Usangu Expedition Camp
Trailblazing base
Wild, wild wetlands
Asilia Africa’s Usangu Expedition Camp is bringing creature comforts and pioneering research to the remote southern wetlands of Ruaha National Park. Seasonal game drives ensure safari headliners are spotted, while on-foot excursions put under-studied species into the spotlight. Back at base, canvas suites come kitted out with ensconcing extras, and you’ll have a transportable tent and camera trap for out-in-the-wild nights studying the bush.
Once you’ve booked your safari stays, the Asilia team will be in touch within 48 hours, on business days, to help arrange travel between camps, which may include charter or private small-plane flights and/or overland transfers.
Facilities
Rooms
Six tented suites.
Checkout
10am. Check-in is at 2pm. Please note that late check-out may incur additional park fees, food, drink and transport charges.
More Details
Rates at Usangu Expedition Camp include all meals and drinks (except premium wines), limited laundry service, private open-vehicle game drives, walking safaris and return transfers to Jongomero Airstrip. A minimum three-night stay applies.
Also
Unfortunately, this remote camp is not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Hotel Closed
Usangu Expedition Camp closes during Ruaha's rainy season, from early December until the end of May.
Laundry
Room Service
At the Hotel
Library and information centre, lounge areas, fire pit and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: radio, electric fan, torch, USB charging ports, free bottled water, laundry detergent, bathrobes and Cinnabar Green bath.
Our Favourite Rooms
There’s only one type of suite at Usangu Expedition Camp, with all-embracing views, furnished verandas and cushy king-size beds for post-safari slumbers. There are also mesh-like ‘star cubes’ that staff are happy to set-up around camp — or further out — should you fancy a night out in the bush.
Packing Tips
All the classics (neutral tones, hats, hiking boots), as well as a notebook for documenting lesser-known sightings, which help contribute to the Usangu region’s ongoing research.
Also
Once you’ve booked your safari stays, the Asilia team will be in touch within 48 hours to help arrange travel between camps, which may include charter or private small-plane flights and/or overland transfers.
Children
Kids aged 12 or older are welcome; there aren’t any dedicated family tents, but all beds can be twinned on request.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Make like moths to a flame and secure yourself a seat around camp’s alfresco fire pit.
Dress Code
Come as you are in this remote, outdoorsy stay.
Hotel Restaurant
Expect flame-grilled dining that showcases seasonality and is proudly low on food miles. A commitment to sustainability and a celebration of local, indigenous ingredients underpin Asilia Africa’s approach to cuisine across all camps.
At Usangu Expedition Camp, breakfast might be a picnic in the bush consisting of fresh fruits, yoghurt, muesli, freshly squeezed juices, baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches and wraps. But if you're staying in camp, you also have an option to start your day with hot dishes à la carte.
Across all Asilia Africa camps, the menu changes by the day; at each meal, there’ll be a choice of starters, mains, sides and desserts, with vegetarians as well served as meat eaters. Lunch on Wednesdays and dinner on Sundays are a distinctly Swahili affair, spotlighting local culinary traditions. If you have food preferences or dietary requirements, the camp’s kitchen team will be happy to adapt dishes to suit.
Hotel Bar
You won't find a formal bar here, but drinks of all varieties can be ordered straight to your tent, or anywhere else around camp.
Last Orders
Rather than working to scheduled hours, meals fit around your plans and staff are happy to flex to meet your wishes.
Room Service
Available 24 hours: you can order drinks and snacks to your tent; meals, too, can be arranged chez vous.
Planes
From Kilimanjaro, Arusha or Dar Es Salaam airports, connecting flights touch down at Jongomero Airstrip, where you’ll be met by Asilia staff for the two-hour drive to camp, included with your stay.
Automobiles
All the driving at Usangu Expedition Camp is taken care of by trained staff using Asilia vehicles.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Usangu Expedition Camp puts you in the midst of Ruaha National Park’s diverse wetlands and miombo woodlands, making day and night game drives, and walking safaris quite the seasonal spectacle between July and October. The rainy season ends in May, making June prime for boating excursions; and you’ll each be given a personal camera trap to secure sightings from behind the lens. You're also welcome to spend a night in the bush, with tent-like ‘star cubes’ set-up near camp for constellation spotting, or further afield for out-in-nature sleepovers.
In Ruaha National Park, waterways are the area’s lifeblood and focal point for abundant game viewing. To explore this exceptional safari destination in detail, after three nights exploring the wetlands around Usangu Expedition Camp, you could head to its upscale big-sister stay, Jabali Ridge, which sits alongside the seasonal Mwagusi River and — like Usangu — has night drives and walking safaris at certain times of year.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
