Ruaha River Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

Overview

Ruaha River Lodge is owned by the Fox family, who have been living and running safari camps in Tanzania for many years. It has a beautiful location on the banks of the Great Ruaha River, which is seasonal. Although it is quite large compared to other lodges in Ruaha, it does manage to hide the feel of being overwhelmingly large. It achieves this by having two separate dining and communal areas, one up on top of a rocky kopje, with stunning views and freshening breezes, and the other down by the river.

There are a total of 24 simple, en suite stone chalets. All have double and single beds with space for a fourth. Each has a private wooden deck looking over the river, flush loo and decent shower.

Ruaha River Lodge activities

Activities are focused on morning and afternoon game drives, and typically there is little chance of encountering vehicles from other lodges. Unusually they use petrol powered safari vehicles rather than diesel. It feels a bit uncanny when experiencing this when arriving from another camp - the lack of noise is quite surprising. And it often allows the vehicles to approach closer to game without disturbance than one might think. Walking safaris do not take place directly from the lodge, but can be arranged via the Park Headquarters at an additional cost and with advance notice.

Breakfast is usually served plated, whilst lunch and dinner are normally buffet style. It may not reach the gastronomic heights of some of the more expensive Ruaha lodges, but it is nicely presented and of very pleasing quality.

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Rural location

Ruaha River Lodge on the map

Rooms

Ruaha River Lodge bandas

Stone and thatch individual bandas spaced out along the banks of the Great Ruaha River. The rooms have a Queen sized bed and single bed as standard. Extra beds can be added for larger family groups. Spacious bathrooms are at the back of the room with solar heated water and a large veranda at the front. Ramped access for wheel chairs is available in some of the rooms and shower chairs can be provided.