LABA Jongomero | Ruaha National Park
Under the magnificent shade trees, on the banks of the LABA Jongomero sand river lies the beautiful Jongomero camp. This hidden gem is tucked away in a remote corner of the Ruaha National Park. Here you will get a chance to experience Africa’s best kept secret. For guests seeking an authentic African adventure, a visit to Ruaha National Park is essential.
Blending in beautifully with its surroundings, the camp is tucked below a dappled riverine canopy on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero river, a natural pathway for animals in search of water. Positioned on one of the meanders, with sweeping views of the bank beyond, lies the camp bar, lounge and restaurant; which comprises an open wooden terrace shaded by a high thatched roof with comfortable sofas and furniture made of reclaimed dhow wood. After game experiences by vehicle and on foot laze around the elevated pool and enjoy the sights and sounds of being so close to nature.
Accommodation at Jongomero comprises eight large and well-appointed tented suites, built on raised wooden platforms, under enormous thatched roofs that also encompass a spacious private deck which overlooks the dry riverbed. You will often find animals ambling past your tent in search of water and food. The ultimate remote off-the-beaten track safari experience.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Blending in beautifully with its surroundings, the camp is tucked below a dappled riverine canopy on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero river, a natural pathway for animals in search of water.
Accommodation at Jongomero comprises eight large and well-appointed tented suites, built on raised wooden platforms, under enormous thatched roofs that also encompass a spacious private deck which overlooks the dry riverbed.
Snuggle under warming quilts in an enormous reclaimed-dhow wooden bed; fall asleep to the sounds of Africa beyond the canvas; and wake up to the morning tea / coffee tray. You will often find animals ambling past your tent in search of water and food. The ultimate remote off-the-beaten track safari experience.
Welcome to Jongomero Private Bush Manor, a luxurious and exclusive-use villa situated in a remote corner of the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. This new exclusive addition is ideal for groups of 4 to 8 guests seeking privacy and exclusivity in the heart of the bush. As you enter through the ornately carved wooden doors, you'll be immediately struck by the spacious and inviting lounge and dining space. Sip on a glass of fine wine at the expansive open-plan kitchen bar while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The high thatched main relaxation area is positioned between two luxurious and identical inter-connecting tented suites, each equipped with all the creature comforts you could desire. The beautiful open bathrooms feature a freestanding roll-top brass bathtub and a super-spacious shower with Zellige tiles.
For larger parties, two additional tented suites are located 15 meters from the Bush Manor, providing ample space for all guests to relax in comfort. With full WiFi reception, you'll be able to stay connected with the outside world if you choose to do so. Meals at Jongomero Private Bush Manor are prepared by your dedicated chef, who will create delicious dishes for you to enjoy. Dine alfresco in the morning sun on the main terrace with breathtaking views, lunch in the shade near the sparkling infinity lap pool, or retreat into the serenity of the bush to dine under the stars. Our infinity lap pool is the perfect spot to cool off after a day of exploring the bush. With shaded seating and sun loungers, you can sit back and relax while taking in the 180-degree vista across the seasonal river, with wildlife wandering into view.
Jongomero Private Bush Manor is accessed by a private entrance and comes complete with a private guide and dedicated Askari. Experience the thrill of a private game drive or explore the bush on foot with a bush walk. For the ultimate bush experience, we offer a bush breakfast and fly-camping overnight experience. For those who love to stay active, we have an open-air river-view gym kitted with high-quality Technogym equipment that can be enjoyed by all guests staying at Jongomero.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card
The road network around camp was primarily developed by our knowledgeable guides and therefore perfectly placed for superlative game drives, with the blood-pumping thrills of tracking animals and the reverential calm of learning about this incredible environment. With only four seats in the majority of our 4WD open sided vehicles, privacy is easily delivered. However, our game drives are a shared experience with fellow guests, so if you would prefer to be alone, there is an opportunity to hire a private vehicle with a driver guide in advance for a daily surcharge.
Offered to guests aged 16 or over, game walks are probably the most fascinating way to truly experience the wonders of Ruaha. Out of the 4WD vehicle and being on foot is a humbling experience in this vast, untouched land. Set at a leisurely pace, the walks are not intended to find big game, instead it offers guests an education into the lives of the smaller animals as well as the birdlife, insects, flora and fauna. The walking season begins when the bush is less thick approximately late June or July and runs until the beginning of the rains in early December.
