Set on one of the most stunning stretches of the Great Ruaha River within the Ruaha National Park, Ruaha River Lodge is a comfortable 24 room lodge with stunning views in a good wildlife viewing area of the park.  You can sit and watch game throughout the day from the comfort of your veranda or enjoy a game drive to get closer to the wildlife.

Built out of local stone and thatch, the lodge is built around natural kopjes and capitalises on its stunning position on a bend in the river.  The lodge is split across two locations with one dining banda along the river and the other perched high on a nearby kopji offering a completely different perspective.

LOCATION

Ruaha River Lodge is set on the banks of the Ruaha River in the Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania.  The nearest airstrip to the lodge is Msembe Airstrip which is approximately 1 hour’s drive from the camp.

LODGE

The lodge has 24 stone chalets stretching along the river bank with sandy paths inbetween each chalets – each chalet has stunning views from a large veranda out the front while the huge interiors feature a sitting area, writing desk and either twin or double beds. At the rear of each chalet is a large bathroom decorated with found timber, a shower and double basins. If mobility is an issue you may want to request one of the central chalets as some are quite a long walk from the main area and game drive pick up point.

The first dining area is a long banda by the side of the river. Breakfast is the perfect time to watch the game meander down for a drink while evenings can be spent around the fire pit looking down the river or curled up in one of the sofas with a drink and a book.

The second area is atop the largest kopje in the area overlooking the river and is perfect to enjoy a sundowner drink before dinner taking in the amazing views.  The climb is quite strenuous but well worth the effort!

ACTIVITIES

The Great Ruaha River forms the spine of this vast and varied park. Most game drives spend at least some time following the river before breaking off and exploring the bushland and kopjes beyond.

Ruaha National Park has a huge diversity of species boasting both the Greater and Lesser Kudu; the striped and spotted hyaena as well as Roan and Sable antelope. The park has a healthy lion population and rocky outcrops are home to leopards.  It is possible to see Hunting Dogs as well as cheetah, jackals, bat-eared Foxes, genet and civet. Many elephant herds are seen close to the lodge and throughout the park.

Ruaha National Park over 530 recorded bird species – more during the green season with visiting migrant species.

Game Drives – the keys to an outstanding game drive are experience, knowledge and a suitable vehicle. All game drives around the park are taken in open 4 wheel drive vehicles which have been designed to ensure maximum visibility for all passengers. The game drives are led by a trained, experienced English-speaking guide who will ensure that you get the most out of every safari you make in the park. Balloon safaris are available in Ruaha during the dry season and can be prebooked or booked onsite.

Special Experiences – private dinners on your veranda, bush breakfasts, or a sundowner on the banks of the river are all little ways to make your safari a memorable one – please ask if you would like us to organize something out of the ordinary.

Fly camping in Ruaha – is a great way to immerse yourself in the bush and small tents are set up in a private camp with your own host, guide and chef.   Fly camping is available for a minimum of 2 nights for 2 people and only in the dry season and is an exciting alternative to staying in the main Lodge.

THE LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

RUAHA RIVER LODGE IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHIDLREN OF ALL AGES.  THE LODGE IS UNFENCED AND WILD ANIMALS DO WALK IN AND AROUND THE LODGE