This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Mdonya Old River Camp
Mdonya Old River Camp
Mdonya Old River Camp
Mdonya Old River Camp
Mdonya Old River Camp
Mdonya Old River Camp

Mdonya Old River Camp


7°41’7.0"S 34°39’3.2"E

Reviews of Mdonya Old River Camp

Wildlife sightings and reviews

132 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Mdonya Old River Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Aug-2018, 20 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Mdonya Old River Camp.
Lion

95% success

Leopard

74% success

Cheetah

11% success

Wild dog

28% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Buffalo

84% success

Hippo

84% success

Eland

50% success

Spotted Hyena

35% success

Roan antelope

16% success

Striped Hyena

7% success

Sable antelope

6% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Showing 81-90 of 132
Duration
Arrival date
Mr E & Ms W
Uk

"Mdonya Old River Camp review"

3 nights Arrived 26 Dec 2010
"First and foremost, the safari was outstanding - we saw huge numbers of lions, elephants, buffalo, impala, giraffes and zebras. In particular, we saw lions feeding on a buffalo - a fearsome sight. The vehicles were comfortable and more importantly were open-sided so you felt *very* close to the animals. Our driver and guide were brilliant - good at spotting animals but also great company.

The camp was located in a very beautiful area and the recent short rains made it very lush indeed - a modern day garden of eden! The tent was very comfortable and listening to the animals wandering around at night is an unforgettable experience. The camp has a genuine bush-feel, which is added to by the open-air dining and camp fire drinks. The food is very good given the location, although not as lavish as in the Selous Impala Camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mrs S & Family
UK

"Mdonya Old River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 14 Dec 2010
"Our favourite camp and loved the infomal atmosphere. Manager and staff couldn't have been more helpful and tried really hard to please.

Accomm. and location were great. Food ok, huge portions but a bit on the school meal heavy side - however, given the location and lack of ingredients pretty good.

Flexibilty on game drives was very good and guide and driver very attentive, tried really hard and seemed to know their stuff.

All staff were superb with the children (16,14,11). Very happy with solar heating systems and welcomed lack of generator noise" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr M & Dr S
Middlesex

"Mdonya Old River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 9 Nov 2010
"Mdonya and the Ruaha park as a whole was the highlight of our trip to Tanzania. The camp is wonderfully simple and makes the most of the curve of the old river bed in its layout. We were in tent 10, the furthest from the camp with a wonderful view from the verandah out onto the river bed at the front and 'upstream' away from the camp at the side.

Wildlife is perfectly at home here, on our first night there were two elderly male lions lazing about 100m upstram from our tent in the riverbed, which amazingly (considering the doddery state of them) managed to kill a buffallo right outside the camp later in the night and stayed there guarding it for the duration of our 4 night visit. Both I and a giraffe had a shock when it popped its head over the side of the tent walls when i was having a shower one evening. The highlight in the camp though was listening to a leopard stalk and kill an impala right outside the front of our tent.

The guiding was variable, on our first day we had a driver and guide pair who seemed determined to drive the whole park in a day and only stop for a big cat. after a chat with Micol about this in the evening we were paired up with Zac for the rest of the trip. Zac is a much better guide with a huge amount of enthusiasim for the area and happy to talk about trees, insects, birds and find me my first ever Cheetah!

The food at the camp was good, very Italian but with a few odd twists and flexible in the timings of meals. Michol and Gil were very good hosts with lots of enthusiasim for the area and many stories to tell. The camp as a whole is much more relaxed than its sister camp in Selous - lake manze.

Mdonya is in the north of the park, a long way from the other camps and when we were there at the end of the dry season the majority of the game drives concentrated on the Mwagusi river area, about an hours drive away, as the local waterholes were mainly dried up, however we did see quite a lot of animals closer to the camp too. Our first guide insisted that we had whole day game drives in order to see anything but we did find that an early morning drive covering longer distances and a shorter evening drive in the Mdonya area was a much better combination.

We are very keen to go back early in the dry season when there is more water in the Mdonya and escarpment areas, as these are the most scenic areas of the park.

beware the Tsetse flies... evil little buggers." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mrs R
Bath

"Mdonya Old River Camp review"

2 nights Arrived 27 Oct 2010
"We liked the camp and the services were good but there were two real negatives.

