Jackal Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day

Small, stylish and owner-run, Ikuka Safari Camp sits in a prime position high on the escarpment in Ruaha National Park. From this superb vantage point, every part of the lodge looks out over the plains below, just 20 minutes from the park’s best game-viewing areas.

The hand of an experienced architect is clear from the outset. Neutral colours, from soft cream curtains to toning bed linen, combine with natural materials to instil a sense of both calm and sophistication.

Plenty of thought has gone into the setting of the seven open-sided rooms, which face either the sunrise or the sunset. Low quartz stone walls and large balconies make the most of the views, while high thatched roofs attract even the lightest of breezes.

The natural theme continues through to the two-storey lounge, built among boulders and complete with spotting scope trained on the plains. Leather chairs and low tables with a range of wildlife books invite relaxation; a large table encourages sociable dining over excellent meals.

Spend your days exploring the game-rich area around the Mwagusi River in an open 4x4 game-drive vehicle, or consider a guided walk and seek out the minutiae of the park’s flora and fauna.

"The room was spectacular... Ikuka has an incredible view southwards across Ruaha"

Mr & Mrs WWfromLondon

Arrived 5 Sep 2024, 4 nights

Then return to the gorgeous infinity pool, just waiting to round off your day with a cooling dip-with-a-view. See our full report on Ikuka Safari Camp

Beho Beho has a unique location in the Nyerere National Park – high on a hill in an area dotted with baobab trees. Indeed, the name Beho Beho means ‘breeze’, which is apt given its airy location. Its site was first used as early as 1972, and it’s not only one of the reserve’s first camps, but also one of the few camps in the Nyerere National Park (previously known as the Selous Game Reserve) that is set away from the river or one of the lakeshores. In 2004 the camp was rebuilt using locally sourced materials and it regularly undergoes a complete refurbishment.

"A lovely safari camp. Excellent service and very friendly. Wonderful guides."

LJ and DJfromGJ

Arrived 17 Feb 2024, 4 nights

Since it opened, Beho Beho has set very high standards. This is one of the very best camps we know anywhere in Africa. While it’s smart and luxurious, the welcome here is always warm and the mood is friendly, not pretentious. The food is outstanding, like dining out at a very good restaurant at every meal. Most importantly, the guiding is first-class, delivered by individuals who know their subject inside out and for the most part have perfected the art of passing it on to guests across the whole spectrum of safari experience, from first-time safari-goers to those who come back again and again. And despite these very high, self-imposed standards, Beho Beho still manages to exceed expectations. The only downsides are that it isn't on a riverbank or lakeshore (the defining appeal of many camps in Nyerere National Park) and the relatively high price tag, although this can be offset by long-stay reductions: the minimum stay in any case is 3 nights. See our full report on Beho Beho