For the insatiable adventurer, this safari mixes the wildest and most unique destinations for a once in a lifetime experience.
The African continent is staggeringly vast, and there are few explorers who have in one lifetime managed to get to grips with all of it. It is also staggeringly wild, and offers a selection of experiences that will transport you from your modern day-to-day existence into a land that time forgot, a land of beasts and heroes, a land of beauty.
As a taster of the huge variety that Africa has to offer, this trip takes you to three vastly different palces. It begins with the dramatic and inhospitable Damaraland of Namibia, and the Skeleton Coast. As if a giant storm leapt off the Atlantic Ocean and stirred the dunes up like waves, the Skeleton Coast is a desolate and tortured landscape. Endless miles of empty beaches allow for soul-searching, and make for the most uniquely beautiful hot air balloon rides this side of the Sahara. The contrast between the rich fishing waters of the Atlantic and the inhospitable desert as it falls right into the waves is vast, and yet Damaraland is famed not only for its dramatic geology but also its desert-adapted wildlife such as rhino and elephant, proving that life will endure.
The next stop focuses on Wild Dogs in the Okavango Delta. This wetland paradise borders the Kalahari Desert, and looks like an unlikely spot for floodwaters. But when the waters come, the fertile soils explode in a rush of life. Here, you will see a spectacular variety of game, including one of Africa’s rarest predators – the painted dog. A fascinatingly intelligent and social pack predator, they make for hours of entertainment and excitement. Unique among social carnivores, upon sexual maturity it is the females rather than the males that are expelled from their packs.
The final leg of the safari takes in one of the most untouched wildernesses in Africa - the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. Here, woodlands and savannah meet in an incredibly rich ecosystem. Some of Africa’s most spectacular elephant herds share this land with large prides of lion, prides that are dominated by hulking, black-maned males. This is as close as you can get to the wild Africa that the explorers of old were so enamoured by.
The itinerary above is a great showcase of Africa’s charismatic wilderness, but only scratches the surface! For our bucket list, we would cast a spotlight on a much-maligned predator, the hyena. These curious beasts with their ever-present grins and their whooping laughs lead fascinating lives if you look closely enough. Then there are the remote wildernesses of Gonarezhou, South Luangwa and Katavi, the tropical paradise islands of the Indian Ocean, the Kalahari Desert and the mountain gorillas of Uganda. On a completely different tack, we can take you deep-sea fishing off the Mozambican coast, lake fishing in Kariba or action fishing during the barbel run when the tigerfish in the Okavango River lose all inhibition and wildly strike at any well cast fly. We can show you the sardine run – an ocean migration of epic proportions, or go out to look for Great White Sharks, those deeply misunderstood cretins of the Atlantic Ocean, or the whales off the South African coastline in calving season. The list is endless…
Rugged, wild and remote, Damaraland is known for its dramatic geology. Bounded by the Skeleton Coast, the Kunene and Kaokoveld and the Etosha National Park, the landscape is breathtakingly colourful and diverse. The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings. Despite the harshness of the environment, the wildlife is plentiful thanks to ephemeral river systems. In addition to magnificent oryx and other plains game, desert adapted rhino and elephant migrate throughout the region. Tracking these wonderful animals, by vehicle or on foot, is a truly exhilarating experience.
The Okavango Delta, with its glittering channels and watercourses, is a massive inland delta that covers over 15 000km2. The summer rains that are the lifeblood of the delta, fall in the highlands of Angola and take about four months to complete their journey, lazily meandering their way down the 1 200km watercourse to arrive in the Delta and slowly spreading through the wetlands just in time for winter. There is less than a 2 metre difference in elevation across the Delta, which means that once the water gets there, it fans out extensively. By June each year, the flood basin has normally swelled to three times its normal size. There are an estimated 200 000 large mammals in the Delta, mostly elephant and buffalo, Herds of 250 000 zebra make the 240km march to the Makgadikgadi every year, returning home to the Delta for the winter feast. The predators follow this age-old pattern instinctively. Lions, leopards, hyena, wild dog, cheetah and jackal smack their lips at the inevitable return of the great herds, waiting patiently for their moment to pounce.
