
Jabali Private House
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
An intimate, exclusive-use property surrounded by lofty, ancient baobab trees, Jabali Private House is perfect for families and friends. It has three bedrooms, a lounge and a dining area, plus a private pool, looking out over the dense forest that fringes the bordering Ikuka escarpment.
About JABALI Private House
A dedicated team — including a private chef, guide and vehicle — means you can choose to spend all day out on a game drive or enjoy more time at the house relaxing around the pool or savouring a long lunch.
Ruaha National Park is known for its healthy herds of elephants and buffalo and its bold lions, which are known to take down giraffes and even elephants. Night drives allow you to spot often-elusive nocturnal creatures, while walking safaris are a great way to catch sight of smaller animals and plants or learn how to track.
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Open: June to Mid March
Closed: Mid-March to end May -
Closest airstrip: Msembe, 50 minutes drive from camp
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Families: children aged 5 and older


Accommodation AT JABALI Private House
Take a look around
Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
The most sophisticated safari bolt-hole in southern Tanzania, offering total privacy and complete flexibility in your safari itinerary in Ruaha National Park.
The house has two master bedrooms and an additional twin bedroom, suitable for families with kids or adults travelling together. Enjoy your meals outside on the deck and cool off in your own private pool, or head over to neighbouring Jabali Ridge to enjoy the pool, bar, library and spa.
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One private-use house
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Private chef and butler
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En-suite bathrooms
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Hot-water showers
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Flushing toilets
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In-room power
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Private plunge pool
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Private outdoor lounges
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WiFi
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Spa
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In-room lockable box
accommodation
Rooms
Jabali Private House has two master suites with king-sized beds and en suite bathrooms with showers. The wooden shutters slide open if you want to let the breeze flow into your room during the day. A third en suite bedroom has twin beds. All the rooms have Wi-Fi connectivity.


LOCATION
Location of Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is set beneath the rocky kopje, home to sister property Jabali Ridge. It is built around three ancient baobab trees, where weaver birds make their nests.
Ruaha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania, located in the centre of the country. It forms a transitional point between the landscapes of East and Southern Africa, with its golden plains of sun-bleached grass and ancient baobab trees.
The greater Ruaha area is thought to be home to one-tenth of the entire world’s wild lion population, with large prides roaming the plains. Cheetahs, leopards and packs of wild dogs are seen hunting here, too. You might also spot greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, elephants, giraffes, bat-eared foxes and some of the 570 bird species.


Experiences
Private house, pristine setting
Jabali Private House is an exclusive retreat for family and friends. The place is yours to enjoy, regardless of whether you prefer your getaway quiet and relaxed or lively and fun-filled.


Experiences
A typical day on safari at Jabali Private House
We usually head out for a game drive first thing in the morning and again late in the afternoon, when it’s cooler and the animals are active. However, as you have a private guide and vehicle, guests are free to set the pace of your stay if you prefer a later start. A typical day starts off with an early wake-up call and tea or coffee. You can head off on your first game drive of the day after breakfast, or have it packed to take with you as a picnic. You’ll be back at camp in time to freshen up before sitting down to lunch.
Mid-afternoon is time for a rest. Read a book, take a dip in the pool or visit the spa at Jabali Ridge. Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea and an evening game drive or walk with sundowners. End the day with a drink at the bar and a leisurely dinner under the stars.


Experiences
Game drives
The best times to depart on a game drive are early morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day, when animals are less active. It alsoallows us to find predators such as lions either setting off hunting at dusk or wrapping up after a busy night. Our vehicles are open-sided, six-seaters with removable canvas roofs and sides that offer unobstructed views. Vehicles are also equipped with charging points and coolers to keep your batteries full and drinks chilled.


Experiences
Walking safaris
Feel a part of the Ruaha landscape by taking a walking safari with one of our experienced guides and local trackers. This is a completely different way to experience the bush. Your senses are much more engaged as you spot tiny but fascinating creatures you’d never see from the vehicle, such as dung beetles, ants and butterflies. Get a thrilling close up view of kudus and elephants, or spot hyena dens amid the kopjes.


Experiences
Night drives
See a different side of Ruaha with a night drive. It’s a special opportunity to spot shy, nocturnal animals and the those that prey on them. With the aid of a knowledgeable guide, keep your eyes out for leopard, genet, serval, honey badger, civet and African wildcats on the hunt; as well as bush babies, nightjars and owls going about their business. Take a moment to a gaze up at the breathtaking night sky.


Experiences
Photographic safari
Neighbouring Jabali Ridge is home to one of our specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats. You can read more about the vehicle here. Please enquire to ensure availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees.


Experiences
Asilia Spa
Visit the spa at Jabali Ridge for a relaxing massage after a long overland journey or a hot, dusty walking safari. We can also organise treatments right in your room.


Experiences
Family safaris
Jabali Private House is perfect for families with children aged five and older. Because it’s booked on an exclusive basis, you can plan your days based on your family’s needs, whether you want to be out tracking lions or prefer to enjoy some quality time at the house.


Experiences
Meals and refreshments
The house comes with a private chef who can tailor meals to suit your preferences. Everything is homemade, from fresh breads and cakes to ice creams and salads. If you prefer to stay out longer in the morning, we can prepare a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the bush. Alternatively, you can savour a leisurely brunch back at camp. Your chef will prepare a light lunch and a gourmet dinner that you can enjoy on the deck under the stars.
We’re more than happy to cater to guests’ needs. Please let us know about any dietary requirements ahead of arrival.


When to go
What to expect during the year
The best time to visit Ruaha is in the dry season, from June to October. The wet season runs from November until April, transforming the landscape, making it a perfect time for photography. It’s a great time for birding too, as the migratory birds are in Ruaha. Note that Jabali Private House is closed from mid-March until June.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
This period is perfect for photography, with a lush, healthy landscape and clear skies. There are fewer tourists and enough breaks in the rain to get out and explore the park. The migratory birds have arrived in Ruaha, along with large herds of elephants.
Climate
January is the peak of wet season and it continues to rain consistently until April. Jabali Private House closes from mid-March, when the park’s roads become difficult to drive. It’s hot and humid; the average high is 28°C/82°F and the average low is 17°C/63°F.
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Low temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in
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April - June
Jabali Private House is closed from mid-March until the end of May. It reopens in June when the park is dry and conditions slightly cooler.
Climate
The dry season begins in May and average temperatures hit i26°C/79°F and with average lows around 13°C/55°F in June.
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July - September
Why travel at this time
September is the hot, dry season. It’s the easiest time to spot animals as they gather around the park’s water sources.
Climate
During the dry season, temperature rise from an average high of 26°C/79°C in July to 28°C/82°F in September. The average low ranges from 13°C/55°F to 15°C/59°F.
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Low temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 0mm / 0in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
October is the end of the dry season. Rains that start in November flood the rivers and revive the park’s vegetation. The migratory birds begin to arrive, and large herds of elephants travel into the lush park.
Climate
The wet season starts in November, though most of the rainfall over this period happens in December. The average temperature peaks at 30°C/86°F in October and November, cooling off slightly to 29°C/84°F in December. The average low ranges from 17°C/63°F in October to 18°C/64°F in December.
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Low temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High temp: 30°C / 86°F
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Rainfall: 39mm / 1.5in
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Rates
When would you like to go?
The best game viewing in Ruaha is from June to November when it’s hot and dry. The rains that fall from November until April transform the landscape, making it perfect for photography and birding. Jabali Ridge closes from mid-March until the end of May when the park is difficult to traverse.
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing, or scroll down for a table of high and low season rates.
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, one private safari vehicle and guide, game drives, night drives, guided short bush walk, transfers to/from nearest airstrip, limited laundry
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Rate excludes
Park fees, cultural visits, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights & airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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High season: 01 Jul 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 Rate: US$6590
What to expect
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Dry season, high concentration of animals around water, great for cats
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Plenty of elephants and big herds of buffaloes
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Leopards become more arboreal as the grass thins
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Low Temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: none
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Low season: 01 Nov 2023 - 19 Dec 2023 Rate: US$4703
What to expect
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Increased chance of afternoon showers
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Widespread animals not bound to the rivers
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Few cars around
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Low Temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
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Rainfall: 39mm / 1.5in
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High season: 20 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 Rate: US$6590
What to expect
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Dry conditions see high concentrations of animals around water
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Plenty of elephants and big herds of buffaloes
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Leopards become more arboreal as the grass disappears
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Low Temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 155mm / 6.1in
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Low season: 06 Jan 2024 - 14 Mar 2024 Rate: US$4703
What to expect
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Beautiful daily changes in the landscape, fauna and vegetation
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Migratory bird species coming and going
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Widespread animals not bound to the rivers and very few cars around
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Potential for afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 17°C / 82°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in
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Closed: 15 Mar 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure.
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Low season: 01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 Rate: US$4000
What to expect
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Green and lush, drying out as July approaches
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Migratory birds coming and going
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Widespread animals not bound to the rivers and very few cars around
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Potential for afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: none
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High season: 01 Jul 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$7250
What to expect
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Dry season, high concentration of animals around water, great for cats
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Plenty of elephants and big herds of buffaloes
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Leopards become more arboreal as the grass thins
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Low Temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: none
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Low season: 01 Nov 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$4000
What to expect
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Increased chance of afternoon showers
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Widespread animals not bound to the rivers
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Few cars around
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Low Temp: 18°C / 64°F
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High Temp: 30°C / 86°F
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Rainfall: 39mm / 1.5in
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High season: 20 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 Rate: US$7250
What to expect
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Dry conditions see high concentrations of animals around water
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Plenty of elephants and big herds of buffaloes
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Leopards become more arboreal as the grass disappears
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Low Temp: 17°C / 63°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 155mm / 6.1in
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Low season: 06 Jan 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 Rate: US$7250
What to expect
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Beautiful daily changes in the landscape, fauna and vegetation
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Migratory bird species coming and going
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Widespread animals not bound to the rivers and very few cars around
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Potential for afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 17°C / 82°F
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High Temp: 28°C / 82°F
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Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in
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Closed: 15 Mar 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure.
Awards AND RECOGNITION
Don't just take our word for it
Jabali Ridge consistently achieves top ratings on TripAdvisor. In addition, the camp has been awarded the Honeymoon Award by Brides Magazine, the Big Sleep Award by National Geographic Traveler, and the Wild at Heart Award by Tatler Travel Guide. In 2018, the camp was listed on the Conde Nast Traveler UK Hot List.





WILDLIFE
Ruaha National Park wildlife
The Great Ruaha River runs through Tanzania's largest national part and supports a wide variety birds and wildlife. Waterbuck, impala and gazelle come to the river to drink and predators are never far behind. You may spot lion or leopard prowling watchfully along the banks, or cheetah lying in wait on the plains, while skulking jackal and hyena are on the lookout for an opportunity to catch their next meal.
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Lion
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Leopard
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Lesser Kudu
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Greater Kudu
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Elephant
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Impala
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Giraffe
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Cheetah
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is better for families with small children - Jabali Ridge or Jabali Private House?
Jabali Privat House is ideal for families with children of any age. Because the house is booked exclusively, you can plan your days based on your family’s needs, whether you want to be out tracking lions or prefer to enjoy some quality time at the house.
Jabali Ridge accepts children 5 and over.