The camp is located close to the banks of the Mwagusi River, a seasonal tributary of the Great Ruaha River, which is the only permanent source of water in the wildlife-rich Ruaha National Park. The camp's position near the waterway makes it an ideal base to see wildlife while exploring a true wilderness.

The swimming pool tucked into gigantic boulders at Jabali Ridge.

Activities at Jabali Ridge include game drives to see the wildlife, night drives to see nocturnal animals, and epic walking safaris for a completely different perspective. The camp also offers a customized photographic game drive vehicle that features swivel seats and fold-down side panels for low-level images.

Other activities include a cultural visit to meet with the local Hehe tribe and learn about the lifestyle and their ancestral ways of life. Conservation is an integral focus at Jabali Ridge and guests can enjoy two different evening presentations to learn about their work. The Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) works to alleviate human-elephant conflict, while the Usangu Wetlands Conservation Project aims to protect crucial wetlands in the southeastern part of the park.

Dinner setting in the outdoor boma at Jabali Ridge.

Jabali Ridge offers eight stylish and spacious guest suites that include louvered wooden doors all around to allow views of the dramatic landscape while also offering complete privacy. The three-bedroom Jabali Private House is perfect for a family or small group and includes a dedicated game drive vehicle, private chef, and a dedicated butler.

The camp is built amongst huge, granite boulders atop a kopje (a rocky outcrop or hill) with views towards the nearby Mwagusi River. The landscape around the camp is spectacular, with numerous baobab trees, tall palms, and rock-strewn plains. An infinity-swimming pool and adjoining viewing deck is a great place to relax and look for wildlife between safaris and the spa offers a menu of wellness treatments and massages.

Ruaha is easily reached from the oft-visited northern Tanzania parks, but is an excellent choice as an add-on for travelers who want to add diversity to a Serengeti safari experience.

Guest suite at Jabali Ridge.

ABOUT RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Ruaha National Park was originally declared in 1964 and has increased in size from that time, today covering 7 840 square miles (20 300 sq kms). The park is situated in Tanzania's Rift Valley and is the country's second-largest national park after Nyerere National Park (part of The Selous).

Ruaha National Park is the core area of a much larger protected area that includes three additional contiguous game reserves: Rungwa, Kizigo, and Muhesi. Ruaha is one of the least visited wildlife sanctuaries in Tanzania and visitors here will enjoy a true wilderness experience.

Ruaha's location is in the transitional zone between Eastern and Southern Africa, giving it a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. Over 1 500 plant species and all the wildlife one can see in the Northern Tanzania parks are also present in Ruaha.

Giraffes and the dramatic Ruaha landscape with an ancient baobab tree and tall palms.

The park is named for the Great Ruaha River, which flows northeast through the national park, after which it bends southeast and enters Nyerere National Park, where it joins the Rufiji River, before flowing into the Indian Ocean. This river and a few of its tributaries are the only permanent sources of water in the park, which makes them the focal point for the best wildlife viewing in Ruaha.

The habitats in Ruaha are varied, with rocky outcrops and enormous granite boulders, steep gorges, sandy river banks with tall 'ilala' palm trees, and open savanna grasslands that are dotted with an abundance of baobab trees. There are also areas of Acacia and miombo woodland. The landscapes are similar to those found in some sections of Tarangire National Park to the north.

Visitors to Ruaha will see plenty of baobab trees, which are sometimes called 'the upside-down tree', which is a reference to their unique shape. The baobab (Adansonia digitata) is one of Africa's most iconic trees, with a lifespan that can exceed two thousand years. The baobab has a sullulent-like capacity to retain water and is deciduous, remaining leafless for about 8 months of the year.

Baobabs have adapted a high resistance to grass fires, which occur regularly in their savanna habitat. The tree produces large, white flowers that open for a single night beginning at sunset. During nighttime, they are pollinated hawk-moths, fruit bats, galagos (bush babies), and other insects. The dried fruits are relished by baboons, elephants, and other herbivores.

Elephants gathering in the riverbed to drink - Ruaha National Park.

In terms of wildlife, Ruaha is home to large numbers of elephant, plus a number of lesser known antelopes, like sable, roan, and lesser kudu. The park also provides protection for large numbers of buffalo, as well as good numbers of zebra, eland, Grant's gazelle, impala, giraffe, defassa waterbuck, reedbuck, klipspringer, greater kudu, bushbuck, Liechtenstein's hartebeest, and Kirk's dik-dik. Ruaha is one of the few places where both lesser and greater kudu can be seen together.

The greater Ruaha region (including the surrounding game reserves and conservation areas) is home to roughly 10 percent of Africa's lion population, with some prides occasionally reaching twenty or more individuals. Besides lions, Ruaha's resident predators include healthy populations of leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, and crocodile. Striped hyena are seen on occasion.

Due to the diversity of habitats occurring in Ruaha, the bird life is also diverse, with over 570 species recorded. As opposed to overall wildlife viewing, which is best during the dry season, birding is best during the rainy season, during which migratory species arrive from the north to breed.