The city of Arusha is located below Mount Meru in northern Tanzania. It is the capital of the Arusha Region, and one of the major centres in East African. Its main attraction from a tourist point of view is its proximity to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. This makes it a popular layover point for tourists transferring into the area.
Deemed by many to be a very well-kept secret, Ruaha boasts a phenomenal variety of game. The park is located in central Tanzania and, with the addition of the Usangu Game Reserve in 2008, the size of the reserve is now over 20 200 square kilometres, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. On a greater scale, the park is part of the 45 000 square kilometre Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem. Ruaha represents a transition zone between the miombo woodlands common in Zambia, and the more open savannah, typical of northern Tanzania and Kenya. Ruaha is home to the largest population of elephants in East Africa, with over 10 000 elephants roaming the park. During the dry season large herds of buffalo congregate in the park with herds of 500 being a fairly common sighting. Not far behind the buffalo are the prides of lion that prowl the vast plains - particular in the Mwagusi river area which is said to hold one of the highest densities of lions in Africa.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. It is only accessible by light aircraft. It sits in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the dry Hoanib River. Gravel plains, rugged mountains and large, yellow sand dunes draw a scenic circle around the camp. Flanked to the east and west by craggy hills, the camp looks out over a desolate, starkly beautiful landscape, yet offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay. It is the perfect location for a series of unforgettable experiences, such as game drives to one of the greatest concentrations of desert-adapted elephant and lion, or scenic flights over the famous Skeleton Coast.
The camp comprises seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each with a stylish en-suite bedroom with shaded outdoor deck. Set in one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, great care was taken to ensure a minimal impact on the environment.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a joint-venture between Wilderness Safaris and the local community of Puros.
Damaraland is a mosaic of dramatic landscapes. The beautiful burnt orange granite domes of the iconic Spitzoppe and Erongo mountains define the landscape of the southeast. The red rocks of Twyfelfontein, the spectacular basalt slabs of the Organ Pipes and the multi-coloured rocks of Burnt Mountain dominate the central area. Further north, black basalt, flat-topped mountain ranges are surrounded by wind blown grasslands, studded with acacia trees.
The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The full spectrum of the country’s wildlife, including giraffe, rhinoceros, seals and ostriches is represented among the 5 000 engravings, along with human figures and the famous ‘Lion Man’, a long tailed lion with human toes.
The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings, the most famous of which is the White Lady of Brandberg, a somewhat faded depiction, surrounded by animals, just north of Uis. The hour-long hike to the White Lady is straightforward, and trips to view the less accessible, extra-ordinarily well-preserved paintings of the Brandberg massif can be arranged for fit enthusiasts.
There’s also plenty for those of a cultural bent. The Damara Living Museum offers visitors an insight into the lives of the Damara people, traditionally hunter-gatherers who, along with the Bushmen, are among the oldest inhabitants of Namibia; while the charming town of Omaruru, the gateway to the Erongo Conservancy, is home to a vibrant community of artists.
Mombo Camp was recently named ‘Best Hotel in the World’ by Travel+Leisure, and deservedly so. It is sumptuous and ultra luxurious. It is located in the midst of the Okavango Delta on the northern point of Chief’s Island, a huge area of waterways, plains and forests.
The raised camp nestles under large, shady trees and overlooks a floodplain that is generally brimming with life. The extremely spacious and luxurious en-suite tents are raised two metres from the ground and connected by wooden walkways. They feature expansive en-suite sleeping quarters, a large indoor shower overlooking the plains, and a dedicated lounge area that opens onto a long veranda with an outdoor shower and shaded seating.
Viewing high concentrations of plains game and their predators is the order of the day at Mombo. These include all the big cats, of which lion sightings are frequent - setting the stage for incredible predator interactions. Leopard sightings are superb.
Life in the Okavango Delta is governed by the rise and fall of floodwater, and access to different parts of the Delta varies with the season. June through to August is considered the best time for a safari, much of which is done by boat or canoe, as the water is at its highest. At this time of year the extent of the floodwater is at its most dramatic, and the animals will all have arrived in their droves. Hot, dry September and October are also good. The waters will have begun to recede and animals will crowd the waterholes.
