Flight to Jabali Ridge
Accommodation
Set high on a rocky kopje overlooking a landscape dotted with spiky palms and bulbous baobabs, Jabali Ridge is a sophisticated base from which to explore Ruaha National Park. Jabali Ridge’s 8 suites are hidden amongst the rocky boulders that cocoon the property. With views over Ruaha from every corner of the room, the guest suites are designed to maximise the stunning landscape beyond. Be it from the bed, the desk or the bathroom, every space is a viewpoint and open to nature. An infinity pool, spa and plenty of places to laze ensure that time off is as memorable as time out in the bush.
About 200 metres from the main camp sits the private Jabali House It is booked for families or a group of friends and comes with its own service team and private guide/vehicle.
The park is accessed via air from Arusha or Dar Es Salaam and can be seamlessly combined with a visit to Nyerere National Park. The flight to Nyerere National Park takes approx. 1 hr 30 mins; the flight to Dar Es Salaam or Arusha, including all stops en-route, takes approx. 2.5 hrs.
The drive from Msembe Airstrip to camp takes approximately 50 minutes. Jabali Ridge is situated close to Mwagusi River in the eastern part of Ruaha National Park.
The park expanded in 2008 to include the Usanga Wetlands, and in addition to its 40% miombo forest, also boasts open savannahs, beautiful baobab, acacia and palm forests, as well as several springs, marshes and seasonal flood plains. The park borders on the Mzumbe River to the north and the Great Ruaha River to the south. The Usungu Game Reserve and three further reserves surround the park almost entirely.
Most of the camps are situated at a height of between 800 – 1000 m above sea level, the highest point in the park, however, is a respectable 1868 m. A 50 – 100 m high escarpment is a reminder that the Ruaha National Park is part of the Great Rift Valley. Most camps offer game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and bush walking.
The good camps are located in the park itself, most of them in the eastern part where there is more open flatland and game viewing is usually easier. The western part of the park is heavily forested and home to the tsetse fly, which can sometimes be a problem, but it is quieter here because the main entrance and the rangers’ headquarters are situated in the eastern part.
Ruaha is easy to combine with a visit to the Nyerere National Park, which is a one hours’ flight away; Dar es Salaam is a two hours’ flight away. Guests can fly the big loop from Ruaha and visit Katavi as their next stop. Best time to travel is from June to October.
Flight to Beho Beho
Accommodation
Offering spectacular views across the plains to the front of the camp, Beho Beho is built on the gentle slope of a hill. Its eight spacious and individual stonewalled, thatched bandas are each equipped with a lounge, large bed, en-suite bathroom, dressing room and large shower. The open fronts and elevated position of the bandas means the rooms are nicely ventilated. A Zanzibar daybed is available for families and children who wish to sleep in the same room.
The service at Beho Beho is personal and homely. The minimum stay here is three nights as too much change is not particularly desirable. The main house is large and airy with a snooker table to the rear and further comprises a bar, lounge and various tables. Meals are usually served outdoors at the front of the camp or just around the corner in a separate, two-storey banda with views over the waterhole. The lower floor houses a library with Internet access - WIFI access is available in all rooms.
A beautiful swimming pool is located some 80 m from the main building. The pool area is equipped with comfortable loungers for guests to simply lay back and relax in.
With its own chef, staff and private guide, the luxury two-storey Bailey’s Banda is available for families that seek a private experience.
The park comprises 75% miombo woodland, but most noticeable are the many wonderful palms, particularly the borassus and doum palms, as well as the many candelabra trees (euphorbia candelabrum).
Nyerere National Park is accessed by light aircraft from Dar Es Salaam and can be seamlessly combined with a trip to Ruaha National Park. The flight to Ruaha National Park takes approx. 1 hr 30 minutes; the flight to Dar Es Salaam takes approx. 35 minutes.
Beho Beho has its own Airstrip. The drive from the airstrip to camp takes just several minutes. The camp is situated north of Lake Tagalala on the slope of Kipalala Hill.
At 600 km long, the Rufiji River is the longest river in East Africa and source of the park’s lifeblood. The branched river system includes five large lagoons, which are (from west to east) Lake Tagalala, Lake Manze, Lake Nzerakera, Lake Siwandu and Lake Mzizimia. The park comprises 75% mixed miombo forest, but also supports a striking number of beautiful palms, including the borassus and doum palms, and many candelabra trees (Euphorbia candelabrum). The Rufiji River is the park’s lifeblood: the river system, the marshes, canals and lagoons attract all kinds of animals, including crocodile, hippo, buffalo, elephant, lion and antelope. Hyena, leopard and wild dog can also be seen here.
The park has its former name from the British big game hunter Frederick Courtney Selous, who was killed on the banks of the Beho Beho River on January 4, 1917 during a skirmish with German troops under General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck. It is possible to visit his grave, which is located close to the Beho Beho Camp.
The new name was chosen in honor of Tanzania's founder and first president, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. Nyerere led the nation through independence and remained president of the young republic until 1985. He is revered as the father of the nation.
The park is home to several beautiful lodges, where in addition to game drives, guests can also enjoy boat trips and bush walking. Boat trips take place on the lakes or canals, or as at Sands Rivers Camp, on the main river itself. Distances within the park are immense and the roads very bumpy, but the scenery is stunning. The park is situated some 500 m above sea level and gets very hot between November and February. During this time of the year occasionals rain storms will occur, mostly in the afternoons. Best time of travel is from June to October.
Nyerere National Park is easy to combine with a trip to Ruaha National Park, which is a one hours’ flight away – as is Dar es Salaam.
Flight to Dar-Es-Salam
Basic Information
Individual journey. The journey will be planned on your preferred dates.
Duration 7 nights. Min 2 guests. Trip vice versa possible. Weight limit of luggage 20 kg. Luggage in one soft bag only.
Includes all transfers from Dar-Es-Salam to the hotels/camps to Dar-Es-Salam
- Jabali Ridge: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Beho Beho: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
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