The park has several good lodges and safari camps, many of them situated along the Great Ruaha River or one of its tributaries in the southeastern sector of the park. Game drives on tracks that follow the waterways provide excellent wildlife viewing. For the more intrepid, legendary bush walks with trained guides are on offer.

Ruaha makes an excellent destination in combination with Nyerere National Park (The Selous), which is located to the east. Ruaha can also be combined with any of the northern parks, including the Serengeti.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

8 guest accommodations in total comprising:

8 suites, all of which can be set up with a double or twin beds, and three of which can be a triple to accommodate a child under the age of 16 years.

The suites are constructed using wooden beams and have floor-to-ceiling, fold-out louvered, wooden doors on all sides. The suites have en-suite facilities with plumbed hot and cold water, a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, and flush toilet. The suites are accessed via footpaths on the ground leading to the main camp area.

A guest suite at Jabali Ridge.

Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is an exclusive-use, three-bedroom guest villa located within walking distance of Jabali Ridge. Jabali House sleeps up to 6 guests with two 'wings' connected by a passageway. The house comes with a dedicated game-drive vehicle, private butler, and chef.

The house's main wing features a double-bedded room, a spacious lounge, dining room, and a kitchen. The second wing has a double-bedded room and a children's bedroom with two single beds. Both wings have spacious outdoor decks that are accessed by fold-out, louvered, wooden doors. The deck attached to the main wing includes a plunge pool.

Each bedroom in Jabali House has its own en-suite facilities with plumbed hot and cold water, indoor shower, double-basin vanity (single-basin for the children's room), and flush toilet.

The main camp lodge area and guest suites are located amidst huge, granite boulders with views towards the nearby Mwagusi River.

The guest suites are elegant, with louvered, wooden doors that fold out onto a wrap-around wooden deck. The suites are constructed on a wooden deck and the wrap-around, split-level, outdoor deck includes lounge seating, a dining area, and hammock.

The walls of the suites are of locally-sourced, renewable wood and have louvered wooden doors to allow in the light and breeze while also offering total privacy. The ceilings are made from woven palm fronds. The interior décor is in natural earth tones, with organic bed throws, linens, and dip-dyed mosquito netting over the beds.

Other items and features in the guest suites include:

Outdoor deck with sunken lounge area.
Writing desk and chair.
Wardrobe for clothes storage.
Ceiling fan.
Safe.
Mosquito netting over the beds.
24-hour power (provided using a combination of solar and generator) for lighting and charging electronics.
Wi-Fi available in the guest suites and main guest areas.
Mobile phone signal available, but limited.

Jabali Ridge can accommodate a maximum of 19 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 8 guest suites, and a possible 3 additional children in the 3 suites convertible to a triple. Jabali Private House accommodates an additional 6 guests.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and house drinks, including wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
Safari experiences (twice-daily or full-day game drives, night drives, bush walks, and birding) accompanied by an experienced guide.
A dedicated safari vehicle, private butler, and private chef at Jabali Private House.
Sundowner drinks and snacks.
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
Wi-Fi access (throughout the entire camp).
Msembe Airstrip transfers (50-minute drive).
Tourism Levy & VAT.

Excludes:

Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
Usangu Wetlands Conservation Project presentation.
Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) presentation.
Cultural visit to a local community outside the national park.
Purchases from the Gift Shop.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Children aged 5 years and older are accommodated at Jabali Ridge (any age in Jabali Private House):

Three standard suites available as a triple and the 3-bedroom Jabali Private House.
Ask us about reduced rates for children sharing with adults or children 12-17 in their own suite.
The minimum age for children on bush walks is 12 years and at the discretion of the guide.
Children's menu available.
Children under 5 years are allowed in Jabali Private House or in the main camp if the camp is booked exclusively.

Game drives with children:

During high and peak seasons, families (less than 5 persons) with children aged 0-12 years must pre-book a private vehicle.
During low and peak seasons, families (less than 5 persons) with children aged 0-12 years will receive a private vehicle FOC subject to availability. Vehicle must be pre-booked.
Year-round, families with children aged 0-12 years will receive a private vehicle FOC for every 5 persons in the family. This is subject to vehicle availability and must be booked in advance.

Facilities

The main lodge and suites are hidden amongst huge, granite boulders atop an elevated ridge, looking out over a landscape of baobab trees and lofty palms. The lodge's site is roughly 2 kms from the Mwagusi River, a seasonal tributary of the Great Ruaha River.

The main guest area includes separate structures housing a dining area, lounge, bar, and library. All of the structures are open-plan with views of the surroundings and are constructed out of sustainable timber. A large, outdoor viewing deck connects the main area buildings.

A short stroll leads to an open-air boma set amongst gigantic boulders that is used for outdoor dinners. There is also an infinity-flow swimming pool and sundeck with the spa located close by.

