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The tented camp of Kwihala in Ruaha National Park

Kwihala

Kwihala

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Much of the beauty of Kwihala lies in its understated charm. With just a handful of beautiful, very spacious tents, this small camp offers a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. Great attention has been paid to every detail and there are lots of stylish little touches that add to the camp’s polished and elegant feel, while at the same time leaving no illusion that you're camping in the heart of the bush.

The central tented dining area and lounge has sides that can be opened to offer sweeping views of the surrounding bush, and is where guests congregate in the evenings to relax or share their experiences over a drink around the camp fire. Hearty meals are served either under canvas or al fresco under the stars.

Our rating: First Class

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Rooms

The guest tents at Kwihala are both spacious (40 square meters) and stylish. Fully furnished, they each boast comfortable beds and en suite bathrooms with safari bucket showers and flushing toilets. There's also a covered veranda area to the front of each tent on which to relax as you look out for passing wildlife, while large, mosquito-proof mesh window panels allow for lovely views of the surrounding bush.

Location

Kwihala Camp is set deep in the bush, close to the Mwagusi Sand River in the Mwagusi Valley. This is the heart of Ruaha National Park, which is famed for its rich wildlife viewing. Secluded from Ruaha’s other safari camps, you're unlikely to see many other vehicles on your game drives and can enjoy the peaceful wilderness setting of the camp in privacy.

Food and drink

Meals at Kwihala are social occasions, with guests eating communally either in the mess tent or outside in the bush. The food here is hearty safari fare and is expertly prepared by the camp's chefs.

Facilities and activities

Morning and afternoon game drives are the main focus of a stay at Kwihala. Early morning drives with a packed breakfast are a great way to watch the bush come to life as the sun rises. Alternatively, enjoy a sundowner on a late evening drive as you watch the sun drop below the horizon. Night drives and walking safaris are also available, but must be pre-booked.

Our opinion

This is a simple but luxurious camp, with beautifully decorated tents and a lot of attention to detail. Intimate in size, the emphasis is on your personal safari experience. The staff are very friendly, while the experienced guides are extremely knowledgeable about the local area and the wildlife you encounter.

Nearby accommodation

Nearby places

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    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.

    • View from your tent at Jongomero Camp, Ruaha National Park

      Jongomero Camp

      Deluxe

      Out in the wilderness of Ruaha National Park and on the banks of the Jongomero River, the luxurious Jongomero Camp is a great option for those on safari in Ruaha.

    • Kichaka tent

      Kichaka Frontier Camp

      First Class

      The emphasis on your stay at Kichaka will be the superb guiding and the experience out on foot exploring Ruaha. The camp itself is a back to basics base for your explorations, but has enough creature comforts to offer you a relaxing stay.

    • Mdonya Old River Camp, Ruaha National Park

      Mdonya Old River Camp

      Medium

      This small, simple and very authentic safari camp allows for excellent game viewing opportunities, with a variety of wildlife regularly passing through the camp. Situated in the west of Ruaha National Park, a stay here will allow you to immerse yourself in the bush lifestyle.

    • Mwagusi Camp lounge area

      Mwagusi Camp

      First Class

      Mwagusi is an excellent camp for photographers and real wildlife enthusiasts. The emphasis is put firmly on the wildlife, not luxury frills, although the camp is superbly comfortable none the less.

    • Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park

      Ruaha River Lodge

      Medium

      Ruaha River Lodge is pretty, friendly and has a superb location. It is an ideal base from which to explore the Ruaha.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Lilac-breasted Roller, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

      Walking Safari in Ruaha National Park

      Ruaha National Park

      The emphasis on your safari with your host and guide, Moli, is on the walking safaris which really unveil the magic of Ruaha National Park. You can also incorporate bushcraft into a walk.