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Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 132 • Excellent

Where to Stay

Kichaka Camp

from $1,024 per person per night for 2026/27

Unique and memorable walking safaris through Ruaha National Park

Kichaka Expeditions are definitely one of our favourite camp collections and a “top tip” for anyone wanting to get away from the madding crowd and experience what an authentic safari is all about. Started by Andrew “Moli” Molinaro and his parter, Noelle, originally as an expeditionary camp offering only walking safaris, “Kichaka Zumbua Camp” and “Kichaka kidogo” now offer the best of both worlds. The main camp is set on the escarpment looking out across the Ruaha River and offers excellent luxury while the mobile camp allows you to get immersed in this pristine corner of Ruaha.

Completely unique, back to basics and at one with nature!

Not for everyone – can be quite intense

About the location

The location of the main camp, Zumbua, is off to the north of the Ruaha National Park and commands stunning views over the Ruaha river valley below. This area of the park is far less trodden than further to the south which has its benefits and its drawbacks.

The upside is, without a doubt, the sense of complete seclusion. The downside, that the game up here is a little more skittish than further south and so can be harder to approach.

Do see Parks & Regions on this page.

camp Layout

Your initial entrance to the camp is through the inspired “star-bar” which frames what is one of the best views in East Africa…especially if there is a beer to accompany it! The bar is the heart of the property with the dining area and wrap around pool leading down to the main lounge area and reading room.

From here is a short walk to each of the premium suites that run out along the ridge line and offer a different take on that view. As such a small camp, the service and experience is always exceptional.

Do see our new Kichaka Camp Picture Gallery further down this page.

Kichaka Camp Accomodation

Only recently installed as one of the premium properties in Ruaha, each of the suites in Kichaka Zumbua offer all of the spaces and attention to detail that you would hope for a property in this category. Be it the private plunge pools, outdoor (but secure) bathroom and showers, lounge areas and even a yoga platform above the star bar, there is something to please everyone.

By contrast, Kichaka Kidogo, is a much simpler but equally comfortable experience. Often located by the side of a dry river bank, this “fly camp” has pretty simple tents with standard camping beds and long drop loos. One of the main highlights, we would argue, is that they often position the camp in an area without phone coverage which forces you to engage in the surroundings and, most importantly, switch off for a moment or two.

Do see Best Safaris & Holidays on this page.

Wildlife & Activities at Kichaka Camp

Walking safaris are really the name of the game in Kichaka. “Moli” and his team of guides are, arguably, some of the best and most experienced guides in East Africa and, as such, a walking safari with them is one of the true highlights of any safari experience.  

Since the inception of Kichaka Zumbua, Moli has also recognised that clients also want to cover a bit more ground than is possible on foot and so it is also possible to both drive during the day but also to night drive should you choose. 

As mentioned before, the game up in this area of the park is not as used to vehicles and humans as in other sections of the park but there are good numbers of elephant, prides of lion and other main predators that are seen on regular occasion.

Don’t miss our Kichaka Camp Wildlife Guide on this page.

How to book Kichaka Camp

Please call us in the UK on the usual +44 1525 840 149 or email info@theafricaspecialists.com to check availability, best prices and what adventures you have in mind. We can plan and arrange it all for you and have been for over 20 years!

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Where on the map is Kichaka Camp?

Kichaka Camp

Kichaka Camp, Ruaha National Park map

Kichaka Camp Highlights

Just some of the highlights of this hand-picked Ruaha National Park camp. Do call us direct for any other details or to help with planning and logistics.

Luxury Accommodation

6 people in a group

Outdoor campfires

Fly camping & basic accommodation

Walking Safari

Around Ruaha National Park

Please go to either of our Tailormade Safari Trips pages to see a lot more safari trips, ideas and budgets.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find around Kichaka Camp for 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you’ll be able to find the following wildlife around the Kichaka Camp bearing in mind the quality of guiding, budgets, time of year and duration of stay all affect your chances of finding or seeing any of the following outstanding wildlife that dwell in this part of the Ruaha National Park…

Don't miss our full Africa Wildlife Guide right here.

What are your best safari trips & itineraries to Kichaka Camp’s Ruaha National Park for 2026/27?