Main guest area facilities include:

Open-plan guest structures comprising a lounge, bar, dining area, and library.
Swimming pool and sundeck in a spectacular setting amongst the boulders.
Dining is typically communal, but private dining is available on request.
Spa offering various wellness treatments and massages.
Gift Shop.
Jabali Private House has a private plunge pool and dedicated kitchen.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Mineral water is provided in the main camp areas and in the guest suites.
The camp is powered by a combination of solar energy and diesel generator.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Morning and afternoon/evening game drives in semi-open 4x4 vehicles.
Shorter drives after dark are also possible to see some of the park's nocturnal animals.
Guided bush walks. Children must generally be 12 years of age (or given clearance at the discretion of the guide).
Full-day game drives with a packed picnic.
Sundowners.
Birding.
Child-friendly activities.
All game drive vehicles fitted with inverters for battery charging on game drives.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked in advance).
Use of the customized Asilia photographic game drive vehicle. The vehicle is based at Jabali Ridge, but also bookable from Kwihala. Maximum three photographers. Best to reserve in advance.
Usangu Wetlands Conservation Project presentation. Evening activity including dinner with a member of the project's team to learn about their work to conserve this key and fragile ecosystem in the southern part of the national park. Fees are a donation to the conservation project. Pre-booking required.
Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) presentation. Elephant poaching is a serious problem in southern Tanzania and the STEP organization works to protect the region's elephants. Evening activity including dinner with a member of STEP's team to learn about their work. Fees are a donation to the conservation project. Pre-booking required.
Guided visit to a local Hehe tribe village (full-day excursion). Alternately, an evening visit to the camp by HeHe tribe members can be arranged. Pre-booking required.
Spa treatments (at the spa or en-suite).

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity or food packed for an earlier departure.
Return to the camp for a meal and rest period (full-day outings mean lunch is packed).
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the campfire before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

GENERAL TIPS

The Ruaha region is an excellent wildlife-viewing destination throughout year, with healthy populations of all of the big cats including lion, leopard, and cheetah, as well as spotted hyena and African wild dog. Herbivores are also present in large numbers, especially elephant, giraffe, buffalo, impala, and greater kudu.

Similar to the Serengeti and Masai Mara regions further to the north, the rains in Ruaha occur between November and April and it is advisable to avoid the region during March and April, when heavy rains typically occur. June to mid-October is outstanding for wildlife viewing, especially along the various waterways, which become a focal point for the animals during the dry season.

Jabali Ridge is closed from 15-March thru 31-May.

RAINS

The rainy season in the Ruaha region is from November thru mid-May, with two distinct rain seasons. The "Short Rains" (locally called the "mvuli") fall from mid-November to mid-December and are generally lighter and less impactful to safari activities. The "Long Rains" (locally called the "masika") occur between March and May, brining afternoon showers on a near daily basis.

Short Rains
The short rains occur for about one month sometime during November and December (the exact time varies somewhat year to year). This period is called the 'short' rains because the duration of an individual rain event is short and it is rare to have an all-day rain event. Most rain falls as an afternoon shower, while mornings are typically overcast or clear.

The first rains typically arrive sometime in mid-November, but December receives the bulk of the short rains. The landscape turns verdant and thousands of migrant birds arrive. Impalas and warthogs give birth and the land feels revitalized.

January / February
January and February (the period between the 'short' rains and the 'long' rains) are unpredictable with regards to rain, as in some years the rains abate before starting again in March, while in other years, the short rains do not end and continue falling before becoming more serious in March.

Many days are clear and the amount and duration of the rain events is unpredictable, with some afternoon showers and the odd long and heavy shower. The landscapes during this period are spectacularly green and beautiful, with wildflowers abundant in the meadows.

Long Rains
The long rains occur between March and May, with April being the wettest month of the year. During this time, rain should be expected almost every day and the showers can last for hours at a time, although all-day rain is not typical.

The roads in the park can be quite difficult during the long rains, which means more difficult driving. Cloudy skies are typical and temperatures can be chilly at times.

TEMPERATURES

The temperatures in the Greater Ruaha region do not experience wide fluctuation during the year, as the region lies between five and eight degrees south of the equator. In general, daytime temperatures are comfortably warm and overnights and early mornings are mild to chilly. Bring a fleece regardless of the timing of your visit.

Dry Season
During the dry season (June thru October), the days are sunny and warm and rarely hot. Rainfall is extremely rare. From June thru August, the afternoon temperature averages 77-80°F (25-27°C), but some days can be warmer. Evenings and early mornings temperatures are often chilly, averaging 57-57°F (13-14°C).

September and October days are warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging 82-86°F (28-30°C), with mild to cool mornings, averaging 61-63°F (16-17°C).

Rainy Season
The rain season begins sometime in November and continues through mid-May (read more above). Temperatures during this period are fairly static, with daytime temperatures averaging 82-86°F (28-30°C) and nighttime and early morning temperatures slightly warmer than the dry season, averaging 63-64°F (17-18°C)