Combining the wild adventure of an authentic safari experience with a stay in one of just three luxurious suites, Kichaka Zumbua offers a truly memorable experience in the remote, game-rich wilderness of Ruaha National Park.
Immerse yourself in the deep natural beauty of Ruaha National Park at this camp owned by one of Tanzania’s most experienced guides.
Gaze across the open plains, home to herds of elephant, zebra, hippo, buffalo, lion, and hyena.
Enjoy spacious, traditional safari-style accommodation with luxe features including private plunge pools and rooftop terraces.
Take a guided walking safari, game drive or night drive and share your adventures over a delicious communal meal with fellow safari-goers.
Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania transports guests off the beaten track into the remote wilderness of red earth, ancient baobab trees and sand rivers of the African bush. Sitting on an isolated ridge in the eastern corner of the park, where sightings of other vehicles are rare, the Kichaka Zumbua camp offers guests the safari experience of a lifetime.
Owners Andy Molinaro ‘Moli’ and Noelle Herzog together have over 30 years of experience in southern Tanzania and their presence has pioneered conservation in this section of Ruaha National Park. Moli is famously one of the country’s most experienced walking safari guides, and together their intimate and extensive knowledge of the area and its wildlife makes for an exciting and enriching stay.
. The camp comprises just three beautifully appointed suites constructed in natural materials on a raised platform base with thatched roofs, allowing them to blend into the surrounding natural environment. Each suite has a spacious bedroom with wooden viewing balcony, bathroom with flushing WC, outdoor shower and soaking bathtub, enjoying views across the open plains. There is also a separate seating deck with a private plunge pool and rooftop terrace, ideal for sundowners and stargazing. The tents are open during the day, providing wonderful views and breeze but closed at night to protect from bugs. There is solar power charging available for phones, cameras, and laptops. While the camp is suitable for children over the age of 12 years, please note that walking safaris are restricted to those of 16 years and over.
A short walk from the suites is the main camp with a swimming pool, communal lounge, the Star Bar, and dining area. The food is delicious, and guests will enjoy a varied three course dinner menu prepared by the talented chef. Owing to the small nature of the camp, the vibe is sociable and intimate. Moli and Noelle often host communal dinners which are fun and friendly affairs.
Activities include walking safaris, game drives, birding, and night drives, led by highly experienced guides. During the dry season (April to November) it is possible to fly-camp, for those wishing to experience the adventure of wild camping in the bush. This is one of the few areas of southern Tanzania with open plains and guests can expect to see elephant, leopard, zebra, hippo, buffalo, lion, hyena, and the occasional cheetah.
When to visit
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Enquire NowLocated on the eastern side of Ruaha National Park, on the banks of the seasonal River Ruaha, Kichaka Zumbua is reached via a 1.40-hr flight from Dar es Salaam into Msembe Airstrip, followed by a 3-hr transfer in the form of a game drive with a picnic, to reach the camp.
Sunsets over the Rufiji
Sunsets on the Rufiji River are some of the most spectacular we have ever witnessed!
Fishing in the Selous Game Reserve
While in the main the Selous Game Reserve is an arid area, certain sections are blessed by the permanent waters of the Rufiji River and the northern lakes. These water sources are home to great volumes of catfish, and the fierce fighting tiger fish.
Walking safaris in Ruaha
There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of a walking safari and Ruaha National Park is a prime spot for exploring on foot.
Selous walking safari
Follow your guide on foot as you explore the Selous, focussing on the smaller details that make up the ecosystem which you often miss on a game drive.
Searching for big cats in Ruaha
Spend your days in Ruaha searching for their resident big cats - lions lounging in the sun on the rocky kopjes, cheetah stalking their prey through the grassy savannah and a leopard lurking in the boughs of a tree.
Boat safari in the Selous Game Reserve
Get up close and personal with the hippos in the Selous' mighty rivers and lakes on a boat safari, perfect in the late afternoons when the wildlife often comes to the shore to drink.
