On the banks of the wetlands, just beyond the reaches of the seasonal high-water mark, Usangu Expedition Camp sits among the woodland shade offering the perfect launch pad from where to enjoy the multitude of activities available across this largely unexplored 6,000km2 wilderness.

Location of Usangu Expedition Camp

The Usangu Wetland features a permanent water source in its centre, the Ihefu Swamp, surrounded by grassy marshlands and floodplains. During the dry season, only the Ihefu Swamp offers water but, as the rainy season develops, the wetland expands to cover an enormous area. On the outer limits of the wet season high-water mark, the miombo forest thrives and provides the perfectly shaded location for Usangu Expedition Camp.

The Usangu Wetland is an essential feature to the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem, with major implications for ecosystems thousands of kilometres away from the wetland itself. Its features are unique and under the proper conditions and health, the biodiversity of species is undeniably a treasure trove. Herds of roan and sable roam the vast wetland, and wild dogs run wide along rivers.

Hundreds of ostrich congregate in a way that is not often seen in other places in Africa. Thousands of migratory bird species pass through the wetland as well as unidentified amphibians, still waiting to be discovered.

About Usangu Expedition Camp

Boating and canoeing through the waterways amongst an array of birdlife, walking the wide open grasslands during the dry season months, or sleeping under the enormous canopy of the African night sky, Usangu Expedition Camp offers a safari experience like none other.

The neighbouring Douglas Bell Eco Research Station offers the opportunity to engage with research projects and develop a deeper understanding of the work being performed in the area. From the placing of camera traps and the identification of predators against the research database to tracking lions with telemetry and contributing to global research. Late afternoon presents the perfect time to explore the surrounding area on foot before enjoying the sunset over the Usangu Wetlands.

Open: 1 June to 31 January

Closed: 1 February to 31 May

Closest airstrip: Jongomero, 2-hour drive from camp

Families: children aged 12 and older

Accommodation

Usangu Expedition Camp has been carefully positioned as close to the high-water mark as possible, whilst still maximising the shade offered by the surrounding miombo woodlands. With just 4 guest tents, the camp offers an exclusive experience into this largely unexplored wetland. Simple in its design, the focus sits firmly on the exploratory nature of the experience with meals cooked on the open fire and enjoyed under the African stars.

Rooms

The four guest tents at Usangu Expedition Camp are simple yet comfortable, positioned on raised wooden decking with views towards the wetlands and a shaded veranda on which to relax. En suite bathrooms feature flushing toilets and plumbed showers.

A typical day on safari at Usangu Expedition Camp

Usangu Expedition Camp offers a wide variety of activities, allowing for your days to be tailored around your preferred interests. Each group in camp has a private vehicle and guide, allowing for complete flexibility within daily structure. Early mornings are typically best for game drives and walking safaris while the temperatures are slightly cooler, and wildlife is more active. Mid-afternoons are the perfect time to relax under the trees with a book or, or the more active, visit the Douglas Bell Eco Research Station for a first-hand explanation about the conservation work and research being conducted in the wetlands. Afternoons offer the opportunity for boating safaris or spending time in the field with a researcher.

Participate in research activities such as the positioning of camera traps, image analysis for predator identification and tracking collared lions using telemetry.

Breakfast is often a picnic to allow for an early start from camp, but lunch can either be enjoyed in camp under the cool shade, or a picnic can be provided for those who wish to stay out longer. Whether you are in the main camp or a star cube in the Trails Camp, dinner is prepared on the open fire in a communal setting.