Access & Location:

Ikuka Safari Camp is situated atop the Ikuka escarpment within Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, which is a component of the southern safari circuit. Access is via light aeroplane to Msembe airstrip, originating from either Dar es Salaam or another Tanzanian safari park, followed by a 45-minute drive to the camp.

“Impressive, impressive, and further impressive!” Ikuka has stunning vistas of Ruaha, is exceptionally managed, and is essentially the owner’s residence. I highly endorse this camp.

Accommodation & Facilities At Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka Safari Camp comprises seven opulent open-plan guest tents, including a two-story family unit, all offering splendid vistas of Ruaha National Park. The rooms, featuring locally sourced materials such as white quartz from the escarpment, seamlessly integrate with the surrounding scenery, characterized by entirely open fronts and elevated thatched roofs. Exterior viewing platforms provide an ideal location to see the terrain from an elevated perspective. Super-king-sized beds are positioned centrally within the tent and are encircled by full-length drapes that may be closed at night. Reading lamps are positioned on both sides, accompanied by writing desks, an integrated living room featuring a comfy sofa and coffee table, fans, and safes. Each expansive en-suite bathroom features dual washbasins, a flush toilet and an indoor rain shower with plenty hot water. The two-storey family tent houses two adults on the ground level and accommodates up to three children on the upper story, featuring a shared bathroom, a sitting area, a pool deck and a plunge pool.

The open-fronted communal areas at Ikuka Safari Camp are spacious and illuminated, featuring a well-stocked bar, a lounge with comfortable leather sofas and coffee tables, a dining area offering panoramic views, a telescope and an upstairs library where guests can unwind and peruse the available guidebooks. Externally, there exists a swimming pool that fully capitalizes on the vistas and is illuminated at night by paraffin lamps. Wi-Fi is accessible in the central area, and a strong mobile phone signal is also at the camp for individuals who like to remain connected.

Activities At Ikuka Safari Camp

• Game drives: Owner Mark is a certified safari guide. He conducts remarkable game drives and hikes, traversing the highly biodiverse region adjacent to the Mwagusi River. Ruaha National Park is a preferred destination for game drives due to its remarkable diversity of landscapes and exceptional variety of species. Expansive savanna, majestic baobab trees, miombo forests, elevated kopjes, and an intricate system of canals, including the Great Ruaha River, provide as habitats for animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, and hippos.
• Walking safaris: Hikes commence straight from the camp, where the undulating landscape offers breathtaking vistas and opportunities for substantial physical activity. You will certainly encounter elephants, impalas, kudus, and giraffes, while also uncovering the subtle intricacies of the bush frequently overlooked on game drives. The minimum age for participating in walking safaris is 16 years.
• Birding: Ruaha National Park is noteworthy for its avian diversity, with about six hundred species recorded, including eagles, ospreys, herons, pelicans, ducks, geese, bee-eaters, and Guinea fowls. Aviary aficionados should ensure they bring binoculars.
• Photography: Enthusiastic photographers receive practical advice on wildlife photography from Mark or one of the specialist guides. Please inform us if you require assistance with camera setup or achieving the ideal photograph during a game drive.

Note: This property is unfenced and situated in a wildlife region, allowing for the passage of large and potentially hazardous animals. If you want to remain here, remain vigilant while traversing the camp and solicit a staff member to accompany you if you have any apprehensions. All guests are accompanied after dusk as a standard procedure.

Ruaha Safaris

Ruaha boasts one of the largest densities of predators in Africa and possesses a remarkably untamed nature that is increasingly uncommon today. The camps here are both adventurous and of superior quality, with guiding standards that are absolutely extraordinary. We appreciate this park for its absence of crowds and exceptional wildlife observation. It is contended that to fully enjoy Ruaha, one must reside in the Mwagusi region, located two hours’ journey north of Jongomero and roughly 45 minutes from Mdonya. Mwagusi is the reason for Ruaha’s esteemed status, as it is the location of significant concentrations of wildlife. This location features several camps, but the two prominent establishments are Mwagusi Camp and Nomad Tanzania’s Kigelia Ruaha. The park’s distant position enhances its allure, rendering it remarkably free of visitors. The observation of large felines is exceptional here, and the general standard of guiding is likely the finest in the nation.