Western Tanzania - Tanzania - page 493

ilated old park bandas (per person US$20), close to park headquarters, come with bed-
ding and shared ablutions. The park sells soft drinks and a few basics; otherwise you'll
need your own supplies or arrange to eat at the staff canteen. There are also the much nicer
single, double and four- to five-person family new park bandas (per person US$50) with
bedding and basic meals available. Park accommodation can be booked at the gate on ar-
rival, or through Iringa Info in Iringa. Payment must be made at the park gate with Visa or
Mastercard.
Mwagusi Safari Camp TENTED CAMP $$$
( in the UK 020-8846 9363; www.mwagusicamp.com ; s/d all-inclusive from US$635/
1140; Jun-Mar; ) This highly regarded 16-bed owner-managed camp is set in a prime
location for wildlife viewing on the Mwagusi Sand River about 20km inside the park gate.
The atmosphere is intimate and the guiding is top-notch.
Ruaha River Lodge LODGE $$$
( 0784-237422; www.tanzaniasafaris.inf o ; s/d full board with wildlife drives US$405/
650; ) This unpretentious, beautifully situated 28-room lodge about 15km inside the gate
was the first in the park and is the only place on the river. Run by the Fox family, who have
several decades of experience in Ruaha, it's centred on two separate sections, each with its
own dining area, giving the feel of a smaller lodge. The stone cottages directly overlook
the river, and there's a treetop-level bar-terrace with stunning riverine panoramas.
Mdonya Old River Camp TENTED CAMP $$$
( 022-245 2005; www.adventurecamps.co.tz ; s/d full board plus excursions US$415/
700; Jun-Mar;) The relaxed Mdonya Old River Camp, about 1½ hours' drive from
Msembe, has eight tents on the bank of the Mdonya Sand River, with the occasional ele-
phant wandering through camp. It's run by Coastal Travels ( Click here ) . It's quite comfort-
able and natural in ambience, and if you take advantage of Coastal's specials, it offers fine
value for a Ruaha safari.
Kwihala Tented Camp TENTED CAMP $$$
( 022-245 2005; www.adventurecamps.co.tz ; s/d full board plus excursions US$500/
800; ) This is a new and highly regarded camp in a fine location near the Mwagusi Sand
River, with top-notch guides. It's under the same management as Mdonya Old River Camp.
Jongomero Camp TENTED CAMP $$$