Reviews of Ikuka Safari Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
48 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ikuka Safari Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
84% success
15% success
16% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
81% success
74% success
69% success
44% success
23% success
15% success
8% success
0% success
0% success
"Astonishing view"
Food and drink: The food was super - but requires some self control not to overdo it. Wines were also good.
Staff generally: Slightly less good than Siwandu on attendance in the room, but generally more refined in the dining area. Staff were friendly and absolutely charming - a real pleasure to chat with.
Guiding: Our guide Geofrey was exceptionally knowledgeable and very good at predicting what the wildlife was likely to do next, meaning we were often uniquely well placed to view.
Vehicles and game drives: Very good - the vehicle was more comfortable and the roads much better than in Selous so that longer drives were quite possible.
Game viewing: Really excellent for elephant and lions as well as several very good sightings with leopards and a young serval. Geofrey's skill meant we were in position to see lions and leopard hunting. Although not great birders, there were some spectacular and colourful birds especially around the river environment. Some wonderful vistas with mixed herds of impala, water buck, zebra and elephant which created a marvellous atmosphere." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
4 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Incredible guides, location, service in Ruaha"
The location of the lodge on an escarpment makes for incredible views from beautiful huts, each very private, all handbuilt by Mark and Chloe the owners. Their presence - and lack of big business - are clearly felt throughout.
The location with its view is about 20 min from the riverbed, but the drive back and forth did not get tiring. The large population of baobob trees add depth to the landscape. We will likely return in February just to see the area green. If you go, do take a walking safari for a half-day with Mark or one of the guides." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Amazing place"
The wildlife is very good (lions, leopards, hippos, many elephants etc - no hippo in Ruaha) - not as many animals as the serengeti but much quieter" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
"Wonderful, just wonderful!"
The bungalows are very private, very large and light, very well appointed. Zero complaints.
Our guide was so good (knowledgeable, very good English, very nice guy)! We had 8 safaris in 4 days, and we had a great time on every trip.
Some of the excellence of the safaris is due to Ruaha Park, of course. We saw 3 groups of lions, a leopard, many elephants and giraffes, so many birds (our guide was an excellent spotter, too)." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
3 sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ikuka review"
The food was plentiful but a bit stodgy.
We were disappointed that there were no walking safaris because of the onset of the wet season.
Our guide, Festo, was most knowledgeable and with help we spotted 70 different species of birds.
A really great location" See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
"Exceptional Safari at Ikuka"
Mark and his team work really well together and there is a very happy atmosphere. We loved being welcomed on return from game drives by the team smiling and waving. The pool was wonderfully cool but does have a funny smell.
Some nights were chilly and we were glad of hot water bottles. The laundry were brilliant as all my husbands clothes were soaking wet as his suitcase had been left in the rain at Dar es Salaam airport. All meals were excellent, we had to ask for smaller portions as three huge course and cake for tea was too much for us!
Our room was good with stunning views, but we found being zipped in overnight as opposed to mosquito nets was a bore as whoever went to the loo in the night woke the other up!
Festo, our guide throughout, was excellent. We would stay at Ikuka again to be with Festo. He has great knowledge and experience and is also a brilliant mimic, birds, animals and Italian guests! Wonderful Great eagle owls and pale spotted owls very special. We are considering returning to Ikuka next February." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"Ikuka Review"
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ikuka review"
Whilst the rooms were well appointed the design of the bathrooms outside the enclosed tented area at night was both inconvenient and also meant that visits to the bathroom during the night and in the morning were fraught with bat droppings/insects of various sizes everywhere.
We had a first class guide in Festo who enhanced our safari drives with both his natural wit and extensive knowledge of all aspects of the Ruaha." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"A bit of luxury and stunning views at Ikuka"
The staff at Ikuka were all incredibly friendly, and went out of their way to make sure you had everything you needed. The managers Mark and Tanya were also very friendly and attentive, and always had dinner with the guests in the evening. All of the food was delicious, and there was always a special vegetarian option waiting for me, which was much appreciated!
Our safari guide Habibo was very knowledgeable, and led us to some amazing views of two separate leopards, hundreds of elephants and plenty of beautiful birds. He also found some lovely spots for us to enjoy our sundowners and to take in the sights and sounds of Ruaha.
I had been wanting to visit Ruaha for several years prior to my trip, and wasn't disappointed. It really had a rugged beauty to it. Being the green season, the wildlife was rather spread out, but we still saw plenty, especially elephants. I have never seen so many in my life! The birdlife was outstanding too. I hope to visit again someday!" See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Elephant
7 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
7 sightings
"Ikuka review"
I still had a cold so I stayed at the camp one morning. The staff was quite kind and solicitous.
This was the perfect place to finish our safari adventure." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
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Other lodges in Ruaha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Mdonya Old River Camp
Designed with simplicity in mind, Mdonya River Camp focuses on a great wilderness experience rather than creature comforts.
Mwagusi Safari Camp
Mwagusi is a long-established, permanent, tented safari camp, on an attractive bend of the seasonal Mwagusi River.
Kwihala Camp
Kwihala is a permanent tented camp in Ruaha National Park, offering a high level of comfort and guiding in a natural setting.
Jongomero Camp
A stylish and luxurious camp in a remote part of Ruaha, Jongomero offers excellent guiding and service in a remote, wilderness area.
Kigelia Camp
Kigelia is a stylish tented camp, set amid a grove of sausage trees, and combining a simple set-up with comforts and luxury.
Kichaka Expeditions
In a remote corner of Ruaha, Kichaka is a private mobile camp focusing on superbly guided walking safaris.
Ruaha River Lodge
In a lovely location beside a rocky river, the unpretentious Ruaha River Lodge is the largest and most economical camp in Ruaha National Park.
Kichaka Zumbua
Kichaka Zumbua is a small, luxurious camp offering on outstanding walking safaris in a remote area of Ruaha.
Jabali Ridge
One of Ruaha's most luxurious camps, Jabali Ridge nestles among kopjes and baobabs, with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Jongomero Walking
Fly-camping and walking safaris from Jongomero Camp give you the chance to explore remote safari areas in Ruaha National Park.
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House in Ruaha National Park provides luxurious accommodation for private groups booked on an exclusive basis.
Asanja Ruaha
Asanja Ruaha Ndembo is a smart new safari lodge in a picturesque setting overlooking the Great Ruaha River.
