Kwihala is set deep in the bush of Ruaha National Park. It’s the largest national park in Tanzania, with plentiful wildlife, yet it feels remote and peaceful, with fewer visitors than other parks.

Head out on game drives to see elephants — the largest population in Tanzania is located here — and lions, known for hunting giraffes, buffalo and even elephants. On foot, discover the smaller inhabitants of the bush and learn how to identify animal prints and dung. At night, venture out with a spotlight to find nocturnal animals like bush babies and hyenas. Finish off the day around the campfire with a glass of wine under the glittering Milky Way. If you listen carefully, you hear the nearby Ikuka waterfall in the still night air, and even spot a meteor shower in the pristine sky.

Open: June to December

Closed: December to June

Closest airstrip: Msembe: 45-minute drive from camp

Families: children aged five and older

Accommodation

Our classic, expedition-style six-tent camp offers an intimate, exclusive safari experience in this vast land of towering baobabs and dense forests.

Rooms

The six tents at Kwihala are spacious and simple with king-sized beds. The en suite bathrooms have double vanities, flushing toilets and hot water safari bucket showers. Sitting out on your shady veranda, watch for elephants or kudus wandering past camp. At night, you’ll stay cool and comfy with a fan and a mosquito net.

Location

Location of Kwihala Camp Kwihala is set deep in the forest, surrounded by rain, fig, sausage and jackalberry trees. Its proximity to the Mwagusi River makes it one of the best locations in Ruaha National Park for game viewing. Plenty of animals gather to drink at the river, but the nearest human neighbours are far away. Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania, located in the centre of the country. It forms a transitional point between the landscapes of East and Southern Africa, with golden plains of sun-bleached grass, ancient baobabs and palm forests.

The greater Ruaha area is thought to be home to a tenth of the entire world’s wild lion population. Cheetahs — and even the occasional wild dog or leopard — are seen hunting on these plain, too. You might also spot greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, elephants, giraffes, bat-eared foxes and any of the area’s 570 bird species.

Experiences

Expedition-style camp Kwihala, positioned in the wildlife-rich Ruaha National Park, is simple and comfortable, designed in homage to the old expedition camps. The tented lounge and dining room is the social heart of the camp, where you’ll enjoy meals with fellow guests and chill out in the afternoon. After sunset, sit around the campfire to share safari stories over a couple of G&Ts.