The water of the Okavango River never reach the sea. Some drains into the neighbouring Moremi National Park, to the east of the Delta, and into Lake Ngami to the south. But the majority of the water is there to nourish the grasses and trees of the Delta, and to support one of the greatest concentrations of game in Africa. It is a seasonal rhythm, and when the floodwaters begin to ebb, many of the huge herds disperse, following the rains to greener pastures, only to return in the winter months in an endless repetition of one of nature’s greatest cycles.
The largest island in the Delta is known as Chief’s Island. It was formed by a fault line that uplifted an area over 70km long and 15km wide. In days gone by, it was reserved as an exclusive hunting area for the chief of the area, but now it provides the core dry land mass for much of the resident wildlife when the Delta is in flood.
Kili Villas are located just outside Arusha, which is the gateway to some of Tanzania’s best national parks. The villas have spellbinding views of Mounts Meru and Kilimanjaro, as well as of the Maasai Steppe.
The luxurious villas are for exclusive use only. The staff in each villa offer personal service, making for a truly relaxed holiday. Your private chef will cater according to your requests, and dedicated staff will tend to your every need.
The villas effortlessly accommodate groups of up to 8 people in private suites. Built around a central private courtyard, each villa boasts a reception, living and dining room, with the ground floor hosting two suites with bush or pool views and additional guest bathrooms. The second floor holds suites with views of the pool or surrounding bush as well as Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Each villa is distinctively decorated to showcase the best of local African design and craftsmanship, blended effortlessly with colonial style furniture. Kili Villas strike a careful balance between rustic and sophisticated. Textures run the gamut of stone-packed walls to cool white mosquito nets, while the sitting areas are laid out under exposed wooden beams and warmed by open fireplaces.
The city of Arusha is located below Mount Meru in northern Tanzania. It is the capital of the Arusha Region, and one of the major centres in East African. Its main attraction from a tourist point of view is its proximity to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. This makes it a popular layover point for tourists transferring into the area.
Located in the Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania, Kigelia Camp is set in a secluded grove of Kigelia or ‘Sausage Trees’ high on the banks of the Ifuguru sand river. Easy access is provided by a 14km game drive from the airstrip. The camp is seasonal, offering a tailor-made private experience from June to March, giving guests the opportunity to connect with the soul of Africa. Opened in 2008, Kigelia manages to combine the simplicity of a temporary tented camp with the style you would expect from a permanent camp. The area has an utterly unique ecosystem as it is situated where southern Africa meets eastern Africa, with an unusual overlap of animals and plants found nowhere else.
Kigelia Camp offers 6 luxurious walk-in tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, with flushing toilets and refreshing open-air showers. The tents are well furnished with locally-crafted pale wood furniture lending an understated yet rustic feel. Each room has its own private veranda allowing guests to enjoy the tranquillity of the bush in their own privacy.
Safari activities at Kigelia Camp focus on game drives. Guests have a choice of embarking on a full-day game drive and enjoying lunch in the middle of the bush, or a half-day drive returning to the camp for lunch and escaping the heat of the day before setting out again in the late afternoon. Closer to home, you could see some fascinating sights from the comfort of your own tent, with game frequently wandering through the camp and elephants often coming to feed on the vegetation and tap the dry riverbed for water.
The name “Ruaha” derives from the Wahehe word “Ruvaha”, which means “River”, taking its name from the Great Ruaha River which borders the southern section of the park. From the high-altitude, cold, almost montane highlands in the west, to the low-altitude, hot valleys in the east, the variation in terrain across the reserve is huge. The south contains the Usangu Swamps which is the source of the Great Ruaha River, an enormous wetland which is home to thousands of hippos and provides a good sanctuary for Ruaha’s population of elephants. The northern parts of the park are extremely remote with only the adventure seeker travelling here. The seasonal Mzombe River forms the park’s northern boundary which winds its way between enormous prehistoric rocky outcrops via several different habitats before tumbling into the Great Ruaha River in the East.
The park intersects so many diverse habitats that many of its inhabitants are rare or extremely habitat-specific and not found in many other parks within Africa. Notable unusual sightings include the endangered wild dog, sable antelope, roan antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and lesser kudu, and cheetah is also a possibility on the plains of the east. The park also has a high density of kudu, zebra, giraffe as well as predators such as black-backed jackal, spotted hyena and the elusive leopard. In addition to the magnificent mammals, Ruaha is a bird-lover’s paradise with over 550 species of land and water birds.
