Guest reviews Ruaha River Lodge

by 784mamma

Hippo choir singing :)

We stayed here a few nights. It’s a fun location, the bandas are huge, pretty and very comfortable, and sit along the river. The river itself wasn’t very deep, but the ponds near our Banda were full of bathing hippo and a crocodile. The hippo were very entertaining. At 6pm They get out of their pool and amble over to the grass to eat. They make a lot of noise, and sing to each other :) but for this reason, one needs to ask a guard to accompany you to and from the Banda to the dining area. This was a little difficult and I felt we could have used an intercom button to call him, or a walkietalkie. WiFi was intermittent but there were games and an evening bonfire for pre-dinner drinks. The food was really good, served from a buffet. Also, when I asked we were able to get big bottles of water from the barman instead of all these Silly little Bottles. I wish the camp would offer filtered water to fill up own bottles for ecological reasons, as it’s just seems wrong to contribute to pollution in such a setting. The staff were kind and courteous and did a great job of making us feel welcome. I LOVED the free laundry service.

by GEOCASS

Lots of wild game, great, people, great lodges.

This was our first stop while we visited Tanzania. We are from Canada and we just got back a few days ago. Twenty days in Tanzania national parks. Each of the four parks we visited was great. We stayed at three park camps owned and operated by the Foxes. We also flew between each park with Foxes' airplanes. Ruaha River lodge is literally right on the river with hippos and other types of animals right out front of your camp lodge. Each camp lodge is quite large with hot running water and beautifully decorated. The sunrises in your room are awesome in the am against a mountain range in the distance. The main lodge is quite grande. Lots of room to space guests apart at meal times. the food was awesom, and always lots of it. The game drives were unbelieveable. We literally saw everything there, Leopards, Lions, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippos, Elephants, lots of Monkeys, different types of antelopes. The guides were great. Very knowledgeable and kind. Because this was basically a completely open air holiday Covid-19 felt like a non-issue. We were always outisde. We were always able to socially distance. The crew made you feel safe and would do whatever it takes to make sure you were comfortable. These guys definitely earned their reputation as being one of the best, longest operating safari groups in Tanzania. The camps all had a great way of being built into the park encompassing the feel and making the place feel like it is part of the park. Five stars.

by hynesv

An incredible stay in an exceptional locale

Ruaha River Lodge was the 3rd place we stayed on a week long journey across Tanzania. It was the second game park where we stayed and it did not disappoint. First and foremost, after self-isolating with family for the last 4 months, we didn't want to take any unnecessary risk by deciding to go on family vacation. Staying at Ruaha River Lodge was perfect for that reason! Although we were the 1st guests since they re-opened, they took plenty of precautions that put us instantly at ease. All staff wore masks, as we did and anyone serving the delicious meals also wore gloves and then maintain distance once meals were served. Further, every time we entered the common spaces for meals, we were greeted with hand sanitizers, etc. The tables were spaced well and while we were largely (and sadly) alone there, the layout makes it very easy to be safely at full capacity and still maintain all the safety protocols. NOW, let's talk about the more fun stuff. When we arrived and checked into our cabin after a days drive, we were met by a family of hippos just across the river from our balcony. The wildlife was extraordinary. The cabin was comfortable, clean and beautifully appointed for the context. The food was lovely, with a starter, a main and dessert and the lunches that they packed while we were out on safari were ample. Breakfasts were also more than sufficient and delicious. The staff were attentive and helpful and eager to get back to work after months of being shut down due to the Covid pandemic. While there is only electricity for appointed hours, it was plenty of time to charge our devices, check essential email and remind ourselves to be present on this incredible trip. Given you are 30 km inside the game park, we were pleased to see that the natural beauty had not been compromised by unnecessary infrastructure.

by Denis-Hatton Belcastel, France

Out of Africa

After my seventh Safari in Kenya and Tanzania, there are still some places that are amazing, and Ruaha River Lodge is among them. Not too far from the airstrip (good to know if you take a plane), located in the middle of the park, you get up and go to bed with lots of images in your eyes, and a desire not to leave this wonderful and peaceful place. The staff is very professional, and is able to enjoy your stay even if it's rainy. It reminded me my first Safari in the 60's, when a safari was not like a ride in a zoo.

by lise2101 Oslo, Norway

Great place for safari

Living just in the heart of the wildlife makes you have all the oppertunities to see the wild animals right outside your door. Great large stone houses close to the Ruaha river. Nice to sit on the terrace and watch hippoes nearby. Large cabins with large bathrooms. But very hard and uncomfertably beds.... Very good food, and nice lunchboxes as well. Helpful and nice staff. Love to come back sometime.