Tanzania As It Was Meant To Be Seen If you long for the days when you weren't sharing a sighting with 14 other trucks, when you could enjoy the sounds of the bush seated by a campfire, when you could be immersed in the experience of being in nature unmarred by the din of CNN International, come to Ruaha and stay at Mwagusi! Chris has created an oasis that hearkens back to the safaris of old without sacrificing comfort or quality. His staff are welcoming, friendly, eager to share their knowledge of the landscape, its fauna, and tireless when it comes to seeking out the best... read moreIf you long for the days when you weren't sharing a sighting with 14 other trucks, when you could enjoy the sounds of the bush seated by a campfire, when you could be immersed in the experience of being in nature unmarred by the din of CNN International, come to Ruaha and stay at Mwagusi! Chris has created an oasis that hearkens back to the safaris of old without sacrificing comfort or quality. His staff are welcoming, friendly, eager to share their knowledge of the landscape, its fauna, and tireless when it comes to seeking out the best of what this park has to offer. I traveled here during Covid and for anyone who is yearning to travel again, please consider coming to a place that naturally allows for social distancing. This is the perfect escape and it comes without sacrificing security. You're outdoors for most of the day and the camp has modified meals and other interactions to ensure your safety, while not compromising your experience. Much like the lodge itself blends into the landscape, the Covid protocols blended into the experience seamlessly. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone at the camp and thank you hardly seems sufficient for the one-of-a-kind experience I received from Chris, his manager Trudie, my amazing and amazingly knowledgeable guide, Baldon, my pro-am drivers Yona and Geoffrey, the delicious and varied cuisine served up by Mohammed and staff, and the helpfulness and... If you long for the days when you weren't sharing a sighting with 14 other trucks, when you could enjoy the sounds of the bush seated by a campfire, when you could be immersed in the experience of being in nature unmarred by the din of CNN International, come to Ruaha and stay at Mwagusi!

Chris has created an oasis that hearkens back to the safaris of old without sacrificing comfort or quality. His staff are welcoming, friendly, eager to share their knowledge of the landscape, its fauna, and tireless when it comes to seeking out the best of what this park has to offer.

I traveled here during Covid and for anyone who is yearning to travel again, please consider coming to a place that naturally allows for social distancing. This is the perfect escape and it comes without sacrificing security. You're outdoors for most of the day and the camp has modified meals and other interactions to ensure your safety, while not compromising your experience. Much like the lodge itself blends into the landscape, the Covid protocols blended into the experience seamlessly.

I enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone at the camp and thank you hardly seems sufficient for the one-of-a-kind experience I received from Chris, his manager Trudie, my amazing and amazingly knowledgeable guide, Baldon, my pro-am drivers Yona and Geoffrey, the delicious and varied cuisine served up by Mohammed and staff, and the helpfulness and camaraderie shown me by Getruda, Mizengo, Elai, Rosemary, and Omary.

Do yourselves a favor and add this to the top of your safari to-do list! More read less

Wir kommen sehr gerne wieder! Unser Aufenthalt im Februar war durch die Wetterlage nicht optimal, um viele Tiere zu sehen. Bei Nässe kommen die Löwen sehr selten unter den Büschen vor. Dafür war der Service in Camp hervorragend, alle Mitarbeiter mit Hendrik als Manager waren super freundlich und sympatisch. Unser Banda war wunderschön eingerichtet, ein sehr bequemes Bett und und ein sehr großes Wohnzimmer mit Blick zum Fluß. Auch der Gamedrive samt Fahrer und Führer mit erstklassigem 4 Wheel Drive hat immer geklappt. Insgesamt ein hervorragender Aufenthalt, wir kommen bestimmt mit der Familie wieder! Aber diesmal in den Monaten August oder September, da herrscht Trockenzeit... read moreUnser Aufenthalt im Februar war durch die Wetterlage nicht optimal, um viele Tiere zu sehen. Bei Nässe kommen die Löwen sehr selten unter den Büschen vor. Dafür war der Service in Camp hervorragend, alle Mitarbeiter mit Hendrik als Manager waren super freundlich und sympatisch. Unser Banda war wunderschön eingerichtet, ein sehr bequemes Bett und und ein sehr großes Wohnzimmer mit Blick zum Fluß. Auch der Gamedrive samt Fahrer und Führer mit erstklassigem 4 Wheel Drive hat immer geklappt. Insgesamt ein hervorragender Aufenthalt, wir kommen bestimmt mit der Familie wieder! Aber diesmal in den Monaten August oder September, da herrscht Trockenzeit und die Tiere sind besser zu beobachten! Danke an das Team von Mwagusi Camp für die schönen 5 Tage bei euch! read less

Fantastic experience with expert service! I stayed with two other people in the Phillips banda. The banda was stunning with a great afternoon view of elephants and giraffes eating.Our guide Baldon was awesome and I would highly recommend him. He was able to see things far before the rest of us and was incredibly knowledgeable of all of the animals that we saw and then some. More

There is a reason why I keep returning OK, first things first - since October last year the weather in Tanzania has been "challenging", to say the least. But over the past few years i have learned that the mark of a really good Safari camp is how the challenges are met. Even at the best of times, the logistics involved in running a camp in the middle of Africa are far from easy - from getting fresh supplies to keeping the vehicles in working order - but when rains make the rivers flood and snap concrete access bridges as easily as if they were made... read moreOK, first things first - since October last year the weather in Tanzania has been "challenging", to say the least. But over the past few years i have learned that the mark of a really good Safari camp is how the challenges are met. Even at the best of times, the logistics involved in running a camp in the middle of Africa are far from easy - from getting fresh supplies to keeping the vehicles in working order - but when rains make the rivers flood and snap concrete access bridges as easily as if they were made of wood, the business of keeping guests happy and well fed and watered, requires very special skills. In this respect all the staff at Mwagusi are marvelous. The food was always delicious, the beer was always ice cold and did not run out, and game drives continued as a matter of routine. I have always felt completely safe and well looked after at Mwagusi, leaving me free to enjoy one of the most beautiful game parks in Africa with all its wonderful animals and birds most of which also seem to appreciate the camp's position on the seasonal river and wander through it from time to time. February should not usually see that much rain, but 2020 was as wet as I have ever seen the park, althoughto be honest it did not spoil my enjoyment of it one little bit. I stayed eight days with a friend and we could easily have stayed longer. Asante sana to Heinrich and all the wonderful guys who make me feel one of their family. I will of course be back next year, whatever the weather. read less

Third visit to Mwagusi Second trip to Mwagusi this year for the wildlife photography. Excellent location, staff, safari guides and Management team. Totally recommended. This time we booked a night time safari and came across Bat Eared Foxes, Serval, Civit, African Wild Cat, Lions, Bush Babies and an Aardwolf. The evening meals are an experience in themselves, under the stars, on the dry river bed around a large fire. It doesn't get much better.

Unique landscape and sightings of wild dogs and leopards The game and the camp were amazing. We had an excellent guide in Baldon, He was eagle-eyed on every drive. I loved the baobabs sprinkled everywhere.
The food was the best by far of the camps I have stayed in Ruaha and dinners in the dry riverbed with a full moon gave memories to carry for ever. My tent was beautifully furnished and large, I had monkeys, elephants and a few fruit bats keep me company.

Wildlife Safari holiday A wonderful holiday experience.
Thank you to all the staff for such a special time. Everything worked well, the game drives were informative and much wildlife was seen thanks to the guides incredible eyesight.
The food was the best by far of the four different camps we stayed in. Delicious.
The setting was special..... lovely to loll in a hammock by the river (though dry in the yellow season) and see giraffe, elephant, Impalas and baboons wandering through. I had rock plated lizards visit and a python too! Nature at her best and best of all, a leopard sighting,... read moreA wonderful holiday experience.
Thank you to all the staff for such a special time. Everything worked well, the game drives were informative and much wildlife was seen thanks to the guides incredible eyesight.
The food was the best by far of the four different camps we stayed in. Delicious.
The setting was special..... lovely to loll in a hammock by the river (though dry in the yellow season) and see giraffe, elephant, Impalas and baboons wandering through. I had rock plated lizards visit and a python too! Nature at her best and best of all, a leopard sighting, perfect.
Thank you. read less

Wonderful and relaxing We have visited Mwagusi Camp and each time has been delightful!, relaxing atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable guides, great food! Breakfast in the bush on a morning game drive and dinner under the stars are highlights.

a lovely safari experience We enjoyed our stay at MwagusI immensely. Our banda was very comfortable and allowed for game viewing while we drank our morning coffee. One day a whole family of elephants walked through right next to our veranda. The hosts were friendly, fun and very accommodating. . It was obvious that the chef at Mwagusi took pride in his kitchen, and being a person who rejoices in salads, vegetables and fruits, I was in heaven. Our guides were very knowledgeable and tried very hard to find us as many different kinds of animals as possible. When... read moreWe enjoyed our stay at MwagusI immensely. Our banda was very comfortable and allowed for game viewing while we drank our morning coffee. One day a whole family of elephants walked through right next to our veranda. The hosts were friendly, fun and very accommodating. . It was obvious that the chef at Mwagusi took pride in his kitchen, and being a person who rejoices in salads, vegetables and fruits, I was in heaven. Our guides were very knowledgeable and tried very hard to find us as many different kinds of animals as possible. When we wanted to deliver some soccer balls and frisbees to a local school, they quickly arranged a drive to the closest village ( about an hour away) in place of one of our AM game drives.We had a great time with the kids.
There are many other pluses from staying at Mwagusi. The only suggestion of anything to avoid, is that we found the optional night game drive was not very satisfying and an extra expense. If you have never stayed at a camp in a game preserve, the per night cost may seem exorbitant, but when you see how many people , and how much effort it takes to provision and maintain a comfortable game lodge , in the middle of what seems like nowhere, you realize that it is worth it to save your pennies to be able to have this kind of experience. read less

Ultimate Safari Experience Chris Fox and his staff has created the ultimate safari experience in relatively unknown and uncrowded Ruaha National Park. The accommodations are fabulous; private, self contained, secure tents, under expansive thatched canopies each looking out over the sand river. From our comfortable bed, we observe elephant, giraffe, zebra, baboons, monkeys and many birds. From our bed! When we got up and had the fresh brewed coffee, which was delivered to our tent, and a hot shower, we went off on incredible early morning game drives with the best trained, and nicest guides in Africa, with... read moreChris Fox and his staff has created the ultimate safari experience in relatively unknown and uncrowded Ruaha National Park. The accommodations are fabulous; private, self contained, secure tents, under expansive thatched canopies each looking out over the sand river. From our comfortable bed, we observe elephant, giraffe, zebra, baboons, monkeys and many birds. From our bed! When we got up and had the fresh brewed coffee, which was delivered to our tent, and a hot shower, we went off on incredible early morning game drives with the best trained, and nicest guides in Africa, with separate drivers (Many other camps the guide is the driver, making it very difficult to accomplice either task well). Our guide knew every animal and bird, their scientific name, their behaviors and their place in the ecology of the park. We were then served an excellent breakfast, in the bush! Back to the camp for a rest and a delicious lunch in the main lodge. One day we were a little late for lunch as there was an elephant blocking the trail from our tent to the dining hall! Afternoon game drive was followed by an incredible dinner, cooked and served down in the river bed one night, observed by a tree hydrax, and out in the bush another. In our group, Mwagusi was able to cater to dietary preferences (gluten free, vegetarian). Ruaha is not cheap to get to, and you can pay more at other camps but you won't find a better safari experience anywhere in Africa! read less

An amazing experience What an amazing experience it was to stay at Mwagusi Camp! Our childrens' first experience of a safari and a real bucket list holiday. The bandas were so much better than they appeared in the photos, which do not do them justice. There always seemed to be a cooling breeze on the veranda or inside the room. All the staff were so friendly and could not do enough to help - even managing to mend a flip flop! Evening meals in different locations around the river bed were a real treat and it was lovely to get to... read moreWhat an amazing experience it was to stay at Mwagusi Camp! Our childrens' first experience of a safari and a real bucket list holiday. The bandas were so much better than they appeared in the photos, which do not do them justice. There always seemed to be a cooling breeze on the veranda or inside the room. All the staff were so friendly and could not do enough to help - even managing to mend a flip flop! Evening meals in different locations around the river bed were a real treat and it was lovely to get to know other guests from around the world. The quality of the food was fantastic! The wildlife was abundant, with many close encounters that will live on in the memory for years. We would certainly recommend a morning walking safari, which provided sightings of countless crocs and hippos. Thank you to Trudie and the team for making it such a special trip and especially to Godfrey and Abdullah for their great spotting skills! If you're considering booking - go for it, you won't regret it. read less

Amazing Experience What a beautiful two days in Ruaha. Of course, seeing the animals was amazing. But the combination of the gorgeous camp, great guide, truly hospitable staff made it all even better. There are so many moments that I'll never forget. The meal outside under the starts was magical. The sound of lions off in the distance roaring on our first night was amazing, and the baby elephant that stood just outside my patio in the evening was so cute. The tents were much more extravagant than I thought and so comfortable.

Fantastic Safari experience We spent four wonderful days at this beautiful camp and as other reviewers say, it simply isn’t enough. The camp is perfectly situated and the general area and bandas are decorated to a very high standard, but with a natural elegance that reflects the surroundings. Trudie, the manager, and all of her staff were excellent and took such good care of us. Our guide Godfrey and driver Abdallah were both very knowledgable and capable - and good fun to be with. The food at camp was first rate, each evening we ate at a different location, swapping stories around the... read moreWe spent four wonderful days at this beautiful camp and as other reviewers say, it simply isn’t enough. The camp is perfectly situated and the general area and bandas are decorated to a very high standard, but with a natural elegance that reflects the surroundings. Trudie, the manager, and all of her staff were excellent and took such good care of us. Our guide Godfrey and driver Abdallah were both very knowledgable and capable - and good fun to be with. The food at camp was first rate, each evening we ate at a different location, swapping stories around the camp fire, then escorted back to our bandas past hyenas and other wildlife. In between drives we sat on our veranda at the Banda and watch the vast array of animals wander past. On the drives we saw all the game we could wish for and often at incredibly close distance. This really is a beautiful spot in the world, definitely worth a visit and the Ruaha Park is far less busy than the northern options. Thanks to everyone at Mwagusi for a family trip we will never forget. Anton, Helen, Tom and Ollie More read less

Must-see camp Fabulous place - have been travelling in Africa for 40 years and this is the most sumptuous camp I have ever stayed at. Banda's excellent and spacious in the extreme!! Staff friendly and good natured and food out of this world and plenty of it with such variety. Will recommend to others as an ideal place to stay for relaxation and being pampered.

Fabulous camp This was a splurge camp for us, and in hindsight, we wish we had thrown the budget aside and stayed another night or two (we were there 2 nights -- not enough time). The bandas are huge with a large open area. While relaxing there one afternoon, a female elephant and her baby came within feet of our banda. The bathroom area is open, which means crawling and flying creatures can visit, but it's part of the experience and the overall experience far outweighs this. The sleep area is large and comfortable and zips up tight. Manager Trudy is a... read moreThis was a splurge camp for us, and in hindsight, we wish we had thrown the budget aside and stayed another night or two (we were there 2 nights -- not enough time). The bandas are huge with a large open area. While relaxing there one afternoon, a female elephant and her baby came within feet of our banda. The bathroom area is open, which means crawling and flying creatures can visit, but it's part of the experience and the overall experience far outweighs this. The sleep area is large and comfortable and zips up tight. Manager Trudy is a delight and owner/manager Chris Fox is fun and interesting. Drive Elie helped our guide track down a pride of lions and is a delight. Our walking safari was fabulous. We loved our stay here. read less

June Family Safari Host: Trudie Bosman
Guide: Jimmy and driver Abdullah
Travel Agency: ATR

We travelled to Mwagusi in June with our 4 girls, ages 19-26. We received a warm welcome at the airport and a warm welcome at the camp.

Accommodation: A number of thatched bandas are dotted along the riverbank, each with a very large bathroom and separate lounging area. Ours consisted of a covered stone-floored deck with loungers built into the surrounding rock. A hammock also allowed for many relaxing afternoon naps. The bedroom portion is tented and allows you to hear the sounds of the Africa night. This is exhilarating;... read moreHost: Trudie Bosman
Guide: Jimmy and driver Abdullah
Travel Agency: ATR

We travelled to Mwagusi in June with our 4 girls, ages 19-26. We received a warm welcome at the airport and a warm welcome at the camp.

Accommodation: A number of thatched bandas are dotted along the riverbank, each with a very large bathroom and separate lounging area. Ours consisted of a covered stone-floored deck with loungers built into the surrounding rock. A hammock also allowed for many relaxing afternoon naps. The bedroom portion is tented and allows you to hear the sounds of the Africa night. This is exhilarating; we heard baboons shrieking, lions roaring and hyenas right by our banda.

Food:
Breakfast: We opted to have all our breakfasts out in the bush during our morning drive. This enabled us to leave earlier and spend more time on our drive. Breakfasts consisted of baked goods, sausages, bacon, hard-boiled eggs and fruit. Juice and coffee or tea.

Lunch: Lunch is eaten at the main lodge and served buffet style. Compliments to the chef who produced delicious meals of grilled meats and an abundant variety of salads. Our favourites were the Moroccan potato salad, beet and green beans and cucumber, apple, parsley and mint. Perfect meal to eat in the hot African weather.

Dinner: Dinner is held in a different location every night. Lanterns hang from the trees to illuminate a drinks station and buffet of delicious meats, many types of vegetables, potatoes and rice. Dessert is always a nice surprise. We particularly enjoyed grilled caramelised bananas with dark chocolate sauce. Or opt for a simple dinner in the bush which features mini pizzas, sandwiches, salads and fresh-cut fruits.

Lunch and dinner are eaten communally with the other guests which allowed us to meet some really lovely people from around the world.

Gluten free: Mwagusi is able to accommodate gluten free. The chef is very talented and most of the meals are naturally gluten free, but they will amend the dishes for dietary needs.

Host: We booked Mwagusi after reading about the owner-guide Chris Fox. While he was not there during our stay, we were hosted by manager Trudie Bosman, a lovely warm spirit who made us welcome. She ate our meals with us and shared stories of the bush, while putting everyone at ease effortlessly. Thank you Trudie!

Guiding: Really great guiding. There is a morning drive which is from 6:45 until 12pm and a shorter afternoon drive from 4-6:30pm. Our guide Jimmy is one of the best guides we have met on our travels. Knowledgeable about flora and fauna, insects, animals, birds, etc. He made every drive an adventure. It is very easy to like Jimmy with his frequent smile and pleasant disposition. On one drive, we just missed a cheetah kill an impala but we were able to watch the chaos that ensued, with vulchers and jackals fighting each other over the carcass. Later that day, on our afternoon drive, we found 2 lions with an impala kill. Then we heard alert calls from the baboons and found a male leopard drinking at the riverbed. We lost him in the bush then Jimmy saw another leopard hiding a little way down. We followed it up to the water to watch it drink. All in one day – heaven. We also learnt about the history of the local tribes and the meaning stories about the mountains and animals – thanks Jimmy!

Travel Agency: ATR is an amazing company. We book all our African travels with them and appreciate the advice and organization of their company, from transfers to lodges to activities.

Recommendation: Mwagusi is highly recommended read less

What can be said other than Fantastic camp in a Fantastic location After over 30 years travelling in Africa and of those over 20 spent in East Africa this was only our second stay at Mwagusi camp, why we missed this hidden gem for so long is a mystery. The camp has a great location by the river in the wet season or river bed in the dry season and excellently situated within the park some 30 minutes away from the small airport. The food in both quality, choice and amount is very good and we love the bush breakfasts. The rooms are very large and comfortable as is the bed... read moreAfter over 30 years travelling in Africa and of those over 20 spent in East Africa this was only our second stay at Mwagusi camp, why we missed this hidden gem for so long is a mystery. The camp has a great location by the river in the wet season or river bed in the dry season and excellently situated within the park some 30 minutes away from the small airport. The food in both quality, choice and amount is very good and we love the bush breakfasts. The rooms are very large and comfortable as is the bed which were kept exceptionally clean by our attendant Kanu who also did our ironing and brought us tea and cakes each morning, bless him. All the staff at Mwagusi are very helpful and attentive to your needs, whilst the guides and drivers are very experienced and knowledgable and will endeavour to get you that once in a life time photo. This is a location however that requires a little patience with wildlife viewing, its not the Serengeti and you certainly won't see the large number of vehicles rushing to each sighting which is a bonus but, the wildlife types are exceptional, wild dogs, lesser and greater kudu's, sable and roan antelopes as well as a number of the more common species. This is a camp that comes highly recommended. read less

Lovely lodge, great food, wonderful people My wife and I Spent seven weeks on safari in southern Africa and this was our next to the last lodge. It did not disappoint. The food was terrific the staff was wonderful and the guiding (Baldon) was superb. We saw of the big four and got a National Geographic photo of a leopard on a rock!
Walking with canes I had difficulty one night getting back from the outside dinner. Martin and Heinrich arranged for three guys to carry me back in a chair I felt like a king!
I would highly recommend this lodge!!

I keep coming back Mwagusi is a lovely camp and the managers and staff make it a very special experience. I have now stayed several times and have only ever been disappointed when I have to leave.
For me, the best safari experiences depend on the guiding and at Mwagusi it is excellent. I have been out with several of the guides - all knowledgeable and charming and all really excited to see the wonderful animals and birds despite having seen them so many times before.
TOP TIP - you really do not need to be driving around the Park all day looking for... read moreMwagusi is a lovely camp and the managers and staff make it a very special experience. I have now stayed several times and have only ever been disappointed when I have to leave.
For me, the best safari experiences depend on the guiding and at Mwagusi it is excellent. I have been out with several of the guides - all knowledgeable and charming and all really excited to see the wonderful animals and birds despite having seen them so many times before.
TOP TIP - you really do not need to be driving around the Park all day looking for big cats and elephants. The park itself is exceptionally beautiful and you should take time to look out for the more unusual and interesting stuff. You will still see the lions and elephants (they are almost impossible to ignore) but you might also see a Caracal or an Aardwolf if you take it slower. read less

Luxurious safari with excellent service and unforgettable, delicious menu. Great camp on a bank of Mwagusi river in the middle of Ruaha National Park along travelling route of elephants herds. Luxurious Western style amenities and great service. The best dining in Tanzania. Unforgettable experience.