SUMMARY:

Kichaka Expeditions offers an exciting and unique safari experience that includes a luxurious, hidden property, a nature-focused fly camp, and an exhilarating seven-night journey through the expansive, untouched wilderness of Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park. Under the expert guidance of Andrew ‘Moli’ Molinaro, a top-tier safari guide, walking safaris are the highlight here, featuring fresh routes to explore each day. The primary camp offers a serene elegance with roomy suites and breathtaking vistas, whereas the fly camping represents a true, immersive experience in nature during your safari adventure. Kichaka provides an exceptional experience with outstanding guidance, breathtaking wildlife, and complete privacy, making your stay in Ruaha National Park truly unforgettable. The rates encompass full board, featuring lodging, all meals, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as wildlife safari activities.

ACCESSIBILITY & LOCATION:

Kichaka Expeditions is situated in a pristine and secluded region on the eastern edge of Ruaha National Park, away from any other safari camps or lodges. Travel to Msembe Airstrip is via light aircraft, taking approximately 1.5 hours from Dar es Salaam. After landing, enjoy a scenic 3-hour game drive to the camp, complete with a picnic lunch en route.

LODGING & AMENITIES AT KICHAKA EXPEDITIONS:

Situated atop a ridge in the eastern part of Ruaha National Park, Kichaka Zubua serves as the primary camp for Kichaka Expedition and offers the highest level of luxury. Three generously sized domed tents are perched on elevated platforms, featuring charming thatched roofs, each offering stunning vistas of the Ruaha River Valley. The design features an abundance of stone, organic textiles, wooden furnishings, and sisal rugs. The bedrooms remain fully accessible throughout the day, offering a refreshing break from the heat, while they are securely closed at night to prevent any insects from entering. Within the space, you will discover a double or twin bed or beds, bedside tables equipped with reading lights, a ceiling fan, a writing desk, and luggage racks. Every spacious en-suite bathroom boasts a lovely stone bathtub offering breathtaking views of Ruaha National Park, an outdoor shower with hot water, and a flush toilet. A cozy plunge pool located just beyond the bedroom offers a refreshing escape between your safari adventures. Kichaka Zumbua features a communal area thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections: a cozy lounge offering breathtaking views, an information centre perfect for unwinding with a good book, and a welcoming dining room. Lunch is frequently savored in the wilderness during safari excursions, and the camp also organizes thrilling outdoor dining experiences beneath the stars in the evening. At last, a central pool awaits, offering breathtaking views and a fully stocked ‘Star Bar’, encouraging guests to gather around the fire and take in the expansive starlit skies. Kindly note that the camp does not provide mobile phone or Wi-Fi connectivity, so be ready to unplug during your stay.

Kichaka Kidogo is a simple, lightweight fly camp that enhances your experience at Kichaka Zumbua for guests staying a minimum of five nights. Situated along the banks of the Ruaha river, you’ll find three straightforward dome-style tents featuring cot beds. Each tent is equipped with a short-drop loo and a bucket shower for your convenience. This is a genuinely immersive experience in a nature-centric expedition camp, where meals are prepared outdoors over an open campfire, inviting guests to come together with a refreshing cold beer. Charging for electronic devices is provided through solar power. Finally, Kichaka Wild offers a seven-night expedition that can be exclusively booked, featuring a selection of four river or forest locations on the outskirts of Ruaha National Park. Guided by Andrew Molinaro himself, this is a remarkable chance to dive into one of the planet’s few remaining genuinely untamed areas, embracing the essence of an explorer’s adventure. Kichaka Wild offers space for six guests across three dome tents, each featuring a bucket shower and a short-drop loo for your convenience.

EXPERIENCES AT KICHAKA EXPEDITIONS:

Kichaka Expeditions specializes in walking safaris, guided by Andrew Molinaro or one of the skilled guides, all trained by Moli, ensuring incredible experiences filled with extensive knowledge. Visitors venture into the most secluded areas of Ruaha, discovering astonishing biodiversity along the way.

Experience thrilling game drives that explore the hidden gems of Ruaha National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and remarkable elephant populations. Guests often find themselves enjoying full days in the bush, complete with a delightful picnic lunch. Some of the standout features include four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Additionally, be vigilant for smaller predators like cheetahs, servals, caracals, wild dogs, as well as giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and various antelope species!
Guided walking safaris are a highlight of a stay at Kichaka, offering some of the most remote on-foot experiences in Africa within one of its wildest parks. Moli is an exceptional walking guide, possessing an extensive understanding of the local flora and fauna. This is a remarkable chance to immerse yourself in a vast, largely untouched wilderness, away from the usual paths. Each day, you’ll embark on fresh paths, discovering animal tracks, the medicinal uses of various plants, and the remarkable birdlife in the area. Various options and distances are offered, tailored to the ages of your group. You will also have the chance to acquire bush skills, including track and spoor identification, fire lighting, and some essential survival techniques.
Night drives – These excursions frequently continue after dark, revealing the vibrant activity of the larger predators. Each journey offers a unique experience, often revealing surprises that linger in memory – you may encounter fascinating creatures such as civets, genets, porcupines, and the delightful pangolin. Kindly be aware that there is an extra fee of $100 per person for this activity, charged by Tanapa.
Birding enthusiasts will find plenty to delight in, as Ruaha National Park boasts nearly six hundred recorded species. Don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars and stay alert for sightings of raptors, bataleur eagles, Tanzanian red-billed hornbills, herons, and black-collared lovebirds, among others.
The nights in Ruaha National Park are vast and crystal-clear, offering an incredible opportunity for stargazing without any light pollution. The camp features an impressive telescope that effortlessly reveals the stunning rings of Saturn – an absolutely remarkable view.
The guides at Kichaka are enthusiastic photographers eager to share valuable tips for capturing stunning wildlife images. If you’re just starting out in photography or seeking tips on where to position your camera, feel free to reach out, and we’ll pass that information along to your guides.

*This property is not enclosed and is situated in a wildlife area, meaning that large and potentially hazardous animals may roam through.* If you choose to stay here, please remain vigilant while moving around the camp and feel free to ask a staff member to accompany you if you have any worries. It is standard practice to escort any guest after dark.