Usangu Expedition Camp in Tanzania's Ruaha

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Discover the remote, wild, unexplored, untouched, and adventurous beauty of the Usangu Wetlands in Ruaha while staying at our boutique Usangu Expedition Camp.

Situated beyond the high-water mark under the shade of miombo woodlands, this intimate camp of just six tents has been carefully positioned to offer a personalised and exclusive experience. Enjoy game drives along the river and through forested regions in search of big cats, elephant, giraffe, and sable and roan antelope, or head out on foot to explore the dry seasonal floodplains and better understand the importance of the Usangu Wetlands. Evenings bring breathtaking sunsets across the park, while a delicious and wholesome dinner is prepared over the open campfire.

Step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in a realm where tourism is playing a crucial role in the protection and rehabilitation of an ecosystem. Wander grassy trails with that knowledge that your presence is contributing to the conservation of this crucial wilderness area. The history of the Usangu Wetlands and the work that has been done to conserve it creates a fascinating story which can be enjoyed through both the resources of the Douglas Bell Information Centre in camp, and through the passionate staff, most of whom are from the surrounding communities.

CLOSED: DECEMBER TO MAY

CLOSEST AIRSTRIP: JONGOMERO AIRSTRIP, A 2-HOUR DRIVE FROM CAMP

FAMILIES: CHILDREN AGED 12 AND OLDER

OPEN: JUNE TO NOVEMBER

Usangu guest tent on a raised platform surrounded by dry grass and scattered trees — *The exterior view of a guest room at Usangu Camp*

The interior of a guest bedroom at Usangu Camp with a bed facing expansive views of Ruaha National Park through mesh walls — *Sweeping views of Ruaha from the guest rooms at Usangu*

Two chairs on a wooden deck outside a guest room at Usangu Camp overlooking dry grassland at sunrise — *Your own private deck to absorb the peaceful views onto Ruaha*

An Asilia guide and a guest using a telescope on a deck at Usangu Camp to observe the distant wildlife — *Guided wildlife viewing from deck at Usangu Camp*

An Asilia staff member making a bed inside a safari tent at Usangu Camp with soft natural light filtering through mesh walls — *Every detail captured in preparation for guests*

A fly camping setup from Usangu Camp with a star bed and bucket shower in Ruaha National Park — *Be at one with the wild, fly camping from Usangu Camp*

The Milky Way clearly visible over Usangu Expedition Camp's tented suites — *Fall asleep beneath a glittering Milky Way in your private wilderness star bed.*

An Asilia staff member pouring coffee from a metal pot near a campfire with a guest seated nearby — *Fresh coffee brewed over the campfire in the early morning light*

An Asilia guest is served food from a bush breakfast with staff nearby — *Fresh bush breakfast served in the heart of the wild*

Asilia staff clapping, dancing and singing together to welcome guests — *The team at Usangu Camp sing and dance to welcome guests*

A guest seated in an open-air lounge speaking with a staff member among trees and soft morning light — *A warm welcome at Usangu Camp*

Usangu Camp's open-air lounge and dining area under canvas with guests enjoying the sunset light — *Gold sunlight bathes the lounge and dining area at Usangu Camp*

A tent interior showing a double bed and the view through the net sides — *Wake to golden light filtering through canvas, with the wilds of Usangu just beyond.*

An Asilia staff member serving drinks at Usangu Camp's outdoor bar with bottles, glasses, and fruit on display — *Refreshing sundowners prepared at Usangu Camp*

Two Asilia guests seated by a campfire at sunset, holding drinks and watching the fading light. — *Enjoy sundowners beside a glowing campfire at sunset*

An Asilia staff member tends to a campfire with chairs set around in a dry landscape at dusk — *Campfire preparation as day fades into night*

An Asilia safari vehicle with guests looking up at a starry night sky surrounded by silhouetted trees in Ruaha National Park — *Night-drive beneath star-filled skies in Ruaha National Park*

A guest seated inside a safari lounge while a guide presents information on a screen — *The Douglas Bell Information Centre at Usangu Camp*

A small boat with safari guests traveling along a calm river in Ruaha National Park under a soft pink sky — *Peaceful boat safaris at sunset from Usangu Camp*

A small group of warthogs walking through dry grassland, viewed past a person in the foreground — *A family of Warthogs trot across dry savannah at golden hour*

A large group of hippos in Ruaha National Park partially submerged in a river with grassy banks behind them. — *Hippos gather and drift in calm waters*

A group of elephants walking through tall dry grass with scattered trees in the background in Ruaha National Park — *Elephant herd moves through golden grasslands at dusk*

ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the wetlands at Usangu Expedition Camp, where our six strategically positioned guest tents offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat. With spacious decks and shaded verandas, you can relax and unwind comfortably between safari activities. Our tents boast en suite bathrooms and hot water showers. The open-fire cooking and starlit dining experiences reflect the exploratory feel of the camp and a return to the traditional safari experience. Our minimalist design maximises your enjoyment of the natural surroundings, creating a truly unforgettable stay.

6 TENTS

BATTERY-CHARGING FACILITIES

EN SUITE BATHROOMS

HOT WATER SHOWERS

PRIVATE GUIDE AND VEHICLE

PRIVATE VERANDA

WI-FI

Discover the wonders of the Usangu Wetlands from the comfort of the Usangu Expedition Camp.

Nestled in the heart of this unique ecosystem, we’re surrounded by the Ihefu Swamp, lush grassy marshlands, and expansive floodplains. The nearby miombo woodlands teem with life, adding to the area’s natural beauty. As an essential feature of the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem, the Usangu Wetlands are home to a treasure trove of wildlife. From majestic roan and sable antelope to elusive wild dog, there’s no shortage of fascinating creatures to observe. Hundreds of both resident and migratory bird species will delight birdwatchers. At the same time, amphibian enthusiasts may even identify a new species.

Explore recent guest reviews and stories from Usangu Expedition Camp on TripAdvisor

Best time to visit Usangu Expedition Camp
Visit Usangu Expedition Camp June to November

Usangu Expedition Camp, Ruaha National Park, view of the park from above, green, yellow and rusty coloured leaves on the trees with mountain in the background

June - September

High: 27°C / 80°F Low: 14°C / 57°F Rainfall: 0MM / 0IN

June marks the end of the long rains and the transitional point into the dry season. The park is green and lush after the rains, offering excellent birding and the opportunity for boating safaris. As the dry period persists, walking becomes a delightful activity as the wetlands and floodplains recede during the driest time of the year. Moreover, this is the perfect situation for game viewing as wildlife is naturally drawn to the permanent water source.

Usangu Expedition Camp, Ruaha National Park, lansdcape with wildlife, elephants walking amongst the trees

October - January

High: 29°C / 84.5°F Low: 17°C / 63°F Rainfall: 78.5MM / 3.1IN

October is the height of dry season and arguably best time to visit because it offers superb wildlife sightings and enjoyable leisurely walks. Despite water levels being at their lowest, boating safaris and fishing are still possible. It’s the height of the dry season when game viewing and walking conditions are at their prime. The arrival of afternoon thunderstorms in mid to late-November relieves the heat and begins to transform Usangu back into a wetland environment. Conditions become challenging as the rains set in, forcing the camp to close at the end of November for the duration of the wet season, opening again in June.

Usangu Expedition Camp, Ruaha National Park, landscape, river flowing, trees and bushes surrounding, dry land

February - May

Usangu Expedition Camp is closed during these months due to the persistent rains.

Find out the top places to go on an exciting Asilia birding safari and experience the beauty and diversity of countless magnificent bird species in Africa.

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Rates & Seasonality*

* Special offers may apply
* Contact us for the best available rates
* Rates are correct at the time of publishing and subject to change

Currency

Minimum 2 adults | Minimum 2 nights per camp | 7+ nights must be consecutive

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asilia africa safari vehicle driving along a dusty road at sunrise in southern tanzania

Your Questions Answered

How do I get to Usangu Expedition Camp?

The nearest airstrip to Usangu Expedition Camp in Tanzania, is Jongomero airstrip, 2-hour drive away.

Does Usangu Expedition Camp allow children?

We are delighted to welcome families with children 12 or older.

What are the best months to visit Usangu Expedition Camp?

We recommend visiting in June for lush landscapes and the optimum season for boating adventures on the Usangu waterways. However, if you are passionate about observing wildlife in grasslands, plan your trip for the dry season between July and October.

What wildlife can I see at Usangu Expedition Camp?

An unforgettable wildlife adventure awaits you at Usangu Expedition Camp in Ruaha. You’ll have the opportunity to witness lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, wild dog, and both roan and sable antelope.

What happens on a game drive?

Experience the diversity of the Usangu Wetlands with personalised game drives in your private safari vehicle. With your private guide, explore any accessible wetlands area and discover its hidden wonders.

What will we eat at Usangu Expedition Camp?

Breakfast is often a picnic to allow for an early departure from camp, but it can be enjoyed in camp for those who prefer. Lunch is nearly always an al fresco affair in a shady spot in camp, but can also be a picnic if you wish to stay out for a full day game drive. Dinner is prepared on the open campfire, a communal and unique experience.

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?

Please inform us of any dietary preferences before arrival to ensure your satisfaction. We are committed to meeting all requests.

What should I wear on safari at Usangu Expedition Camp?

When going on a safari, it’s best to wear neutral-coloured clothing suitable for the season and light synthetic hiking shoes which can be used for various safari activities. Also, remember that small planes have a baggage weight limit of 15kg (33 lbs).

Does your camp have electricity and running water?

Usangu Expedition Camp is operated by solar and generator power. In addition, the tents come with en suite bathrooms hot water plumbed showers.

The view from inside a tent at Usangu Camp looking out onto dry grassland with scattered trees at sunrise

An Asilia guide and guest attaching a camera trap to a tree in a dry bush landscape.

Usangu Expedition Camp, Ruaha National Park, Guest tent exterior through long reeds at sunset

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

The area is quite different to other locations with open plains and wetlands so big herds of antelope and buffalo were encountered.

Mike B

Usangu Expedition Camp, Ruaha National Park, guest standing on a rock watching the sunset over the park

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

The sound of nature is all you will hear at this camp. No artificial noise except for trunk engines when it’s time for game drives. A truly remarkable experience and the staff are so very kind.

Alex M

Usangu Expedition Camp, Ruaha National Park, Acticity, guests standing on a rock with their guide looking through binoculars on a walking safari

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

A wonderful camp, set in an amazing setting with exceptional staff. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic experience in a remote setting.