Some of our most-popular tailor-made trips for the Ruaha National Park that could include a stay at Kichaka Camp include...
Days14Days15

Duration

$4,500$7,000

Price Brackets (USD)

1 Selous Ruaha & Zanzibar

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Unbelievably it is actually possible to safari in both the Selous and Ruaha within this budget. For this amount of money, this itinerary offers exceptional value for money and, for those wanting… More…

15 Nights

FROM $4,500pp/pn

Lake Manze Camp lake views, Selous/Nyerere

2 The Ultimate South

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, South of Dar, Southern Tanzania, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

If you gave us the choice of where we would go and what we would do, apart from maybe upgrading the beach to Vamizi, this really is it! Arguably the best time… More…

15 Nights

FROM $7,000pp/pn

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, Mwagusi Camp

3 Best of Southern Tanzania

Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Visits : Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar

This is a great little safari itinerary that takes in two of Tanzania and Africa’s least visited but, in our opinion, best paired parks. The riverine Selous offers walking and boating safaris… More…

14 Nights

FROM $4,500pp/pn

Laba Siwandu, Boat safari, Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Don't miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the other best camps in Ruaha National Park for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following camps for Ruaha National Park for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check availability.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$410$1,600

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars4Stars5

Our Rating

4 Nights

Ikuka

Ruaha National Park

From $997 per person per night
See the hotel now
Ikuka Lodge, Bedroom, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

4 Nights

Mwagusi Camp

Ruaha National Park

From $597 per person per night
See the camp now
Mwagusi Camp, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

4 Nights

Jongomero Camp

Ruaha National Park

From $997 per person per night
See the camp now
Jongomero Camp, Bedroom, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

3 Nights

Mdonya Old River

Ruaha National Park

From $500 per person per night
See the lodge now
Mdonya Old River, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

5 Nights

Jabali Ridge

Ruaha National Park

From $1,600 per person per night
See the hotel now
Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Par, Tanzania

4 Nights

Kigelia Camp

Ruaha National Park

From $875 per person per night
See the camp now
Kigelia Camp, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

4 Nights

Ruaha River Lodge

Ruaha National Park

From $410 per person per night
See the lodge now
Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

When is the best time to stay at Kichaka Camp in 2026/27?

Generally speaking, as the Kichaka Camp is in Ruaha National Park, we recommend booking stays here with us any time on the following timescales — depending on your preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then do call us any time to check your plans, costs and best options for a fantastic Kichaka Camp stay in the 2026/27 season…

January fair

February fair

March mixed

April mixed

May mixed

June great

July best

August amazing

September great

October still good

November fair

December fair

Don’t miss our full When to Visit tanzania guide on our main tanzania page.

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

It is the people, the animals and the unique experiences that bring people back to Africa time and time again.”

Nick French, The Africa Specialists™

Nick French signature shot in Africa

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

Old Main Content

Nick/FiFi : This is the ‘old’ (imported) main content. Fi : This is what we’re copying up to the new hotel accordions.

Location

The beauty of Kichaka Expeditions is that there is no one location. The base camp itself is simple and can be easily moved. Whilst on route, there is always a military-style truck packed at the ready, with tents, sleeping gear, food and cooking equipment that can transported to anywhere in Ruaha to meet the group.

Details

The maximum number of guests that are able to go on the walking safari is six, which is the perfect size group to keep safe, focused and accessible to exclusive and untouched areas of Ruaha National Park. Whilst the accommodation is not luxury or extravagant, it is comfortable and completely one of a kind! The fly camp is a completely mobile unit and can be moved on a daily basis if needed, depending on game movements or interests of the group. There are a variety of itineraries you can choose from- a 3, 5 or 7 day itinerary which can combine walking and driving, staying at either base camp or the mobile fly camps.

Your guide

Moving to Kenya when he was 1 years old, Moli was exposed to East Africa’s wilderness landscapes, nature and wildlife. After completing a degree in zoology in the UK, Moli returned back to Kenya to begin his professional career guiding in the Masai Mara and learning about walking safaris in South Africa. In 2005, he began walking safaris in both the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania and more than 10 years later, his reputation as a guide for unique and back-to-nature walking safaris could not be better!

Kichaka Camp