as birds, insects, and smaller mammals.

The guided safari walk is a 2-3 hour walk and you will be accompanied by an experienced guide as well as two armed Parks Board rangers for safety. Please note: The guided safari walk carries a 16-year-old age restriction.

Camp bird walk – the camp offers an early morning bird walk that takes place in and around camp premises. Here you can gain insight into the nocturnal animals that left their tracks around your tent in the night and also learn about birds, insects, trees, plants and the animals. The bird walk is a 45-minute walk starting soon after sunrise that gets you in the mood for a big hearty camp breakfast.

MWAGUSI IS CLOSED FROM THE 1ST APRIL TO THE 24TH MAY EVERY YEAR

THE LODGE IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL AGES.  DO NOTE THAT THE CAMP IS UNFENCED AND IN A VERY WILD AREA AND WILD ANIMALS DO WALK THROUGH THE CAMP

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGED OF 16 CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE GUIDED GAME WALKS