Kwihala
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.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Tanzania specialists at 617-223-4335
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.
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.
Jongomero Camp
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 Frontier Camp
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
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
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 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.
Walking Safari in 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.