Ruaha River Lodge

Ruaha River Lodge in Tanzania is the oldest Ruaha safari lodge within Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, with a 30-year history of exceptional wildlife experiences. Stretched along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, the rustic lodge stands in the most privileged position of the park, where game viewing and panoramic views from camp come standard with any stay.

Property Details

Ruaha River Lodge in Tanzania has the distinct reputation of being the only permanent lodge in the Ruaha, with its 26 detached bandas spanning a beautiful bend in the Ruaha River. Each stone chalet is well spaced for privacy and connected by sandy stone-lined pathways. Interiors are both ample and comfortable, with spacious living space, writing desks, cool stone floors, and generous en-suite bathrooms decorated with found timber and outfitted with flush toilets, twin ceramic washbasins, and solar showers. The landmark feature of Ruaha River Lodge, however, are the spacious verandahs, whose river-facing views provide front row seats to the constant parade of wildlife drawn to its life-giving waters. At night, mesh windows let in the cool African breeze and the sounds of the visiting lions, elephants, and hippos right outside.

Ruaha River Lodge is built of local stone and thatch and makes the most of its incomparable position on the river bend with two separate dining areas. The first is situated along the river, where resident game usually meander into focus during breakfast, and evenings are best spent around the fire pit enjoying the views. The second dining area is perched high atop the largest kopje in the vicinity, thus offering commanding views of the river below and one of the best sundowner spots in all of Ruaha. Guests of Ruaha River Lodge benefit from hearty meals blending local staples and Western favorites and have the choice of making them even more memorable by opting for a private dinner on the veranda, an isolated bush breakfast, or a sundowner on a remote patch of the riverbank. No matter the spot, local Masai gladly walk each guest to and from their cottages to ensure utmost security.

Ruaha River Lodge game drives are well-tailored for a variety of tastes and preferences, whether morning, afternoon, or all-day outings into the deeper recesses of the park. Knowledgeable guides in open 4×4 vehicles lead guests in search of the epic big game of Ruaha, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, lion, wild dog, and substantial numbers of lion and cheetah. Ruaha has been known to spoil visitors with its exceptional wildlife and is considered an even better birding area, with more than 530 recorded bird species found here during even the slowest of months. For those in search of more bush immersion, Ruaha River Lodge also offers exclusive fly camping experiences as an alternative to the main Ruaha safari lodge.