The African continent is staggeringly vast, and there are few explorers who have in one lifetime managed to get to grips with all of it. It is also staggeringly wild, and offers a selection of experiences that will transport you from your modern day-to-day existence into a land that time forgot, a land of beasts and heroes, a land of beauty.
As a taster of the huge variety that Africa has to offer, this trip takes you to three vastly different palces. It begins with the dramatic and inhospitable Damaraland of Namibia, and the Skeleton Coast. As if a giant storm leapt off the Atlantic Ocean and stirred the dunes up like waves, the Skeleton Coast is a desolate and tortured landscape. Endless miles of empty beaches allow for soul-searching, and make for the most uniquely beautiful hot air balloon rides this side of the Sahara. The contrast between the rich fishing waters of the Atlantic and the inhospitable desert as it falls right into the waves is vast, and yet Damaraland is famed not only for its dramatic geology but also its desert-adapted wildlife such as rhino and elephant, proving that life will endure.
The next stop focuses on Wild Dogs in the Okavango Delta. This wetland paradise borders the Kalahari Desert, and looks like an unlikely spot for floodwaters. But when the waters come, the fertile soils explode in a rush of life. Here, you will see a spectacular variety of game, including one of Africa’s rarest predators – the painted dog. A fascinatingly intelligent and social pack predator, they make for hours of entertainment and excitement. Unique among social carnivores, upon sexual maturity it is the females rather than the males that are expelled from their packs.
The final leg of the safari takes in one of the most untouched wildernesses in Africa - the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. Here, woodlands and savannah meet in an incredibly rich ecosystem. Some of Africa’s most spectacular elephant herds share this land with large prides of lion, prides that are dominated by hulking, black-maned males. This is as close as you can get to the wild Africa that the explorers of old were so enamoured by.
The itinerary above is a great showcase of Africa’s charismatic wilderness, but only scratches the surface! For our bucket list, we would cast a spotlight on a much-maligned predator, the hyena. These curious beasts with their ever-present grins and their whooping laughs lead fascinating lives if you look closely enough. Then there are the remote wildernesses of Gonarezhou, South Luangwa and Katavi, the tropical paradise islands of the Indian Ocean, the Kalahari Desert and the mountain gorillas of Uganda. On a completely different tack, we can take you deep-sea fishing off the Mozambican coast, lake fishing in Kariba or action fishing during the barbel run when the tigerfish in the Okavango River lose all inhibition and wildly strike at any well cast fly. Staying in an aquatic real for the moment, we can show you the sardine run – an ocean migration of epic proportions, or go out to look for Great White Sharks, those deeply misunderstood cretins of the Atlantic Ocean, or the whales off the South African coastline in calving season. The list is endless…
Rugged, wild and remote, Damaraland is known for its dramatic geology. Bounded by the Skeleton Coast, the Kunene and Kaokoveld and the Etosha National Park, the landscape is breathtakingly colourful and diverse. The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings. Despite the harshness of the environment, the wildlife is plentiful thanks to ephemeral river systems. In addition to magnificent oryx and other plains game, desert adapted rhino and elephant migrate throughout the region. Tracking these wonderful animals, by vehicle or on foot, is a truly exhilarating experience.
The Okavango Delta, with its glittering channels and watercourses, is a massive inland delta that covers over 15 000km2. The summer rains that are the lifeblood of the delta, fall in the highlands of Angola and take about four months to complete their journey, lazily meandering their way down the 1 200km watercourse to arrive in the Delta and slowly spreading through the wetlands just in time for winter. There is less than a 2 metre difference in elevation across the Delta, which means that once the water gets there, it fans out extensively. By June each year, the flood basin has normally swelled to three times its normal size. There are an estimated 200 000 large mammals in the Delta, mostly elephant and buffalo, Herds of 250 000 zebra make the 240km march to the Makgadikgadi every year, returning home to the Delta for the winter feast. The predators follow this age-old pattern instinctively. Lions, leopards, hyena, wild dog, cheetah and jackal smack their lips at the inevitable return of the great herds, waiting patiently for their moment to pounce.
