Usangu Expedition Camp

Fantastic conservation projects, walking safaris & stellar wildlife await at Usangu.

Journey to this newly-revitalised wilderness, the Usangu Wetlands, to experience nature up-close and without boundaries. Usangu is a tiny, four-tented camp on the banks of the wetlands, where the leaves of miombo trees provide an idyllic hiding...

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Usangu Expedition Camp

Journey to this newly-revitalised wilderness, the Usangu Wetlands, to experience nature up-close and without boundaries. Usangu is a tiny, four-tented camp on the banks of the wetlands, where the leaves of miombo trees provide an idyllic hiding spot. Out and about, there are myriad activities to get involved in, with waterways to explore and plenty of gregarious birdlife to spot. On game drives, keep your eyes peeled for big cats and even bigger elephant and on night drives, the prize spot is the highly-endangered pangolin. On top of that, Usangu has a passion for conservation and you'll see it in full force while here.

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From $780 person/night

Camp

4 Tents

Ruaha, Tanzania

Asilia Africa Usangu Expedition Camp Guest tent interior wide angle2

Asilia Africa Usangu Expedition Camp Guest Tent interior

Asilia Africa Usangu Expedition Camp Sun setting into guest tent

Asilia Africa Usangu Expedition Camp Guest tent near a Baobab tree

What you'll love

Spending a night in the mesh 'Star Cube', which can be set up in a secluded location or right outside your tent.

Insiders tip

On arrival, you'll receive a camera trap to set up near camp and on your final afternoon, you'll have the chance to help identify any predators.

Something to think about

There is Wi-Fi in the main areas but not in the tents. Technology is not high on the agenda.

The property

Usangu is all about getting back-to-basics. Your dining room is the grass and your kitchen is an open fire, where the chef will whip up tasty meals made with fresh ingredients - and then serve it on exquisite china trays. After each day, spend time swapping stories with guests and guides, or lay back and take in Tanzania's dazzling night sky.

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The rooms

Set as close to the wetlands' high water mark as possible, the tents are perched on raised wooden decks. All have stretched canvas roofs and mesh sides to enjoy the magnificent view from bed. Speaking of which, the beds are all enormous and topped with cosy blankets, perfect for falling into after a piping-hot bucket shower... All tents are orientated to catch the best of sunrise and sunset from your private veranda, which is furnished with slouchy director's chairs and footrests.

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Activities

With Usangu's swamp boats, it's possible to enjoy the waterways all year round, while the dry season (June - November) means walking safaris are possible, with sightings ranging from stalking leopard to a pack of African painted dogs. Enjoy private game drives including night excursions where any snapping twig could be a honey badger or serval. Join the researchers at Douglas Bell and help position camera traps, analyse images or track collared lion. You'll see just how important their work is.

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Positive impact

Usangu Expedition Camp is owned by Asilia Africa who pioneers sustainable investments in vulnerable East African wilderness areas, fostering conservation economies for local communities and increasing biodiversity. Through collaboration with stakeholders and guest contributions, they achieve significant positive impacts. Their latest project, focusing on the Usangu Wetlands in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, aims to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the region's unique ecosystem and biodiversity, ensuring long-term benefits to conservation and local communities.

A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.

Reviews

Jess & Justin Curtis

5 months ago

We loved this Asilia location. The camp is fairly remote and game drives are fantastic. The staff, including our guides, were fantastic. This was our favorite location in Tanzania.

Wildlife viewing is great here and our favorite part of the camp was its isolation and commitment to sustainability and habitat revitalization.

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5 out of 5 stars

About Ruaha National Park

Ruaha

Escape the crowds in this rugged park where 10% of the world’s lion roam amongst the mighty baobabs.

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Wildlife in Ruaha National Park

Elephant

Occasional

Giraffe

Abundant

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

None

White Rhino

None

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Rare

Leopard

Rare

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

None

Buffalo

Occasional

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Occasional

Wild Dog

Occasional

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

Expect a variety of wildlife in the intimate Ruaha National Park, a region characterised by mixed acacia vegetation, rolling savannah and the skeletal baobabs that dot its countryside. Look out for species such as lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and a guest favourite: the African wild dog. Not to be forgotten is the magnificent birding of Ruaha, with over 450 species colouring the landscape.

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