Mwagusi Camp

My wife and I planned our trip to Ruaha and Mwagusi Camp hoping that it would be something special, and we weren't disappointed!

Having visited the Mara in Kenya (and having thoroughly enjoyed it) we wanted an experience that would allow for fewer people in the park and fewer vehicles without compromising on the wildlife.

We also wanted a 'tented experience' to be able to feel as though we were 'amongst it' more so than if you stayed at a lodge.

Visiting in the 'Green' season we were well aware that wildlife may be more difficult to spot but in actual fact wildlife was abundant,

and the park is stunning at this time of year -

amazing landscapes and flora. we saw lions a plenty, giraffe in abundance, impala en masse and elephants in herds of at least 5-10 at a time.

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We even saw a solitary Cheetah, which we are told is quite rare (not that the Cheetah aren't there, they are, but they are elusive and difficult to spot in the Green season). We also saw Hippo, warthog, mongoose, crocs etc.

As far as the camp is concerned it is a dream - luxury bandas in a very private setting, with idyllic surroundings set on the river.

Elephants came into the camp at night (we could hear them on our first night outside our Banda munching on the grass) and next morning as we drank tea , kindly brought to us by one of the staff to our Banda, two Elephants strolled past on the riverbank in front of us!

As for the staff, they couldn't have been better. From our arrival Adrian and Serena made us feel extremely welcome and coordinated everything.

Our guide and driver team, Justin and Moses were excellent. Justin really knew his stuff, backed up by one of our fellow travellers (a Vet) and proved to be an expert on all of the wildlife we saw .

He is especially knowledgeable on birds. Moses was an excellent driver and was in control of the vehicle, often on muddy tracks, at all times. (Riaan has taught them well!)

The food we had there was amazing - we ate our breakfast out on our game drive in some idyllic location or other every day we were there, being served freshly baked muffins, cinnamon rolls, eggs and bacon, as well as fresh fruit.

lunch was always good and dinner lovely, the cooks are fantastic! We also ate on the beach by the river on two nights, where the team had set out lanterns and a campfire, the atmosphere was fantastic. The camp even offers a free same day laundry service which was very helpful.

Thank you to the team for making our trip truly special

In the North of Ruaha National Park . Mwagusi is a rare gem on the safari circuit.Mwagusi is tucked away in the far north east corner of Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania, on the banks of sweeping bend in the Mwagusi Sand River.

A serious, privately run safari camp, which has 13 wooden and thatch bandas and provide absolutely fantastic food.

Each “banda” (meaning ‘temporary shelter’) consists of a large spacious tent sheltered by a cooling thatch roof and set on a polished red floor.

Each banda has en-suite 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 and locally produced clove soap 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 nighttime 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 verandah, with a comfortable cushioned seating area and swinging hammock making this the perfect place to relax and view the passing wildlife'