The city of Arusha is located below Mount Meru in northern Tanzania. It is the capital of the Arusha Region, and one of the major centres in East African. Its main attraction from a tourist point of view is its proximity to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. This makes it a popular layover point for tourists transferring into the area.
Deemed by many to be a very well-kept secret, Ruaha boasts a phenomenal variety of game. The park is located in central Tanzania and, with the addition of the Usangu Game Reserve in 2008, the size of the reserve is now over 20 200 square kilometres, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. On a greater scale, the park is part of the 45 000 square kilometre Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem. Ruaha represents a transition zone between the miombo woodlands common in Zambia, and the more open savannah, typical of northern Tanzania and Kenya. Ruaha is home to the largest population of elephants in East Africa, with over 10 000 elephants roaming the park. During the dry season large herds of buffalo congregate in the park with herds of 500 being a fairly common sighting. Not far behind the buffalo are the prides of lion that prowl the vast plains - particular in the Mwagusi river area which is said to hold one of the highest densities of lions in Africa.
Perched amongst the rolling, rocky hills of the Palmwag Concession, raised Meru-style canvas tents face out onto the sweeping valley, dotted with euphorbia and ancient Welwitschia plants, and across to the surrounding Etendeka mountains.
Raised on wooden decks, each of the 8 spacious Meru-style canvas tents offers privacy, comfort and unrestricted views, and features an authentic en-suite bucket-shower. Accommodating only 16 guests, the remoteness of this exclusive, eco-friendly camp is perfectly balanced by its character-filled atmosphere, unmatched hospitality, and exceptional rangers, trackers and guides.
The Palmwag Concession extends for about 5 000km² between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast in northern Damaraland, a semi-desert area that is home to a surprisingly high variety and density of wildlife. The Reserve’s freshwater springs support the largest free-roaming black rhino population in Africa, as well as healthy populations of desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu, and predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyena.
Specialising in tracking the desert-adapted black rhino, Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare insight into rhino conservation. The camp is unfenced and not suitable for children under 12 years, while only those 16 years and older may track rhino on foot, due to the risk factor.
Desert Rhino Camp is a community-supportive, collaborative venture between Wilderness Safaris and the Save the Rhino Trust.
Damaraland is a mosaic of dramatic landscapes. The beautiful burnt orange granite domes of the iconic Spitzoppe and Erongo mountains define the landscape of the southeast. The red rocks of Twyfelfontein, the spectacular basalt slabs of the Organ Pipes and the multi-coloured rocks of Burnt Mountain dominate the central area. Further north, black basalt, flat-topped mountain ranges are surrounded by wind blown grasslands, studded with acacia trees.
The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The full spectrum of the country’s wildlife, including giraffe, rhinoceros, seals and ostriches is represented among the 5 000 engravings, along with human figures and the famous ‘Lion Man’, a long tailed lion with human toes.
The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings, the most famous of which is the White Lady of Brandberg, a somewhat faded depiction, surrounded by animals, just north of Uis. The hour-long hike to the White Lady is straightforward, and trips to view the less accessible, extra-ordinarily well-preserved paintings of the Brandberg massif can be arranged for fit enthusiasts.
There’s also plenty for those of a cultural bent. The Damara Living Museum offers visitors an insight into the lives of the Damara people, traditionally hunter-gatherers who, along with the Bushmen, are among the oldest inhabitants of Namibia; while the charming town of Omaruru, the gateway to the Erongo Conservancy, is home to a vibrant community of artists.
Life in the Okavango Delta is governed by the rise and fall of floodwater, and access to different parts of the Delta varies with the season. June through to August is considered the best time for a safari, much of which is done by boat or canoe, as the water is at its highest. At this time of year the extent of the floodwater is at its most dramatic, and the animals will all have arrived in their droves. Hot, dry September and October are also good. The waters will have begun to recede and animals will crowd the waterholes.
The water of the Okavango River never reach the sea. Some drains into the neighbouring Moremi National Park, to the east of the Delta, and into Lake Ngami to the south. But the majority of the water is there to nourish the grasses and trees of the Delta, and to support one of the greatest concentrations of game in Africa. It is a seasonal rhythm, and when the floodwaters begin to ebb, many of the huge herds disperse, following the rains to greener pastures, only to return in the winter months in an endless repetition of one of nature’s greatest cycles.
