Ruaha River Lodge is a rustic lodge situated in the edge of the Ruaha River. It is owned by the Fox family – who run it in an unpretentious and relaxed way, despite it being the oldest lodge in this national park. It offers comfortable accommodation and is perfect for those on a tighter budget.
In comparison to other camps in Ruaha, Ruaha River Lodge is relatively large. It has 28 rooms altogether – though when full the guests are split between two different dining and lounge areas. This helps to make the camp feel slightly more personal than it might.
The lounge and dining area are both under one large thatch roof, with open sides and views out across the river. Polished russet-red stone floors, dark leather furniture and the occasional set of antelope horns give this lodge a rustic yet colonial feel. The design is simple, open and airy – yet very comfortable.
Activities at the camp focus on morning and afternoon safari drives in 4x4 vehicles. Though you can also take a packed lunch and head out for the whole day to explore deeper into the park. The guides at Ruaha River Lodge are friendly and seem to have a good level of knowledge. Though when we were last there we felt that we needed to prompt them frequently to get any information.
The bedrooms are then 28 detached cottages (known as 'bandas') that sit along the banks of the river, and reached on sandy, stone-lined pathways. Each is incredibly spacious (quite vast!) and very comfortable, with a large verandah, a small lounging area, a double and a single bed and an en-suite bathroom. (Read more about these bandas ….)
When we last visited Ruaha River Lodge, in June 2007, we generally found the service to be friendly – but quite sporadic in its quality. If you wanted something, you had to make the effort to ask, rather than it being offered. That said, this is an economic camp – and a compromise in terms of service should perhaps be expected.
Ruaha River Lodge is an attractive camp that feels very natural – and given its size it still manages to be quite personal and in touch with its surroundings. For those looking for a camp that has a good level of comfort, great views and moderate price tag then this would be a great choice.
Ideal length of stay: Consider staying here for three to four nights so as to have enough time to explore the different safari areas of Ruaha National Park.
Central facilities: One of the two main dining/lounge areas of Ruaha River Lodge is a large open-fronted building with a high thatch roof. The back of the room is closed by reed walls which makes the room feel cosy. However the front is totally open to views across the river. In the dry season this is a great place to watch out for animals coming down to drink.
Comfortable leather sofas and chairs are grouped around coffee tables – and provide a comfortable and relaxed place to enjoy the vistas. In the evenings, guests gather here to swap stories of the day. Adjacent to the lounge, tables and directors chairs are set up for dining.
The second lounge area is an impressive structure built on top of a high kopje. The views across the river and the park from here are quite spectacular. There are number of lounging areas for relaxing and enjoying the views, and tables set for dining.
Though the two dining areas are different in location – in style they are very similar. Both are constructed using natural materials like reed and thatch, both have polished red stone floors, and both are adorned with carved gourds and animal horns.
Ruaha River Lodge has a small shop where you can by the odd gift, including postcards and t-shirts, though don't expect a variety of high quality curios. There is also a small book exchange.
Directions: Ruaha River Lodge is a 9-hour drive from Dar es Salaam. However it is only a two and a half hour flight – it is then a half an hour drive from the airstrip.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Independent / Owner Run
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: When we were last at Ruaha River Lodge, the food was tasty and wholesome, but far from Michelin-starred. There was plenty of it, but it was adequate rather than inspiring. Meals consisted of:
Breakfast is served between 7-10.30am and usually consists of fruit, juices, cinnamon rolls, eggs of your choice and a full cooked breakfast. The continental breakfast is set out in a buffet style and you can help yourself to whatever you want. Your waiter will then ask if you would like a cooked breakfast to follow.
Lunch is also served buffet-style: a line of platters offering a variety of salads. When we were last there they had a mix of pasta and rice salads, as well as a mix of green salads and cold meats. It was a light and refreshing lunch, with plenty of choice.
Dinner is a more formal three-course affair served to your table. The starter is often a thick, warming vegetable soup, then for the main course you can expect something like a meat stew, or grilled fish with plenty of vegetables on the side. Desert is then usually a fresh fruit salad, or ice-cream.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included – a soda is $2 and a beer is $3
Special interests
Birdwatching: Ruaha's unique position at the centre of Tanzania, north of Selous but south of most of Tanzania's other parks, gives it an interested cross section of birds - and makes it a fascinating park for the bird-watcher.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Tanzania
Wildlife: You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard, particularly good cheetah and even wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu; it's an excellent park for wildlife.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife in Tanzania
Children
Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Ruaha River Lodge.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions on children in camp – however you do have to be over 16 to walk.
Activities: Can arrange child-minding
Equipment: Cots and highchairs are available on request.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Ruaha River Lodge has dangerous big game wandering through it fairly regularly, so children here need to be carefully supervised at all times.
Central communications
Communications: Internet is available for free at Ruaha River Lodge – however it is just on the office computer, so it depends when this is available.
TV & radio: There is no television or radio available at Ruaha River Lodge.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There are first aid trained members of staff on site and a dispensary at the main Msembe rangers post, about 45 minutes away. For serious emergencies – the Foxes actually have a plane and can fly someone out to Dar
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: You are escorted to and from your banda after dark, and there are safes in all of the rooms.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the vehicles.
Extras
Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Included
Money: Ruaha River Lodge will happily change pounds, dollars or euros into Tanzanian shillings.
Accepted payment: You cannot use credit cards here – it is cash only. You can use pounds, dollars, euros or Tanzanian shillings.
Ruaha River Lodge review
OK, this camp stay started out very well. I was gobsmacked just arriving to that location! First time I've sensed a location description being understated in a tour companies marketing! It is amaz...
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