Ruaha River Lodge

Ruaha River Lodge was the only safari camp in the national park for two decades, before Tanzania opened to international tourism. As a pioneer of its time this allowed for its prime position along the river and far from any other safari lodges. The lodge’s remoteness is its defining feature and greatest selling point, leaving guests feeling that they have Ruaha National Park seemingly all to themselves.

Set on one of the most stunning stretches of the Great Ruaha River, you can see game throughout the day from the comfort of your veranda; there can surely be few other camps as perfectly situated. Ruaha is split across two locations, with one dining banda along the river, and the other perched high on a nearby kopje, offering a completely different perspective.

Accommodation options

Nestled amidst the riverine acacia forest, Ruaha River Lodge is at the heart of the action, with 24 spacious, en-suite stone bandas boasting uninterrupted views of the water. Each elegant banda extends onto a large, private wooden deck that descends to a secluded seating area along the riverbank – a playground for the park’s abundant birdlife. Bi-fold wooden-gauze doors invite the sights and sounds of Ruaha’s pristine wilderness to become a part of your tranquil safari retreat in Southern Tanzania.