The largest island in the Delta is known as Chief’s Island. It was formed by a fault line that uplifted an area over 70km long and 15km wide. In days gone by, it was reserved as an exclusive hunting area for the chief of the area, but now it provides the core dry land mass for much of the resident wildlife when the Delta is in flood.
Kili Villas are located just outside Arusha, which is the gateway to some of Tanzania’s best national parks. The villas have spellbinding views of Mounts Meru and Kilimanjaro, as well as of the Maasai Steppe.
The luxurious villas are for exclusive use only. The staff in each villa offer personal service, making for a truly relaxed holiday. Your private chef will cater according to your requests, and dedicated staff will tend to your every need.
The villas effortlessly accommodate groups of up to 8 people in private suites. Built around a central private courtyard, each villa boasts a reception, living and dining room, with the ground floor hosting two suites with bush or pool views and additional guest bathrooms. The second floor holds suites with views of the pool or surrounding bush as well as Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Each villa is distinctively decorated to showcase the best of local African design and craftsmanship, blended effortlessly with colonial style furniture. Kili Villas strike a careful balance between rustic and sophisticated. Textures run the gamut of stone-packed walls to cool white mosquito nets, while the sitting areas are laid out under exposed wooden beams and warmed by open fireplaces.
The city of Arusha is located below Mount Meru in northern Tanzania. It is the capital of the Arusha Region, and one of the major centres in East African. Its main attraction from a tourist point of view is its proximity to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. This makes it a popular layover point for tourists transferring into the area.
Kwihala Camp is a private, remote, mobile camp set up in 2006 and owned by Asilia. It is situated in a secluded area within the Ruaha National Park. Located far from other camps within Ruaha, Kwihala Camp offers guests the unique experience of seeing very little human activity, if any, so guests have the opportunity to be engrossed exclusively in the wild. With the camp alternating its location twice a year it guarantees an unspoiled setting, giving guests the chance to experience the amazing wildlife and tranquillity of the bush in the comfort of their luxury tents.
In further pursuit of the ultimate wildlife experience, Kwihala prides itself on its high standard of guiding, with guides renowned for their intimate knowledge of the particular wonders of Ruaha. With food and the service at camp also being of a high standard, guests will be delighted by the experience. Furthermore, camp is comprised of only 6 luxurious canvas tents, offering exclusivity and intimacy. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom and private veranda for relaxing downtime between game drives.
With Ruaha intersecting a variety of habitats, game drives and walking safaris with the knowledgeable guides offer the opportunity for great wild dog, sable antelope, roan antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and lesser kudus. Along with this is a thrilling concentration of predators and big game, in a beautiful and untouched landscape, making a walking safari here a highlight of the African wilderness experience.
The name “Ruaha” derives from the Wahehe word “Ruvaha”, which means “River”, taking its name from the Great Ruaha River which borders the southern section of the park. From the high-altitude, cold, almost montane highlands in the west, to the low-altitude, hot valleys in the east, the variation in terrain across the reserve is huge. The south contains the Usangu Swamps which is the source of the Great Ruaha River, an enormous wetland which is home to thousands of hippos and provides a good sanctuary for Ruaha’s population of elephants. The northern parts of the park are extremely remote with only the adventure seeker travelling here. The seasonal Mzombe River forms the park’s northern boundary which winds its way between enormous prehistoric rocky outcrops via several different habitats before tumbling into the Great Ruaha River in the East.
The park intersects so many diverse habitats that many of its inhabitants are rare or extremely habitat-specific and not found in many other parks within Africa. Notable unusual sightings include the endangered wild dog, sable antelope, roan antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and lesser kudu, and cheetah is also a possibility on the plains of the east. The park also has a high density of kudu, zebra, giraffe as well as predators such as black-backed jackal, spotted hyena and the elusive leopard. In addition to the magnificent mammals, Ruaha is a bird-lover’s paradise with over 550 species of land and water birds.
Take advantage of the lower South African exchange rate and get a luxury trip at an amazing price:
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