When we arrived after flying overnight from Lodnon plus a 2.5 hr flight to Ruaha we were met at 11 am who said we were going on a safari before going to the camp. This would have been fine if we had arrived at the camp after a couple of hours but our guide insisted on a long safari and we arrived at the camp in the dark at 6.45 pm. This was too much after a long journey. The safari was shared with another guest who had come from Dar es Salaam but she had also not wanted an immediate long safari. The second day we were pressured to do a 13 hour safari which we successfully resisted, returned at lunchtime and went out again late afternoon, avoiding the intense heat of the early afternoon.

There is the general slight problem for the camp that there seemed always to be a significant drive before any special sightings." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average

Location:
Poor
Service:
Good
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs Y
Angus

"Mdonya Old River Camp review"

3 nights Arrived 20 Oct 2010
"After two very different camps in Selous, we went to Ruhaha National Park. This camp is the sister camp to Lake Manze, run along very similiar lines, but with a totally different feel.

The Camp Manager was away, and Alex was standing in, we felt that the camp was "running itself" and as she spoke no Swahali the staff had little guidance. Having said that the tents were great, we were back to no electricity, which was lovely, our guide and driver Kahimba and Nicholas were excellent and again very knowledgable, and very interesting to talk to over bush breakfast and bush lunch, we understood a lot more about ordinary life in Tanzania.

We had amazing sightings of lion, including a "Lion Honeymoon" and leopard, a large herd of buffallo and the wonderful elephants, all great. We were visited each night by a giraffe eating from the bushes three feet from our tent, as it was a full moon it was a wonderful experience.

The food was poor, and sausage casserole was perhaps not the correct meal for bush lunch, sitting in the jeep for six hours in the heat, both of us had upset stomachs after that day.

We enjoyed Mydona, but I'm very glad that it wasn't our first camp, by the time we got to Ruhaha we were acclimatised to camp life." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average

Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Poor
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs N
Hants

"Magical stay at Mdonya"

4 nights Arrived 22 Sep 2010
"This was an amazing place and a perfect start to our safari holiday.

Having had a wonderful game drive from the airport to the camp, including a lovely lunch and impromptu dash to see our first two leopards, we were quite late arriving at the camp, but were welcomed so warmly by Alex and Nicole and made to feel at home immediately. This was the feeling throughout our stay, nothing was too much trouble, the atmosphere was delightfully informal and friendly. Drinks around the campfire, and suppers all together created a lovely ambience to exchange views on our days experiences. Everyone was so flexible and we never felt there were any time constraints on our drives.

Our guide, Zac, and driver were excellent and put themselves out to find wonderful sightings for us. The tents were lovely and comfortable and private, food was excellent, Alex and Nicole fantastic hosts and always ready with any information we needed." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W-J
UK

"Living with eles at Mdonya"

3 nights Arrived 15 Aug 2010
"We were greeted at the camp by cool drinks, cold towels and the charming and friendly Australian Alex who explained the 'camp rules' . However she mistakenly told us that all drinks on activities were included which they turned out not to be; this was quickly sorted to everybody's satisfaction but future guests should be aware that if they accept the offer of a drink when arriving at the airstrip they will be charged.

The camp is Italian-dominated and English-speakers were definitely in the minority. On one evening there would have been 22 Italians plus us for dinner so Alex offered us a private dinner on our deck (private from the other guests, that is, not the elephants and buffalo!)

Food was good, with particularly excellent breakfasts, both in camp and in the bush. Tea and coffee is always available in the lounge area and included in the price. Drinks prices were reasonable – cheapest all trip. Service in camp was consistently excellent and provided with smiles all round. Ask politely and they will even provide room service for sundowner drinks. Alternatively the bar made from a tree destroyed by termites is great fun.

Tents are comfortable but with no frills, with the best designed bathroom area we had all trip – the only one where privacy was possible on the loo – from humans if not the occasional curious elephant. The game really does live in camp, with the eles, buffalo and impalas virtually permanent residents and giraffes, jackals and lions visiting on occasion. Because of this, the camp staff are extremely security conscious and there are plenty of Maasai around to ensure you move safely from your tent to the public areas and back again. It's strange how safe you feel when protected by a small tree and an even smaller man with a stick! We really liked this feeling of wildness to the place and the camp rates among our favourites.