Would you like to have the definitive wilderness experience? If so you must prebook a walking safari, also known as fly-camping. During the day walk and discover the hidden depths of Ruaha while for one or twoovernight sleep under a canopy of stars after sharing stories around the camp fire and showering under the trees. This is the perfect idyllic adventure for a one or two night stay for a minimum of two to a maximum of six guests, bookable from 15th August to 15th November.
Sand Rivers Selous | Nyerere National Park
Sand Rivers is situated in the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve which is the second largest protected wilderness area in the world. Sand Rivers offers stylish, luxurious safari accommodation on the banks of the Rufiji River. This comfortable and stylish lodge features an outdoor pool, an open-air dining room, bar and lounge which have been beautifully constructed on a sweeping curve of the great Rufiji River, offering stunning views across the water.
Sand Rivers Selous has just 8 stone and thatched cottages, all are open-fronted and raised on decks overlooking the river. There are 5 Riverside rooms - with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, flush toilets and powerful showers - and 3 Hillside Suites. The Suites all have the same amenities as the Riverside rooms, but with the added extra of a large living space and a small plunge pool.
Activities at River Sands are tailored to suit each guest, whether its game drives, walking safaris, fishing or boating. Sand rivers can also organise fly camping under mosquito nets on dry river beds with in the reserve - however it is highly recommend that this is booked in advance.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Sand Rivers has five rooms that perch on the edge of the Rufiji River, all open-fronted and en-suite. The rooms are built of stone, wood and thatch. The open nature of the rooms means that you can really feel part of nature, hear, see and smell it. You might get the odd visitor...a squirrel or a monkey or the odd insect. There are spacious, canopied mosquito nets over the beds.
The en-suite bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
Sand Rivers has three great big suites that are set up on the hillside, but still with views towards the Rufiji River. The rooms have an extra sitting area, private plunge pool and all the romance of the bush, with the comfort of a luxury lodge. The rooms are all open-fronted but with canopied mosquito nets over the beds.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
En-Suite, Fan, Shower
At Sand Rivers our open-sided 4x4 vehicles are a great way of seeing things and for covering a bit of distance when that's what's needed. And of course there are times when they give you the best views, access and photographic opportunities to the wildlife that calls the Selous home. We do either two drives a day, in the early morning and then the early afternoon, with a wonderful siesta and lunch in camp between. In the times of year when it's not too hot we also venture out for full day game drives with a packed picnic lunch.
We like to retain spontaneity wherever we can. Often the best way to see things, to avoid scattering animals from the lakeshore, or spooking a herd of elephant as they feed their way through a stretch of lush grassland, is to hop down and quietly work our way into a good position on foot. Walking in the bush takes safari down to a slower pace, and is a chance to learn, touch and feel Africa, to get a glimpse at the incredible flora and little critters that call it home.
Being on the river - never mind the game - is a fantastic contrast to time spent in a vehicle. Drifting silently down stream, gently spiraling in the current, watching the river banks unfold is hard to beat. But here again we like to take time to stop. Creep carefully through paths in the thick riverine bush and you'll emerge - unseen - in magical secluded flood plains. More often than not there are treats in store; vast flocks of great white pelicans fishing in dwindling pools, wallowing families of elephant socialising, prides of lion sleeping off a meal.
Flycamping is a wonderful surpise, best left unexplained. If you ask us it's simple, you have to try it. This is a peculiarly East African passion and the way things were done in the old days; with the minimum of fuss, but not scrimping on any of the comforts. As is so often the way, when you limit the frills, it allows you to really see what's special and what's going on around you.
Watching elephant as they pass by your camp in the moonlight, silent feet in the warm sand, or simply gazing through the mosquito net roof of your tent from the comfort of your bedroll. We've been doing this now for close to 20 years. People's reactions vary, some find it quite emotional, others feel a child-like sense of freedom and release (one man ran round in small circles crying like a 5 year old) and of course quite a few admit to feeling a little scared. But it's simply no exaggeration to say that in all those years, virtually nobody regrets trying this most special of experiences.