Kwihala Camp – formerly known as EMC Ruaha, is a new mobile operation which set itself up in Ruaha National Park in 2006. Moving to a new site half way through the season - this stylish camp aims to feel like a true bush camp whilst maintaining a high level of luxury. There is no cement or stone, or indeed anything permanent about this camp – so when they move sites there will be no evidence that they were ever there.
However – the embroidered bed linen in the bedrooms which matches the baobab design on the hand crafted pottery made in Kenya; all indicates that this is a camp meant for those who wish to safari in style.
With only six rooms, Kwihala Camp is small camp which aims to offer a high level of service. The managers Owen and Colleen are incredibly welcoming and their enthusiasm about Ruaha is infectious. They strive to be entirely flexible around the clients needs – meal times and game activities are flexible and based around the clients preference.
Kwihala certainly is a beautiful camp and has an enormous amount of potential. However when we were there in June 2007 it was still very much in its first stages and needed a little bit of time to settle in. We have no doubt that when it has been fully operational for a number of months and when the new management has had a little longer to get used to a new area – that this will be a great camp.
Ideal length of stay: Four days to really explore Ruaha National Park
Central facilities: Kwihala Camp's main lounge and dining area is a wonderful open sided tent facing out across the bush. The cream canvas sides are drawn back like curtains for the views right across the front whilst the sides and back are closed off. Flowing materials and wall hangings cover any actual canvas, maintaining a stylish feel. However when we were last there, there was a lot of bare groundsheet on the floor.
Pottery vases and bowels with the Kwihala signature baobab design are dotted around the lounge area. Then huge standing terracotta urns holding arranged grasses, stand in the corners of the room. There are a number of a number of comfortable sofas set around coffee tables, where you will find fantastic coffee-table books about Tanzania.
Just outside of the main tent, under a shaded roof, you will find a number of directors chairs and small tables which look out across the bush. A little in front is a small campfire area, where guests usually gather in the evening for a pre-dinner drink.
The main dining and lounge area does look very romantic, with an abundance of cream canvas and billowing white sheets hanging from the roof. Though guests should be aware of the long and sturdy guy ropes that are pulled out to keep the structure standing. In the evening it is rather easy to trip on them.
Directions: Kwihala Camp is about nine hours drive from Dar es Salaam, whilst the nearest town Iringa is around three hours away. By far, the easiest way to access EMC is to fly into Ruaha from Dar es Salaam, which takes around three hours, and then drive for 45 minutes to the camp.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: When we were at Kwihala Camp the food was very tasty and consisted of plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. All of the meals are served on beautiful matching blue pottery plates embossed with a baobab tree.
Breakfast at Kwihala usually consists of an assortment of fresh fruit, yoghurt, pancakes and a cooked breakfast.
Lunch is usually something light but filling – such as salads and a sandwich as well as a fruit desert.
Dinner is either in the dining tent or set out under the stars on clear nights, with only kerosene lamps for some soft lighting. Before dinner your three courses are introduced to you by the chef and then served to the table. Dinner usually consists of a starter, then a filling main which includes meat and plenty of vegetables. There is also a sweet desert, followed by coffee.
Timings of meals are usually quite flexible around the guests, and the day's activities.
Dining style: Group Meals
Room service: There is no room service as such, though you can have tea and coffee brought to your room.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are included
Special interests
Birdwatching: Ruaha National Park has an extraordinary variety of birds – with over 520 different species it is a very diverse area. Mid-November to March is a great time for keen bird watchers to visit this park.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Tanzania
Children
Attitude towards children: Children over the age of 12, who are interested in wildlife and happy in an adult environment are welcome at EMC Ruaha.
Age restrictions: Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to stay at EMC Ruaha.
Activities: There are no special activities or services offered for children.
Equipment: There is no special equipment for younger children at Kwihala Camp, as you need to be over the age of twelve to stay here.
Generally recommended for children: Kwihala Camp is a remote camp – we would only recommend it for older children.
Notes: Parents should note that children are their own responsibility for the duration of their stay.
Central communications
Communications: The camp has a satellite phone for emergencies and there are points of reception that you can drive to. There are no communication facilities for general use.
TV & radio: There is no TV or Radio at Kwihala.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The managers Owen and Colleen are both first aid trained and there is first aid equipment in camp and in all of the vehicles. For emergencies Kwihala Camp are linked to the flying-doctors.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Kwihala Camp has a safe in the main office where you can store your valuables. For safety around the camp you are escorted to and from your room at night and there are whistles in the tents in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the vehicles
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included – but all the clothes are rigorously hand washed so it is not suitable for delicates.
Money: No cash or card facilities in camp as it is all included.
We want you to understand more about Kwihala Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
EMC Ruaha's own website Click here to go through to EMC's own website for more details and pictures of the camp.
