Ruaha River Lodge occupies a unique and privileged position set around a series of rocky kopjes in a bend of the great Ruaha River, blending seamlessly into its surroundings and affording views up and down the river. Game is drawn to the river from the neighboring hills and guests can witness the great wildlife dramas unfold from the comfort and protection of their self contained natural stone and thatch ‘banda’. With resident hippos and crocs there is always plenty of action to watch and several incidents of lion or leopard kills have been seen from the lodge.
Accommodation
The Ruaha River is the lifeline of the Park and we offer you the privilege of your own riverside ‘banda’ designed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. The local stone and thatch room has minimal impact on the environment and game viewing from your veranda is a relaxing and enthralling option.
The Lodge has 2 separate dining and bar areas servicing 10 rooms each, thus maintaining a personalized small camp atmosphere in each. The twenty stone and thatch ‘bandas’ each have en-suite bathroom and private verandahs. Hot water is provided via Solar Heaters and 240V electricity is provided by generator for lighting and recharging of batteries. And all the rooms are protected with mosquito gauze on the windows.
Food is prepared from fresh produce from our Highland farm. A full English breakfast is complimented by freshly baked cinnamon bread, fresh fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch is a cold buffet with a selection of meats, pastries or pizzas and salads, followed by a dessert. Dinner is a three course meal with a vegetarian option.
Activities
Game driving is the predominant activity in Ruaha National Park. The park has a vast network of all weather roads, so large tracts of the park are accessible to visitors. Not only does this increase the chance of seeing more animals, it also disperses the vehicles more evenly around the park so that you will not meet many other vehicles.
You will rarely meet any other vehicles on your game drives around Ruaha’s extensive and well-maintained road network. Our highly trained English speaking guides will lead you to an abundance of leopard, lion, cheetah and hunting dog, not to mention several rare species including Greater and Lesser Kudu, Roan and Sable antelopes. Our guiding is superlative with specialist guides having built up an extensive local knowledge whilst living and working in the park. This ensures you don’t miss out on the flora and fauna that normally go unnoticed to the untrained eye.
Drinks around a campfire on the river bank or high up in the elevated bar with its spectacular views up and down the river is the perfect way to end the day.
The vehicles used have been specially adapted for game viewing. The tiered seating is just shaded with a roof, but is otherwise open to allow all passengers the best view possible.
Game walks are available at certain times of year. This is determined by the National Parks. The walks are accompanied by a guide from Ruaha River Lodge and also a Parks Ranger.
Seasons in Ruaha
Ruaha National Park can be visited at any time of year. However, the best time for game viewing is during the dry season from June until December when wildlife converges on the dwindling water reserves of the park and concentrates along the great Ruaha River, the only permanent water source in the park.
During the ‘rains’ from December until April, the trees erupt into leaf and the Ruaha River swells into a bursting torrent. Although the game viewing becomes more difficult due to lush vegetation, there is no major migration of game away from the park as happens in the north of Tanzania, so the game is still greatly in evidence. This season is the best time for bird watching as the population grows with both the northern and southern migratory species visiting Ruaha.
