Asanja Ruaha Ndembo: Our full report

Asanja Ruaha Ndembo is a smart safari lodge in the southern section of Ruaha.

With eight stylish tents this looks to be a luxurious base from where you can explore the wilds of Ruaha.

Asanja Ruaha Ndembo is located in a remote region of Ruaha National Park overlooking the Great Ruaha River. The name Ndembo means elephant in the local Bantu language, a nod to the high numbers of elephants found in Ruaha. We are told that elephants are regularly seen around the camp and wading in the river nearby.

The lodge has been designed by Neil Rocher who is the designer behind a number of top safari and beach lodges, including Ikuka Safari Camp in Ruaha and White Sand Villas on Zanzibar. The lodge has quite a modern aesthetic, with an open-plan design, oversized furniture and a colour scheme of creams and soft greys. All areas appear to be open-fronted to take in the views.

We understand that Asanja Ruaha Ndembo has eight luxury tented suites, each of which has double or twin beds, a lounge area, and a bathroom with a freestanding bath and outdoor shower. To the front of each suite is a verandah and small plunge pool, making this the only lodge in Ruaha to have private plunge pools for every room. We were told that the suites are equipped with all the normal amenities, such as a writing desk, power points for charging batteries, electronic safes and also a hairdryer and gym basket.

There is a lounge and dining area where meals are taken, although in good weather these can be served outside. As with all good safari camps, there is a fire pit surrounded by directors’ chairs where guests regularly gather for a pre-dinner drink.

We were told that Asanja Ruaha Ndembo has a pop-up spa, and we understand that in-room massages can be booked on request at extra cost.

Activities at Asanja Ruaha Ndembo revolve around game drives in remote areas of Ruaha National Park. The wildlife in Ruaha can be fantastic, particularly in the dry season, and the park is known for its high numbers of lions and elephants. Walking safaris are also available, at an extra cost of $120 per person, and focus on the plants, birds and other smaller animal species found in Ruaha. The camp also offers a fly-camping experience, ‘Asanja Under the Stars’, which is a small, exclusive camp set up for you in the middle of the bush. This experience is best booked in advance.

Our view

At the time of writing, in 2020, none of the Expert Africa team had had the chance to visit Asanja Ruaha. However this appears to be an exciting new addition to this remote national park. We are not very familiar with the Asanja group of camps, however their Ruaha base appears to be very good and we are looking forward to our first visit.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

Location: Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: Stay for at least three nights to try the activities and explore the area.
Directions: Asanja Ruaha is around an hour drive from Msembe Airstrip.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is available on request
Drinks included: Drinks are at extra cost, and we expect these to be around $5 USD for a beer or glass of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children: Asanja Ruaha accepts children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: None
Notes: Asanja Ruaha is unfenced and wildlife wonders through the camp. Children should be supervised at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: Given the global concern over sustainability we are disappointed to see that the lodge is powered by a generator.
Communications: There is WiFi both in the suites and in the communal areas.
Water supply: Borehole