Ikuka Safari Camp
Incredible, incredible, and even more incredible!” Ikuka offers breathtaking views over Ruaha, is exceptionally well managed, and truly feels like the owner’s personal residence. I wholeheartedly endorse this camp.
SUMMARY:
Ikuka Safari Camp is a refined and elegantly simple establishment located in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, managed by experienced safari professionals Mark and Chloe Sheridan Johnson, along with an exceptional team. Perched atop the Ikuka escarpment, the vistas here are truly breathtaking, and it’s just a brief drive to the park’s top wildlife-viewing spots. This safari experience is truly unique, set in one of Tanzania’s expansive and secluded wilderness areas. The rates at Ikuka Safari Camp are all-inclusive, covering your stay, meals, shared game drives, house drinks (excluding champagne and premium wines), transfers to and from Msembe airstrip, and laundry services.
ENTRY & POSITION:
Ikuka Safari Camp is perched atop the Ikuka escarpment within Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, a key destination in the southern safari circuit of Tanzania. Access is via light aircraft to Msembe airstrip, departing from either Dar es Salaam or another Tanzanian safari park, and then a 45-minute drive to the camp awaits.
LODGING & AMENITIES AT IKUKA SAFARI CAMP:
Ikuka Safari Camp offers seven luxurious open-plan guest tents, including a two-storey family unit, each providing stunning views of Ruaha National Park. Utilizing materials sourced from the local area, such as white quartz from the escarpment, the rooms harmoniously integrate with the natural surroundings – featuring open fronts and high thatched roofs. Outside, the viewing decks provide an ideal location to admire the landscape from a higher perspective. The central area of the tent features super-king-sized beds, elegantly framed by full-length curtains that can be drawn for privacy at night. On each side, you’ll find reading lights, writing desks, and an integrated living area featuring a cozy sofa and coffee table, along with fans and safes for your convenience. Every generously sized en-suite bathroom features dual washbasins, a flushing toilet, and an indoor rain shower with ample hot water. The two-storey family tent is designed to comfortably host two adults on the ground floor, while the upper level can house up to three children. It features a shared bathroom, a cozy sitting room, a pool deck, and a refreshing plunge pool.
The communal areas at Ikuka Safari Camp are entirely open-fronted, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a well-stocked bar, a lounge with cozy leather sofas and coffee tables, and a dining space that offers stunning panoramic views from every direction. There’s also a telescope for stargazing and an upstairs library where visitors can unwind and browse through various guidebooks on display. Outside, you’ll find a swimming pool that beautifully showcases the views, enhanced by the warm glow of paraffin lamps at night. Wi-Fi can be accessed in the main area, and the camp offers a strong mobile phone signal for those who wish to stay connected.
EXPERIENCES AT IKUKA SAFARI CAMP:
Experience thrilling game drives led by Owner Mark, a qualified safari guide. He conducts truly remarkable game drives and walks, exploring the extraordinarily diverse region near the Mwagusi river. Ruaha National Park is a top choice for game drives, thanks to its incredible range of landscapes and impressive array of wildlife. Expansive savanna, majestic baobab trees, miombo woodlands, elevated kopjes, and an intricate system of waterways featuring the Great Ruaha River – all inhabited by creatures like lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, and hippos.
Embark on walking safaris that begin right from the camp, where the picturesque hilly landscape offers not only breathtaking views but also an excellent opportunity for invigorating exercise! You are likely to encounter elephants, impalas, kudus, and giraffes, while also uncovering the subtle nuances of the bush that are often overlooked during game drives. Kindly be informed that participants in walking safaris must be at least 16 years old.
Birding – The avian diversity in Ruaha National Park is noteworthy, with nearly six hundred species recorded, including eagles, ospreys, herons, pelicans, ducks, geese, bee-eaters, and guineafowls. Bird lovers are encouraged to pack their binoculars!
Photography – Enthusiastic photographers can receive valuable insights on wildlife photography from Mark or one of the knowledgeable guides. If you need assistance with setting up your camera or capturing the ideal shot during your game drive, just reach out to us.
*This property is not enclosed and is situated in a wildlife region, meaning that large and potentially hazardous animals may roam through the area. If you choose to stay here, please remain vigilant while walking around the camp and feel free to ask a staff member to accompany you if you have any worries. It is standard practice to ensure that every guest is accompanied after dark.