Why we like it
- Rustic yet luxurious accommodations
- Immersive nature activities including walking safaris and night drives
- Unique flycamping experiences for deep wilderness immersion
- Expertly guided explorations led by seasoned adventurers
Situated in the untamed wilderness of Ruaha National Park, Kichaka Expeditions serves as a gateway to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. The main camp offers elegantly rustic accommodations with expansive views, creating a serene haven away from the heat of the sun. By night, the area transforms with the glow of campfires and the sharing of stories under the stars. Here, adventure meets tranquility, offering an unparalleled experience of Africa’s natural beauty and raw power.
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Experience & Activities:
Kichaka Expeditions provides a spectrum of adventure opportunities, from the traditional flycamping setup allowing guests to venture into the more remote sections of Ruaha Park, to the thrilling 7-night Kichaka Wild expeditions into the park’s outer fringes. Guests can explore vast landscapes, climb the Kopjes of Mpululu, and experience the tranquility of the Kilola Star forests. Each activity is designed to deepen the connection with nature, facilitated by expert guides like Andrew Molinaro.
Accommodations:
KICHAKA ZUMBUA:
The newest and most luxurious product of Kichaka Expeditions, this permanent tented camp has now become the main base of operations.
Situated atop a remote ridge in the Eastern Corner of Ruaha, this stunning and luxurious camp blends perfectly with its rocky backdrop, overlooking perhaps the most scenic section of the entire Ruaha River valley.
About as comfortable as it is possible to get in such isolation, the elegant yet rustic rooms offer sweeping views and serve as the perfect retreat from the hot sun when not out on safari. Each room features a central airy and spacious tent with a thatched roof and raised platform base, open during the day to allow for views and breeze, but closed at night for safety and complete bug protection. Adjoining each tent is a lavish bathroom complete with flushing loo, bathtub, and outdoor shower, and on the other side of the tent, a personal plunge pool provides instant gratification after morning activities.
The privacy and seclusion of the rooms contrast beautifully with the social atmosphere of the main area. This is essentially the heart of the camp, where all activity converges, scrumptious meals are consumed, stories and adventures are shared, and, of course, gin & tonics are enjoyed. The area is split into three sections: a relaxed lounge with comfy sofas and an information centre for admiring views or reading a book with a cup of tea, a dedicated dining room for enjoying an excellent and varied menu prepared by the chefs, and a central, well-stocked “Star-Bar” for chatting by the fire or admiring the tremendous night sky.
A team of excellent hosts, knowledgeable and experienced guides, and friendly staff pave the way for an unforgettable safari experience in one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
KICHAKA Kidogo:
(Flycamping)
Perhaps the most raw and traditional way to enhance any safari experience. Mobility is key with the well-designed and lightweight flycamp, which allows for a few days’ foray into the really wild sections of Ruaha Park. It can be erected within a few hours and enables deeper exploration into the wilderness once familiarization with the areas around Zumbua camp has occurred.
Kichaka Untamed easily opens up fresh walking and exploration areas without the need for traveling big distances several times daily to return to Zumbua camp. Simple and basic yet perfectly comfortable, the flycamp can accommodate six guests in three tents, each with adjoining private bucket showers and toilets. Travel cots ensure a good night’s sleep, waking only to the sounds of the night before a full day’s exploration. With a feel of complete informality, meals are freshly prepared on the campfire itself while guests nurse a cold beer and contemplate the next day’s activities.
Kichaka Wild:
Kichaka Wild, a 7-night expedition into the outer fringes of Ruaha National Park, represents the most unique way to discover the beauty and diversity of this truly wild ecosystem. Known for its immense wilderness and vast diversity, Ruaha offers endless opportunities to explore remote areas that even some park rangers have yet to venture into.
Led by Andrew Molinaro, Kichaka Wild offers the perfect opportunity for adventure enthusiasts to experience the thrill of modern-day exploration. From climbing the gigantic Kopjes of Mpululu to roaming through the tranquil forests of Kilola Star, participants will uncover Ruaha’s hidden gems in some of the last true wildernesses left on this planet.
Typically set up along the banks of rivers or nestled into nearby forests, the camp consists of three dome tents, each with its own bucket shower and short-drop loo for privacy. Activities are mainly centred around walking safaris, with game drives and night drives also offered to fully enjoy these new areas.
Each expedition is booked on a private basis and customised to the clients’ specific interests. Kichaka Wild offers four remote locations for guests to choose from.
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