Ruaha River Lodge is the original pioneer property in Ruaha National Park, with a history dating back to the days when it was the only lodge in the park. Built from local stone and thatch by the Fox family founders of Foxes Safari Camps the lodge occupies one of the finest positions on the banks of the Great Ruaha River, on a bend that offers views in both directions along the water. From the veranda of each chalet, guests watch elephant, giraffe, impala, and crocodile moving along the opposite bank throughout the day without leaving their room. The lodge is the only solid-structure accommodation in Ruaha, offering a different experience from canvas tented camps: thick stone walls keep rooms cool, high thatched roofs breathe in the heat, and large verandas are perfectly placed for game-watching at the river.
Twenty-four stone and thatch chalets are distributed along the river bank, generously spaced for privacy. The lodge has two distinct dining and common areas: one at river level, open-sided and intimate for evening fireside drinks; and the second perched impressively atop the largest kopje in the area, reached by a short walk with commanding views down two stretches of the river the best sundowner spot in Ruaha by common consensus. Game drives and walking safaris with expert local guides cover the park’s diverse habitats.
Twenty-four stone and thatch en-suite chalets along the Ruaha River bank, with double or twin beds, sitting area, writing desk, private veranda with river views, and en-suite bathroom with shower and double basins.
Msembe airstrip serves Ruaha National Park with scheduled and charter flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Kilimanjaro. The lodge is approximately a 30-minute road transfer from the airstrip, following a game drive through the park. By road from Dar es Salaam the journey takes approximately 9 hours flying is recommended.
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