We were less enthralled with the guiding. We had a guide, driver and trainee guide with us and we always felt they had their own agenda. They seemed keener on travelling huge distances rather than allowing us time to watch the animals in peace. Kahimba was an excellent spotter of animals and birds but we'd have liked a bit less rushing about. They were much keener on chatting to one another in Swahili than interacting with us.

This is epitomised by the fact that we were 'Sir' and 'Madam' for the whole time – everything else about Mdonya is so laid back this seemed very strange. It's perfectly possible this was a one – off but we don't think so – other guests who moved on to Mwagusi also commented on the contrast in quality and attitude of guides at the two camps.

To be fair, however, we also met other travellers who were delighted with their guide at Mdonya, so perhaps we should return and give it another go. In fact we'd be delighted to do so; the excellence of the camp outweighed our reservations about the guiding experience!!" See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms C & Ms B
London

"Mdonya Old River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 12 Aug 2010
"Mdonya is very similar to Lake Manze and just as good. If anything the camp management was even more friendly, and the food just as excellent.

Again, the game spotting and driving and the knowledge and courtesy of our guides was 5 star" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs P
Wiltshire

"Mdonya safari"

4 nights Arrived 11 Aug 2010
"Alex was excellent, welcoming us back from every game drive.

Kerosene lamps did not last the night which meant that getting up in the dark was interesting. Also the electric battery lamp supplied was about equivalent to 2 unfit glowworms. The blankets supplied for the cold nights were rather small.

The meat at the evening meal was sometimes very salty. Bush breakfasts were good.

On the game drives the tsetse flies were biting in August." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr H & Miss P
Surrey

"Mdonya Old River Camp"

2 nights Arrived 8 Aug 2010
"Excellent start to our African adventure.

Although the camp is basic the atmosphere created by the kerosene lamps and simple style tents immerses you in the safari experience. And a shower under the stars is one of the many memories we will never forget! Meals are taken together which provided a good opportunity to share your days experience with other guests.

The setting of the camp was superb - we saw Impala, Elephant, Buffalo and more from our tent! The staff were really friendly and helpful and make you feel welcome the second you land on the airstrip - our transfer to the camp turned into a full safari and by the time we reached the camp we had seen a wide variety of wildlife already.

Overall an excellent place for those with a sense of adventure!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Showing 81-90 of 132
92%
132 reviews of Mdonya Old River Camp by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
92
31
7
2
0
Filter by month

Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania

From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Other lodges in Ruaha National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Mwagusi Safari Camp

Mwagusi Safari Camp

Mwagusi is a long-established, permanent, tented safari camp, on an attractive bend of the seasonal Mwagusi River.


96% (115 reviews)
Kwihala Camp

Kwihala Camp

Kwihala is a permanent tented camp in Ruaha National Park, offering a high level of comfort and guiding in a natural setting.


99% (111 reviews)
Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka Safari Camp

Upmarket and stylish, Ikuka Safari Camp is set high on an escarpment with spectacular panoramic views over Ruaha National Park.


97% (55 reviews)
Jongomero Camp

Jongomero Camp

A stylish and luxurious camp in a remote part of Ruaha, Jongomero offers excellent guiding and service in a remote, wilderness area.


96% (45 reviews)
Kigelia Camp

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.


96% (33 reviews)
Kichaka Expeditions

Kichaka Expeditions

In a remote corner of Ruaha, Kichaka is a private mobile camp focusing on superbly guided walking safaris.


98% (23 reviews)
Ruaha River Lodge

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.


92% (12 reviews)
Kichaka Zumbua

Kichaka Zumbua

Kichaka Zumbua is a small, luxurious camp offering on outstanding walking safaris in a remote area of Ruaha.


100% (4 reviews)
Jabali Ridge

Jabali Ridge

One of Ruaha's most luxurious camps, Jabali Ridge nestles among kopjes and baobabs, with beautiful views of the surrounding area.


100% (4 reviews)
Jabali Private House

Jabali Private House

Jabali Private House in Ruaha National Park provides luxurious accommodation for private groups booked on an exclusive basis.


100% (2 reviews)
Jongomero Walking Safaris

Jongomero Walking

Fly-camping and walking safaris from Jongomero Camp give you the chance to explore remote safari areas in Ruaha National Park.


80% (2 reviews)
Asanja Ruaha Ndembo

Asanja Ruaha

Asanja Ruaha Ndembo is a smart new safari lodge in a picturesque setting overlooking the Great Ruaha River.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa