Reviews of Kigelia Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
33 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kigelia Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
92% success
60% success
13% success
27% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
90% success
80% success
78% success
67% success
22% success
20% success
14% success
0% success
0% success
"A genuine safari experience"
The night drive was awesome, a great chance to see many nocturnal animals. The manager of the camp (Ken) runs a very efficient operation with all staff seeming fully involved and keen to chat with guests.
A surprise birthday dinner (complete with cake, candles and dancing/singing from the whole team) was most unexpected, touching and very appreciated." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 5n in Rwanda
"4 days at Ruaha"
Guiding was at best average and there were several occasions when I missed sightings or photographic opportunities at sightings because my guide was slow to react to movement of the animals and did not anticipate their behaviour so failing to position the car when other vehicles were in a much better position. He was a relief guide from Arusha, not permanently based there and was clearly disadvantaged by a lack of local knowledge of the park and animals.
Camp manager was visible but less involved with guests than at previous camps and did not host meals, only joining us for 30 mins before dinner
Camp and room decor and furniture was a little tired and would benefit from upgrading.
Camp staff were attentive and helpful however and mindful of guests individual needs and preferences." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Excellent--not quite up to Nomad standards"
The food was excellent, the guiding was up to the usual impeccable Nomad standards, and the tent was comfortable. I was awaken at 2 AM by a leopard who decided to sit on our porch--and have the footprints to prove it! Wow.
I understand that Kigali is a newly acquired Nomad camp. That being the case, I expect Ken, the affable camp manger, will have it whipped into ship-shape in short order. If need be, send Jean from Katavi. He's have that place humming in days!" See all these reviews: 25n in Tanzania; 3n in Rwanda
"Great Bush Experience at Kigelia CAmp"
The rooms were spacious but needed more storage. We needed a table to put things on and a few more shelves.
Service was excellent and we liked the fact that drinks were inclusive. The staff were not so chatty but we suspect their English was limited. Ken, the manager, was very attentive and professional. Times of meals and drives were very flexible and nothing was too much trouble.
John, our guide and driver, was experienced and very good at spotting animals and even small birds at a distance. He accommodated our interests and we were lucky enough to be on our own in the vehicle. We especially enjoyed the night drive.
The meals were good and freshly cooked. They were quite simple and there were a variety of vegetables." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
"Great game in Ruaha"
We had great game drives. We were able most of the animals in just 1,5 days: many lions, leopard, elephants, giraffes, impalas, kudus. The game drives were varied and our guide John was very good in spotting the animals.
We also enjoyed a walking safari which offered us a different view of the savana.
Kigelia Camp is very comfortable. The tents are well furnished and with a good view of the savana. The camp staff was welcoming and attentive. The meals were good and it was very enjoyable to eat with all the guests, a moment to share the experiences of the day. The evening drinks at the campfire were very nice." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Great game in Ruaha"
Terrific, knowledgeable guiding and an abundance of game.
An experience we will definitely repeat." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Kigelia Camp review"
Ken made us feel like we were welcomed by trusted friends. Joel, our Guide, (no picture on your website) is a great Ambassador to your Camp, the park and Tanzania. He is a true treasure." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Excellent Camp & Wildlife Viewing"
Kigelia Camp is very comfortable. The thatch covered tents are well spaced providing a sense of complete privacy. The family area which we occupied consists of two spacious tents set up next to each other, a king bed in the parent’s tent and two twin beds in the children’s tent, with each tent having its own en-suite bathroom. I especially enjoyed watching the vervet monkeys playing in the sausage tree shading our tent, as I washed off the heat of the day in the thatch screened, open air bucket shower.
The camp staff had dug water holes in the sandy Ifuguru riverbed in front of our tents. These water holes attracted many colorful birds during the heat of the day, including a brown-necked parrot, as well as several animals during the morning and evening. Other notable animal sightings from the sitting area in front of our tent included a pair of bull elephants browsing in the brush beside our tent a mere 10 meters away.
The camp staff was welcoming and attentive. The meals were delicious and the evening campfire was delightful. Kigelia Camp gets my highest recommendation." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zanzibar; 2n in South Africa
"ruaha heaven"
We loved it, but the tents were quite hot (not shaded) and the common tent relatively small had the camp been full. We were told that they are moving to a different site on higher land so perhaps this will be corrected then. Also even one fan in the public tent would have made a big difference in the midday heat. By sundown the individual tents were nice and cool.
The staff was diligent about bringing water for the showers and the food was excellent." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
"Elephants at the bedhead"
We loved it, even though we found the 37C+ heat of mid-November a bit punishing in the middle of the day. We would go again to any Nomad camp, but we would avoid this hottest time of the year in Ruaha. Of course, the lack of water does mean that there are more animals around any water that there is and it was great fun (for us rather than the eles) watching the elephants dig water holes in the dry river beds as well as tearing Baobab trees to shreds." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
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