Reviews of Kichaka Zumbua

"Our favourite camp and experience in Tanzania. We spent 4 nights, 5 days at Kichaka. From the moment we were picked up at the airstrip by Moyo and Vincent, we knew we were in for a special time. We were the only guests at camp and our afternoon driving from the airstrip to camp was an exciting introduction to the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park. From the moment we left the airstrip, we never encountered another vehicle or individual until we returned to the airstrip 5 days later.

Kichaka is located exclusively on a ridge overlooking the Great Ruaha River on the Eastern edge of the expansive national park with no other lodges or camps nearby. The location and the accommodation is wonderful. Our accommodation was incredibly comfortable, with a wonderful deck for sundowners and numerous animal sightings. You are up high and can see for miles. The plunge pool was such a luxury after a morning spent hiking in the bush. The bathroom was spectacular, and that sunken bath was so inviting. The rooms were gloriously cool at night time and we never had any issue with insects.

But what makes Kichaka truly exceptional is the interactions with both Moli and Noelle, the dedicated visionaries who have followed their dream to create one of the most exciting camps we have ever visited. Trekking with Moli was such an exciting experience. He is a gifted story teller, botanist, zoologist, birder and conservationist. Trekking in the bush was always at a comfortable pace, allowing for plenty of stops with witty observations and insights. We had close encounters with Lions, Lion cubs, wild dogs, Elephants and we learned so much about the amazing diedrick cuckoo, woodpeckers, baby crocodiles, Hippos and Thereapins.

Returning to the comfort of camp each lunch time to the genuine hospitality of Noelle was a joy. She is the heart and soul of Kichaka, always smiling, gracious and great fun. The food was the best we had on our whole trip. And just like our treks each morning, the menu was varied, fresh, innovative and delicious. Our encounters with each of the team from Kichaka were always polite, friendly and welcoming. It is clear the team are incredibly proud of working for Kichaka and both Moli and Noelle have invested both time and energy into training this charming team. Abdul was always ready with a cocktail or a refreshing drink to cool us down, and he always ensured the fire was lit before dinner to allow us to star gaze.

For us, Kichaka is the reason we adore Africa. Its remote, wild and free. It exceeded all our expectations and we are determined to return one day and go fly camping. This is a camp for dreamers, to escape the trappings and stress of modern life, and to reconnect with the very best of nature and people. We will remember our time in Kichaka forever." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"It is certainly a unique experience at Kichaka! Molli is both knowledgable and passionate about the bush, ably backed up by Moyo who is an excellent guide. Also Vincent who, despite being new to Kichaka, gave us some of our best spotting on the drives to and from the camp.

Molli’s walking safaris are not to be missed and give a unique perspective to seeing the animals close up. Absolutely amazing tracking skills that Molli and Moyo were generous to share with us. The new suites, built by the team during the pandemic, are stunningly appointed, each with their own plunge pool which are huge! Outside baths are a unique and a wonderful indulgence. Only three rooms meant we got a totally individual experience.

Molli and Noelle were wonderful hosts and kept us company at every meal. The food was all lovely but we did find that the lunches were very long giving us very limited down time between our morning walk and afternoon drive. Would have been preferable to have a lighter and quicker lunch so that we could relax and enjoy the amazing rooms and scenery. The remoteness of this camp makes it a unique experience and the only other people we saw were park rangers.

We would love to go back in the rainy season and learn even more from Molli and the Kichaka family." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Our third visit and keeps getting better. The new rooms and camp are outstanding but there is still the unique intimate atmosphere.

Quality of guiding as good as ever and great to see Moli developing new people.

Fly camp is a must for the wilderness lover and gives a different perspective and location to explore." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania

"I really didn't want to be in a lodge and had hoped to be accommodated in a fly camp, but once I got there, it was so hot that the rooms were a blessed relief. The rooms were incredible! I have stayed at some fabulous hotels, but this must top them all. I had my own swimming pool! The bathroom was heavenly - floating in a bath looking out on the bush. Then sundowner drinks and excellent food. The guiding was excellent, as Molli is so well known for. I found the heat rather difficult, so 5 hours chasing buffalo or tracking lions was quite a lot for me. But - that wasn't a problem, the next day, all I had to do was come along but tell Molli when I had had enough, and he called a Landy, which took me on a driving safari. Nothing was too much bother." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania