OPINION -> SUPERB
Recommended Stay -> 3 or 4 nights
Mwagusi Safari Camp was the first tented safari camp in Ruaha National Park. Built and managed by Chris Fox, born and raised locally who is passionate about Africa, the park and wildlife and whose knowledge of the area extends back to long holidays spent camping in this area before it even became a National Park.
Mwagusi camp is a rare gem on the safari circuit, tucked away in the far north east corner of the Ruaha National Park on the banks of a sweeping bend on the Mwagusi Sand River. One of the very few owner run camps in the area Mwagusi camp is a charming, small, exclusive tented camp of 13 bandas which snake along the sandy banks of the river. All manner of wildlife descend here to dig holes in the sand revealing the clear waters beneath. More than 80 species of animal can be found within 45 minutes drive from the Camp. Almost all of the camp is built from natural materials such as grass thatch, timber, drift wood, stones and reeds, allowing the camp to be in perfect balance and harmony with its surroundings, certainly a safari camp of character.
Renowned for its high‐calibre of local Tanzanian guides and their in‐depth knowledge of the African bush, Mwagusi offers guests rewarding, quality wildlife guiding whether taking the early morning bird walks quietly on foot or the exhilarating game drives in our specially adapted open sided 4WD vehicles.
Nestled into a bank of the Mwagusi Sand River, this small exclusive tented camp overlooks a watering hole in the riverbed. The sight of over 2,000 buffalo flooding the riverbed below the tents and dining banda is not uncommon.
The 13 tents are designed within thatched bandas each with high density mattresses, dressing table, wardrobe, luggage racks and safari chairs all built in the traditional style of the camp. Solar powered lights as well as a number of traditional hurricane lamps provide lighting. At the front of each banda is a large covered veranda with a table and armchairs made from local materials. Each banda has an en-suite bathroom with flush loo and hot shower.
The best of game viewing can be experienced from the seclusion of your veranda.There will be plenty of opportunities for game drives and walks throughout the area, in open sided 4WD vehicles, each with comfortable seats and high shade awning to enable one to stand and still be in the shade whilst game viewing. Each vehicle is equipped with reference books and bean bags for photography, medikits and all the necessities for a day in the bush. They also carry radios for communication with the camp.Walking safaris, accompanied by an experienced guide, or viewing by vehicle without the disturbance of lots of other vehicles is one of the main attractions of Mwagusi's safari adventure.
Highlights
Excellent bush feel - good use of local materials help make this an authentic safari camp. Excellent game viewing and skilled guides make this a top choice for those serious about their game viewing.
Chris Fox
Chris Fox was born in Tanzania and is passionate about Africa, the park and wildlife. His knowledge of Ruaha extends back to long holidays spent camping in this area before it even became a National Park, and whose family helped to ensure that the land was gazetted and fully protected in 1964. When he was a boy he and his family were often the only visitors. As an eight‐year‐old, he would go hunting on foot with his father in this secret, unheard‐of paradise. Apart from schooldays spent in Devon, he has known the Ruaha all his life and his passion for it shines through in everything he says.
Mwagusi, a well‐established camp providing comfort with a hint of understated safari elegance was started by Chris in 1987 and has originated from a “no‐frills safari experience” where the wildlife and personally guided experience is paramount. Raised locally Chris is notorious for his profound knowledge and experience with the wildlife, people and the land of Ruaha. He is best known for his deep understanding of animal behavior especially with wild African Elephants forming astonishing relationships with these incredibly intelligent creatures.
Mwagusi is renowned for its high‐calibre of local guides and their in‐depth knowledge of the African bush. Local Tanzanians benefit from an in‐house guide training program aimed to provide top‐class guides with excellent wildlife and bush knowledge, who have an ability to read animal behavior – knowing when to sit patiently and watch a natural sequence of events unfold.
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