Visit Kwihala Safari Camp
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:Â 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.
Kwihala Safari Camp Gallery
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250
Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Currently based in the UK, I'm proud to serve as a Safari Consultant for Gamewatchers Safaris, helping fellow adventurers craft their dream African experiences.
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985. Let's bring your African safari dreams to life.
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com or reach out to me by telephone at +44 7814 439 232.
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. While my heart lies in India, I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
For Trade inquiries from the UK, we are represented by Marketing Worldwide
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com, and let’s embark on an extraordinary journey together.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years
What Our Clients Say About Us
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
What Our Clients Say About Us
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
David C
Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..
Veronica P
I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..
Dev P
We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..
Stories on Tanzania Safaris
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Exploring Africa’s Wilderness on foot – Mara Walking Safaris​
A Maasai women group from the Greater Maasai Mara region in the former Ol Kinyei Group Ranch has benefit from a 3,000-litre solar-powered milk coolant donated by the World Wide Foundation for Nature(WWF) with funding from the German government in partnership with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.