Kwihala Safari Camp is an authentic tented safari camp in one of the best locations in Ruaha. It is set on a hillside in the Mwagusi Valley, from which it enjoys stunning views and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Set deep in the bush the camp is in an area famed for its rich sightings of wildlife and low tourist density.
With just six simple but comfortable guest tents set in this untouched frontier, Kwihala is close to perfection for safari enthusiasts.
Kwihala prides itself on its high standard of guiding and the camp’s guides are renowned amongst safari enthusiasts for their intimate knowledge of nature and the particular wonders of Ruaha.
Situated far from other camps in Ruaha, you will see little if any human activity and be able to absorb the wild in exclusivity. Game drives can be taken in vehicles or on foot under the guidance of the specialist walking guides who will bring you closer to the wild than you’ve ever been before, an often thrilling experience in an area renowned for its concentration of predators and big game.
Closest Airstrip: Msembe (45 min drive)
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National park is the new safari frontier – untameable, untouched, unconstrained Africa. Few people know it exists, yet Ruaha is one of the largest national parks on the continent, a place so vast no person can know it completely, and few have tried. It is simply too wild.
Here, the scope of wildlife is extraordinary, at one moment placid, the next, ferocious.
Ruaha’s location is unique – straddling the transition between Eastern and Southern Africa and two distinct vegetation zones. It is one of the largest wildlife areas on the continent incorporating multiple ecosystems and great variety of species. Here you’ll find over 500 bird species, herds of greater and lesser kudu; sable and roan antelope. Endangered wild dogs find sanctuary here as do bat eared fox, leopard and cheetah, one of the few sustainable populations left in East Africa. This is also home to a tenth of the world lion population – with great prides twenty strong or more hunting here.
Accommodation
Kwihala is a small, six tented camp defined by simple excellence, exposure to nature and raw beauty.
The guest tents are furnished in an understated manner, but are spacious and comfortable with an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. The shower is the traditional safari style, with cool water during the day and hot water at night (or on request at any time). Privacy is assured with a distance of 10 to 15 meters between tents.
The mess tent with its lounge and dining area is the social heart of the camp and the campfire and outside dining table is often the place guests find themselves sharing stories of sightings and the day’s events.
The public areas are lit at night mostly by campfire and lanterns, however the guest tents have solar generated electricity for lighting and the recharging of camera batteries.
Activities
Kwihala is renowned in East Africa for its excellent guides and proximity to the wild. Tracking lions by vehicle, discovering the smaller wonders on foot or just relaxing in the camp, the expert guides at Kwihala will enhance your wildlife experience with their vast knowledge.
Kwihala guests benefit from the experience of four Head Field Guides who manage the guiding in rotation. These top freelance professionals guide their own private safaris around Africa but they each come to the camp for several months at a time to guide Kwihala guests.
The guided game drives are offered twice per day in the cooler mornings and evenings along with breakfasts and sundowners. Walking safaris are also offered. Walking is the most intimate way to experience the bush. The pace is easy, your eye-level is that of the wildlife and your senses are more acutely aware of the sights, smells and sounds, from the small things close at hand to the giants at a distance.
