Ikuka Safari Camp
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
At a Glance
Just six luxury tents ensure guests enjoy a tranquil stay, with plenty of privacy
The camp's swimming pool offers incredible views across the savannah, and is the perfect place to relax after a day on safari
In a secluded location overlooking some of Ruaha National Park's best game-viewing areas
Game drives are tailored according to guests' wishes, and offer the chance to spot a huge variety of wildlife
Ruaha National Park holds an estimated 20,000 elephant, one of the highest concentrations in East Africa
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May - the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, typically considered the best months for game-viewing as the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources and the grass is grazed and trampled down. Selous and southern Tanzania is typically hot and humid from December to May, without a dry period to break up the rains, so travel is not recommended during the British winter months. Ikuka Safari Camp is open year-round, except April and May.
Insider's View
Mark is an amazing wildlife photographer and will teach you some great little tricks along the way.
Cool off during the midday sun in the beautiful infinity pool, with stunning views across the park.
Wild dog have been seen running through camp so always be ready with your camera.
Call us on 020 3993 5269 to start planning your holiday to Ikuka Safari Camp or take a look at our itineraries to Tanzania
Description
High on the Mwagusi escarpment in Ruaha National Park, Ikuka Safari Camp is an intimate, secluded camp with just six tents under thatched roofs. With uninterrupted views across the savannah, Ikuka offers the quintessential African wilderness experience.
In the Ruaha Valley, Ikuka Safari Camp is an idyllic family-run camp nestled away on the Mwagusi escarpment. Thanks to its high vantage point, Ikuka offers unparalleled views of the savannah, and the great expanse of Ruaha National Park. One of Tanzania's largest national parks, Ruaha is lesser known than some of the other reserves, and therefore offers a more intimate safari experience.
Accommodation at Ikuka is comprised of six luxury tents, housed within bandas made from local stone, traditional thatch and other local, sustainable materials. The well-appointed tents are rustic in style yet spacious, holding a super-king size bed, and a comfortable seating area is also provided for guests to relax in privacy. Each banda has its own deck offering panoramic views across Ruaha National Park, and one of its most prolific game-viewing areas.
Ikuka has a range of communal areas, from the dining area, lounge and plentiful bar, to the library and relaxation area upstairs. Warm and welcoming, these areas are designed for guests to feel at home, and provide a place to relax after an exhilarating day on safari. Ikuka's swimming pool is an extra special touch, where guests can take a dip and unwind, admiring the uninterrupted views across Ruaha Valley.
Ruaha National Park is home to a unique landscape, containing open savannah, huge baobab trees, rocky kopjes and the Ruaha river. This is where the biodiversity transitions from eastern to southern Africa, and the species of each meet in an incredible combination of wildlife. Game drives at Ikuka allow guests to spot a number of these species, including lesser and greater kudu, lion, and over 500 species of bird. Elephant are one of the main attractions here, with an estimated 20,000 inhabiting the park. Walking safaris are also possible throughout the park, providing the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the smaller, often overlooked species, and experience safari from a whole new perspective.
Accommodation
There are six luxury tents at Ikuka Safari Camp, housed within bandas made of local stone with thatched roofs. Each banda opens out onto a large wooden deck offering panoramic views across the savannah. The rooms are spacious and have en-suite facilities with a double basin. Super-king size beds are adjacent to the comfortable seating area, and the mesh doors and linen curtains can either remain open to take in the views, or be closed to keep warm on cool evenings.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Ikuka Safari Camp, but there are no specific child care facilities. Please note that the minimum age for taking part in walking safaris is 16.
Facilities
Meals at Ikuka are taken in the communal dining area. The camp also offers a bar, a welcoming lounge, and upstairs, a library and chill-out area, complete with comfortable floor cushions. The swimming pool at Ikuka offers fantastic views across the savannah, and along with its deck is the perfect place to relax after a morning game drive.
Activities
Game drives at Ikuka Safari Camp take place in 4WD open-sided vehicles, and are personalised according to guests' preferences. All game drives are located within Ruaha National Park, and will offer the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife including lion, kudu, wild dog and elephant. Great for birders, the park is also home to over 500 species of bird. Walking safaris are also available at Ikuka, which are led by owner Mark Sheridan-Johnson, and give guests the chance to explore the Ikuka flats. Mark is a published wildlife photographer, so will be on hand to give tips on how to get the best out of each photo opportunity!
Reviews
Sophie Levey (Staff)
Ruaha is one of my favourite places on earth and, having heard a lot about Ikuka before it even opened, I was incredibly excited to see the end result. Needles to say, I wasn't disappointed! Its position on the edge of the Mwagusi Escarpment yields unrivalled views of the wilderness below and you immediately feel that there's something very special about this camp.
The infinity pool is stunning, the rooms are wonderfully open and the surrounding landscape, along with the wildlife that inhabits it, is absolutely breath-taking. Ikuka is owner-run and you can tell! Mark is a fantastic host, guide and wildlife photographer who is delighted to share his knowledge and passion with his guests.
Experiences
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Hot air ballooning over the Serengeti
Soar over the Serengeti's savannah plains in a hot air balloon at dawn, watching wildlife beneath you & finishing with a champagne bush breakfast.
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Walking safaris in Ruaha
There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of a walking safari and Ruaha National Park is a prime spot for exploring on foot.
Holiday Ideas
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Tanzania Uncovered
Ruaha National Park & Pemba Island
from £6400 pp inc flights & transfers for 11 nights
- Get the personal touch at these owner run lodges, where your every need is catered for.
- Fall asleep under the blazing stars, as lions call in the distance at Ikuka’s romantic and Insta worthy sleep out deck.
- Combining these remote lodges is a breeze with straightforward flights and direct transfers, making getting off the map carefree.
Location & directions
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Ikuka Safari Lodge is located on the Mwagusi Escarpment 6 miles / 10 kilometres north of the Mwagusi River, within the Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania.
How to get there
11-hour international flight to Dar es Salaam via Nairobi. From there it is a 3-hour domestic scheduled flight to the Msembe airstrip, which is a 40-minute drive from the camp.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator