
Usangu Expedition Camp
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
On the banks of the wetlands, just beyond the reaches of the seasonal high-water mark, Usangu Expedition Camp sits among the woodland shade offering the perfect launch pad from where to enjoy the multitude of activities available across this largely unexplored 6,000km2 wilderness.
About usangu Expedition camp
Boating and canoeing through the waterways amongst an array of birdlife, walking the wide open grasslands during the dry season months, or sleeping under the enormous canopy of the African night sky, Usangu Expedition Camp offers a safari experience like none other.
The neighbouring Douglas Bell Eco Research Station offers the opportunity to engage with research projects and develop a deeper understanding of the work being performed in the area. From the placing of camera traps and the identification of predators against the research database to tracking lions with telemetry and contributing to global research. Late afternoon presents the perfect time to explore the surrounding area on foot before enjoying the sunset over the Usangu Wetlands.
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Open: 1 June to 31 January
Closed: 1 February to 31 May -
Closest airstrip: Jongomero, 2-hour drive from camp
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Families: children aged 12 and older


Accommodation at Usangu Expedition Camp
Take a look around
Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
Usangu Expedition Camp has been carefully positioned as close to the high-water mark as possible, whilst still maximising the shade offered by the surrounding miombo woodlands. With just 4 guest tents, the camp offers an exclusive experience into this largely unexplored wetland. Simple in its design, the focus sits firmly on the exploratory nature of the experience with meals cooked on the open fire and enjoyed under the African stars.
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4 tents
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En-suite bathrooms
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Flushing toilets
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Hot-water plumbed showers
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Mosquito net
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In-room lockable box
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WiFi (in research centre)
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Solar and generator power
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Battery-charging facilities
accommodation
Rooms
The four guest tents at Usangu Expedition Camp are simple yet comfortable, positioned on raised wooden decking with views towards the wetlands and a shaded veranda on which to relax. En suite bathrooms feature flushing toilets and plumbed showers.


LOCATION
Location of Usangu Expedition Camp
The Usangu Wetland features a permanent water source in its centre, the Ihefu Swamp, surrounded by grassy marshlands and floodplains. During the dry season, only the Ihefu Swamp offers water but, as the rainy season develops, the wetland expands to cover an enormous area. On the outer limits of the wet season high-water mark, the miombo forest thrives and provides the perfectly shaded location for Usangu Expedition Camp.
The Usangu Wetland is an essential feature to the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem, with major implications for ecosystems thousands of kilometres away from the wetland itself. Its features are unique and under the proper conditions and health, the biodiversity of species is undeniably a treasure trove. Herds of roan and sable roam the vast wetland, and wild dogs run wide along rivers.
Hundreds of ostrich congregate in a way that is not often seen in other places in Africa. Thousands of migratory bird species pass through the wetland as well as unidentified amphibians, still waiting to be discovered.


Experiences
A safari like no other
Ruaha’s wildlife is renowned throughout East Africa and we aim to provide the best opportunities — from game drives to walking safaris — for all kinds of animal sightings. Explore this little-known area within Ruaha: go boating through the waterways, and walk the wide-open grasslands.


Experience
A typical day on safari at Usangu Expedition Camp
Usangu Expedition Camp offers a wide variety of activities, allowing for your days to be tailored around your preferred interests. Each group in camp has a private vehicle and guide, allowing for complete flexibility within daily structure. Early mornings are typically best for game drives and walking safaris while the temperatures are slightly cooler, and wildlife is more active. Mid-afternoons are the perfect time to relax under the trees with a book or, or the more active, visit the Douglas Bell Eco Research Station for a first-hand explanation about the conservation work and research being conducted in the wetlands. Afternoons offer the opportunity for boating safaris or spending time in the field with a researcher.
Participate in research activities such as the positioning of camera traps, image analysis for predator identification and tracking collared lions using telemetry.
Breakfast is often a picnic to allow for an early start from camp, but lunch can either be enjoyed in camp under the cool shade, or a picnic can be provided for those who wish to stay out longer. Whether you are in the main camp or a star cube in the Trails Camp, dinner is prepared on the open fire in a communal setting.


Experiences
Game drives
The best times to depart on a game drive are early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat when animals are less active. With your private vehicle and guide, you have the flexibility to explore any (accessible) area of the Usangu wetlands. Usangu has five biozones and offers many different habitat types that are waiting to be explored. Our up-cycled Land Rovers have been re-built from the ground up and are powered by green alcohol fuel (ethanol). This five-seater, safari vehicle offers unobstructed views — built for comfort, bush driving and remarkable off-road capability.


Experiences
Walking safaris
Walking safaris give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, away from the noise of the land cruiser and closer to the ground to observe the smaller and less obvious parts of the African wilderness. This is a completely different way to experience the bush, encouraging your senses to engage as you spot tiny but fascinating creatures you’d never see from the vehicle.


Experiences
Night drives
See a different side of Usangu 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 your knowledgeable guide, keep your eyes out for leopard, genet, serval, honey badger, civet and African wildcats on the hunt; as well as bush babies, mongoose, bat-eared fox, nightjars and owls going about their business. Don’t forget to take a moment to a gaze up at the breath-taking night sky.


Experiences
Boating safaris
The wetland area and the intricate waterways that swell and contract throughout the season create a variety of conditions for boating. Our swamp boat is designed for these marsh-like conditions, offering the opportunity to explore the wetland narrow waterways year-round. Elephant are regularly seen along the shallows, and the birdlife is fantastic.

Experience
Camera Traps
The placement of camera traps in close proximity to frequently used game trails provide useful information about wildlife numbers and the movements of game. On arrival, you will receive a camera trap to place near camp for the duration of your stay. On your last afternoon in camp, retrieve the images to see what your camera has captured.


Experience
Douglas Bell Eco Research Station
The Douglas Bell Eco Research Station is the central hub for all research and conservation efforts taking place in the Usangu Wetland. Situated alongside Usangu Expedition Camp, it provides guests with the opportunity to engage with researchers and develop a deeper understanding of the important work being performed in the region. The experiences on offer will vary slightly depending on which researchers are on the ground at any given time. However, a research coordinator is always present ensuring quality research immersion for visiting guests at all times.


Experience
Predator Identification
If your camera trap has caught any inquisitive predators, or if you have captured any good images on your camera during your stay, you can upload these images to the Predator ID Hub at the station to compare against the existing database. Researchers will work with you to analyse identifying features and determine if this is a new specimen or an existing. This tracking of information helps to plot territories and allows you to actively contribute to the ongoing research.


Experience
Telemetry Tracking
Join the researcher on a half-day tracking of collared animals using radio telemetry to track and locate them. Start the day by reviewing the latest locations of the animals of the days before and join the researcher in a vehicle to learn how radio-collaring and telemetry works, and how to locate the collared animals. Collared species differ over time depending on advancing research but usually focus on key species in the area such as lion, wild dog (yet to be collared), roan, and sable antelope.


Experience
Family safaris
We welcome families with children over 12 years old. If the camp is booked on an exclusive use basis, younger children can be accommodated, but participation in walking activities and canoeing will not be permitted.


WILDLIFE
Ruaha wildlife
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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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Giraffe
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Buffalo
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Wild dog
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Roan antelope
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Sable
When to go
What to expect during the year
Usangu is open from June to November, when it’s hot and dry. During this time, the Usangu wetlands recede, and the surrounding grasslands dry out into wide open spaces ideal for walking. The rains that fall from November until April transform the landscape, making it green and lush but also creating logistical problems as the road networks become water-logged and the rising floodplains limit land-based activities.
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June
Why travel at this time
The long rains have now passed, and the park is lush and green. The waters are still high, making it an excellent time for canoeing.
Climate
June marks the start of the dry season however temperatures are still comfortable at this early stage in the season. The average high is 26°C/79°F, with a low of 13°C/55°F.
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
The wetlands and floodplains recede during this driest time of the year, making it an excellent environment for walking. This is the best time for game viewing as wildlife is attracted to the permanent water source.
Climate
There’s no rainfall in the dry season with temperatures rising to an average high of 26°C/79°C in July, up to 28°C/82°F in September. The average lows are 13°C/55°F to 15°C/59°F.
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Low Temp: 12°C / 54°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 42mm / 1.7in
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October - November
Why travel at this time
October is the peak of the dry season, delivering excellent game viewing and walking conditions. The rains usually arrive in November, bringing respite from the heat and starting the transformation as Usangu returns to a wetland.
Climate
October is hot and dry, with increasing humidity as the rains approach. November continues to be hot, but the arrival of afternoon showers and thunderstorms offer some relief to the parched landscape. The temperature hits a maximum average of 30°C/86°F in October and November, dropping to an average low of 17°C/63°F.
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 99mm / 3.9in
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December - January
Why travel at this time
More rain in December means that the landscape is greener. Wildlife viewing is good, particularly for plains game and big cats. In January, the rains are likely to increase, but the game viewing is still excellent.
Climate
Rainfall is infrequent and light at the beginning of December, increasing into January. It's still hot, with temperatures reaching 28°C / 82°F.
Rates
When would you like to go?
Usangu is open from June to November, when it’s hot and dry. During this time, the Usangu wetlands recede, and the surrounding grasslands dry out into wide-open spaces ideal for walking. The rains that fall from November until April transform the landscape, making it green and lush but also creating logistical problems as the road networks become water-logged and the rising floodplains limit land-based activities.
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, all house drinks (except champagne), game drives, night drives, guided walks, Trails Camp, multi-day walking (must be booked in advance), canoeing, boating, transfers to/from Jongomero Airstrip and to/from Usangu Expedition Camp, TDL. Access to the Douglas Bell Eco Research Station: Predator ID Research, interaction with researchers and explanations of projects, telemetry tracking of GPS collared key species.
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Rate excludes
All park, camping and activity fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip or Usangu Expedition Camp, flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) $25pp
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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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Closed: 01 Feb 2023 - 31 May 2023 Rate: US$0
Seasonal closure
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High season: 01 Jun 2023 - 31 Jan 2024 Rate: US$700
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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Closed: 01 Feb 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$0
Seasonal closure
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High season: 01 Jun 2024 - 31 Jan 2025 Rate: US$750
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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Closed: 01 Feb 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$0
Seasonal closure