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Rufiji River Camp, Tanzania

Rufiji River Camp

Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Rufiji River Camp

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Rufiji River Camp was the first camp to be built in Nyerere National Park. It is still immensely popular and a great camp to stay in, offering value for money. The river in front of the lodge is alive with hippo and crocodiles and also attracts a large number of elephant to drink. In the main lodge area, there is a friendly bar with stunning sunset views over the river, campfire pit and an open-sided dining room with plentiful food. There is also a shaded swimming pool to enjoy between game drives, walking and boating safaris. The camp’s 11 classic tents offer a traditional stay, or guests can opt for one of the three larger suites, with private plunge pools.

OUR OPINION:

Rufiji River Camp is a friendly and unpretentious camp. It has a great location perched above the river and the guides at the camp are approachable and knowledgeable.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Photos of Rufiji River Camp

  • Rufiji River Camp, lounge area
    Rufiji River Camp, lounge area
  • Rufiji River Camp, standard tent
    Rufiji River Camp, standard tent
  • Rufiji River Camp, standard tent
    Rufiji River Camp, standard tent
  • Rufiji River Camp, standard tent
    Rufiji River Camp, standard tent
  • Rufiji River Camp, river cruise
    Rufiji River Camp, river cruise

Rooms

Each tent is simple but spacious with Zanzibari beds, mosquito nets, wardrobes, writing desks and en suite bathrooms. The verandas have canvas safari chairs on which families of vervet monkeys like to sleep. There are also three family suites. Each of these has two large tents that are interconnected and built onto one platform that has a sitting area and a small private plunge pool. These are ideal for families or couples traveling together.

Location

The camp is situated on the eastern edge of Nyerere National Park on high banks overlooking the Rufiji River. Nyerere National Park is home to a third of Tanzania’s elephant, and two thirds of the wild dog population, two species which may be spotted from the camp. Easily reached, the camp is a 45-minute flight from Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam.

Food and drink

Rufiji offers a simple, tasty camp menu, and guests can expect fresh ingredients, with some grown on a local farm. Meals are served overlooking the river, and after-dinner drinks can be taken in the upper lounge. Breakfasts and lunches are usually back at the camp but may be served in the bush.

Families

Whilst there is no age restriction at Rufiji River Camp, there are no specific facilities or activities for children, and those under 12 will not be permitted on walking safaris. It is also worth noting that the camp is not fenced, and wildlife can approach at any time.

Facilities and activities

Activities from Rufiji River Camp are well organised and varied. It is possible to enjoy half- and full-day game drives in open 4x4s, walking safaris, and superb boat trips on the Rufiji River and nearby lakes. Fly camping can also be arranged for guests wishing to sleep out in the bush. 

Environmental and social responsibility

Owned and run by Foxes Safari Camps, Rufiji supports and works with local villages and community projects, primarily in the Mufindi area of Tanzania. 

Tour ideas in Nyerere National Park

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Rufiji River Camp as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

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    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

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