Reviews of Jongomero Camp

"Jongomero Camp is situated in a remote, quiet location in the southern national park. The camp can be reached in 5 minutes via its own airstrip. If this airstrip is closed due to too much rain, the camp can be reached via road from the main airstrip (Msembe Airstrip). The drive takes about 2 hours (Jongomero Camp is also halfway to the recommended Usangu Camp).

The camp is slightly elevated in relation to the Jongomero River. The main area consists of a lounge and a dining room. The lounge area is furnished with sofas, armchairs, leather stools, coffee tables and carpets. There is also a bar and a small library. The dining area is separated from the lounge area by a corridor. There are individual tables for meals here. Further tables are located near the river and on different levels, slightly away from the main area. The tables are made of wood and could be renewed. They do not quite fit in with the otherwise positive impression of the camp. This also applies in part to the wicker chairs, i.e. the weave is coming loose. There is also a pool set into a raised platform as well as a fitness room (who needs it).

Canvas tents built on raised wooden platforms, each with an additional thatched roof for extra sun protection. Equipped with wooden furniture, double bed, bedside table, small desk and armchair. Electricity is unfortunately a little inconveniently positioned, i.e. to the side of the bed and almost at ground level. The bedside tables also cover the sockets. A private veranda with seating and lounging areas is located in front of the sleeping area. Directly behind the bed is a large en-suite bathroom, which is separated by a canvas wall. There is a double washbasin, a toilet (with a partition to the washbasins) and a large shower. There is hot and cold water and electricity available around the clock.

About the lighting: I personally find it a bit unfortunate, i.e. there are 10 or 11 lamps. They can only be switched on individually and are not very bright (and always on when i´m back).

The staff took good care of my well-being. All wishes were fulfilled without being intrusive. The food was on a par with the selection at other camps. Unfortunately, the preparation and quality was only average.

The guiding was mostly good. Unfortunately, a morning game drive was completely inappropriate. On the main route towards the main air strip, a stop was made at another camp (Asanja Ruaha) in the staff area. The tire pressure on all four tires was topped up there. I did not question this. It was also too late at this point. But I can ask myself whether the Jongomero Camp has no possibility to refill the tire pressure. After this stop, we returned to the main road with a short excursion on a side road. All in all, we drove a lot without really seeing any animals. In any case, the guide could have communicated better in advance.

I would generally recommend the camp to others. However, if you are looking for a camp so far away from most camps, I would prefer Usangu Camp to Jongomero Camp." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania

"Jongomero is an excellent camp and we loved staying there, it was our favourite place during our honeymoon.

When we arrived, all the staff came out to sing a song to welcome us to the camp and from then on, everything was top quality. The management team were excellent and explained everything when we arrived. There is loads of attention to detail, particularly with the housekeeping and the accommodation. Our tent was fantastic with wooden floor and bathroom, and a beautiful view onto the riverbed. The bed is absolutely huge and so comfortable!

We loved our guide Vincent and he was extremely knowledgable. We also did a walking safari with Giovanni, who was very experienced and friendly. We saw less animals compared with our second camp but the whole experience felt extremely special. We did see loads of different birds and it's a great place for bird-lovers. We would definitely come back to Jongomero.

The quality of the drinking water was excellent and is double filtered so tasted really fresh and nice. The food was excellent for bush breakfast and lunch. The only slight negative was some of the dinners weren't that great and the chicken was very tough." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"A truly wild, but luxurious experience. The managers, Theo and Mike, made every visitor feel welcome and part of lodge.

Great location on the Jongo river, which was in full flow after recent rains (late December) - and also several storms while we were in Camp. Amazing bird life, and flocks of butterflies. Other game harder to see in the high grass, but sufficient to keep us satisfied. Some river crossings were inaccessible through high water, which limited the directioins of the game drives." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania

"The camp is situated next to a partly dried up river in a very remote part of Ruaha. The visitor is always aware of the wildlife that visits throughout the day and night. The night skies are also amazing.

The service level was even better than Siwandu and the food was exceptional.

Our guide throughout was Apollo, who was knowledgeable and experienced. Again, we were fortunate to have Apollo for the entire stay. He was patient, and paced each safari trip. There was no feeling of being rushed or chasing after wildlife.

In addition to the survey we saw a family of Jackals and many Kudu.

The staff at the camp helped in the celebration of a special birthday making it memorable." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania

"Staff were very good, but not quite as good as the staff at Siwandu.

Similarly, the food, although very good, was not quite as good as that at Siwandu.

The safari was different to Siwandu, but together made a good combination. The guides were very good, and a lot of fun." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"This was a great camp. The location was great, and the wildlife sightings were numerous.

The staff were really friendly, and it was great that we had individual tables and were not forced to socialise. The camp was almost empty so we had our own private guide, which was an unexpected bonus." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania

"Our stay at Jongomero was brilliant.

The location is beautiful and remote. We saw no vehicles from other camps and had a genuine remote bush experience but with luxury tents.

Our guide, Giovanni, was brilliant with impressive tracking skills and was very informative. He was good humoured and fun with the kids. We saw large numbers of animals and especially elephants and enjoyed bush breakfasts by the river which was full of hippos.

A magical experience all round." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya

"An extremely well run camp; friendly and professional. Emiel, the manager, was extremely efficient and tailor made our safaris for us so that we set off early and came back for brunch. Our waiter, Christian couldn't have been more helpful but was never intrusive.

The location of the camp in Ruaha is fantastic: remote with beautiful scenery and plenty of water.

Our guide, Lambert, was a very good all-round naturalist, who took us to many different spots and was sensitive to when we wanted to stop for birds but managed to show us many animals as well.

The transfer to Kigelia was a great success with good viewing all the way and timed perfectly by Lambert." See all these reviews: 16n in Tanzania

"A beautiful secluded camp situated on the banks of a sand river up which elephants roamed every afternoon.Spotlessly clean and spacious accommodation. in canvas tents under thatch with lovely hard wood floors. Food very tasty and staff very ( perhaps a little over) attentive.

The managers Chris and Sam were very friendly and approachable but we felt that they could do more to integrate the guests. We still do not like separate dining and their way of keeping everyone apart is ridiculous when there are only a few people staying. We were given very little opportunity to talk to anyone else however we did know that this was their policy before we went so were prepared for it.

We were assigned our own guide, Allen, for the whole stay. He was good company very experienced and showed and taught us a lot but it reenforced the separation of guests.

Ruaha was beautiful and we had excellent sightings of lion, leopard, lesser Kudu and many new birds" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

"We came to Jongomero following a fly camping experience that was second to none......so the expectation levels were high. That said, the desire for comfort, a shower and space to stretch out was higher!

We were not disappointed by the facilities on offer - a 'real' shower, a flushing toilet and space were very welcome.......the other guests (Tsetse flies) were less welcome, but I guess that's outside Jongo's control!

The rest of the stay was enjoyable with a good walking safari and game drive - the meals were good too.

Some of the elements felt a little stilted or formulaic, however - the chef announcing the dinner menu was a nice touch, but too formal for us. The focus on the 'bottom line' also felt too corporate and less relaxed than we'd have liked - we were charged for sun-downers, for example. Rather than a celebration of the day, it felt like an exercise in accounting. I don't mind paying (we consumed it after all) but don't recall every seeing a wine list or price list anywhere.........maybe I should have altered my expectations.

Jongomero had all the right components, but lacked some hard to define sense of warmth or 'family'." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania