Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Usangu Expedition Camp

A camp within Ruaha National Park

Explore the Usangu Wetlands

On the banks of the Usangu Wetlands in the Ruaha National Park, just beyond the reaches of the seasonal high-water mark, is where you’ll find Usangu Expedition Camp. Nestled among the woodland shade and with just six guest tents, this camp offers an exclusive experience into this largely unexplored wetland. Simple in its design, the focus of the camp sits firmly on the exploratory nature of the experience with meals cooked on the open fire and enjoyed under the African stars.

Usangu Expedition Camp offers a wide variety of activities, allowing for your days to be tailored around your preferred interests. Your group will have a private guide and vehicle, which will enable complete flexibility within your daily structure.

Early mornings are typically best for game drives and walking safaris when 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, for 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 in the wetland area and the intricate waterways, where elephants are regularly seen along the shallows.

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.

Highlights

Six guest tents positioned on raised wooden decking with views towards the wetlands

Relax and survey the wetlands from your shaded veranda

Explore the five biozones and different habitat types within Usangu on a game drive

Immerse yourself in nature with a walking safari

Spot elusive creatures like leopards, genets and servals on a night drive

The impact of your stay:

Your stay directly contributes to meaningful community and conservation efforts. For every $10 USD you pay per night, they match the funds raised and allocate them to vital projects through their Nawiri Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting marginalised groups, including youth, young women, children and people with disabilities, with the goal of saving lives, relieving suffering and preserving dignity.
Through the Nawiri Foundation, they are also proud partners and donors to Six Rivers Africa, which helps fund anti-poaching initiatives in Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks. Additionally, they support the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute in expanding their research and conservation efforts in remote areas of the parks.
Your stay also helps fund their scholarship programme, providing 160 full scholarships annually to local community members. The youth programme allows local children to experience life in the camps, learning both the guest experience and the roles of their staff. These programmes not only create opportunities for local employment but also offer a direct pathway for scholarship students to join their workforce.

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