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Mwagusi Camp

Chris Fox Mwagusi Safari Camp Ruaha National Park Iringa, Ruaha National Park Tanzania
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Traveller (374)
Room & Suite (89)
Dining (31)

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About

#3 of 7 campsites in Ruaha National Park
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Nestled into the bank of the Mwagusi River, this small exclusive tented camp overlooks the beautiful riverbed and all its’ natural visitors. Our camp is built along the lines of a traditional old-style African safari experience. Each tent is designed within a thatched banda with polished clay-red floors. Luxury has not been forgotten with an en-suite bathing area and a shaded veranda with lounging cushions and swinging hammock. Enjoy excellent game-viewing with our knowledgeable guides, on a game drive or a safari walk.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Free airport transportation
Airport transportation
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Breakfast available
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
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Room features
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Wake-up service / alarm clock
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.5 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Family
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Norwegian and 2 more

Location

Chris Fox Mwagusi Safari Camp Ruaha National Park Iringa, Ruaha National Park Tanzania
Mwagusi Camp
244Reviews10Q+A58Room tips

Reviews
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shelagh m wrote a review 7 Mar
2 contributions
+1
This was our first safari and our first visit to Africa and it exceeded all our expectations. We chose Mwagusi Camp following a recommendation by a friend who had been on many safaris all over Africa but felt Mwagusi was the best of the many destinations she had been to. We stayed for 5 nights and Chris and his staff looked after us superbly from the moment we stepped off the plane at Msembe airstrip. We were met by our guide Joffrey and our driver Hemed and so our Ruaha adventure started, we had hardly gone quarter of a mile when we stopped to view our first giraffes and zebras. For the next 5 days we saw an amazing variety of Tanzanian mammals, birds, reptiles, butterflies, flora and fauna. We saw new varieties every day and learnt so much from our very knowledgeable guide. The Ruaha was stunning, green and so quiet, we rarely ever saw another vehicle all day. Many thanks to Joffrey and Hemed for making our trip so amazing and memorable. Chris was an exceptional host joining us for every superb meal. Dinners on the riverbed are very memorable. Our Banda looked directly onto the river and was comfortable and clean. The staff were very polite and couldn’t have been more helpful. Chris obviously regards training his staff and guides of paramount importance to giving his guests a true Safari experience. Many thanks Chris. Shelagh and Iain
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Karen H wrote a review Jan 2024
Reno, Nevada9 contributions1 helpful vote
When visiting Tanzania, Mwagusi Camp far exceeded my expectations! From the Bandas, to the food, to the fabulous game drives. But more importantly the care and knowledge the entire staff had in providing an unforgettable experience. Chris Fox the owner, made sure his guests had everything to make their stay one that will never be forgotten. From his fabulous stories, to the delicious cuisine, Mwagusi Camp is a camp you will want to experience. His staff is honest and very hard working and it shows. I highly recommend Mwagusi Camp to experience what is a once in a lifetime adventure.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Alan M wrote a review Jan 2024
Wellington, South Africa40 contributions
+1
Baobabs everywhere! Wonderful animal sightings (even Leopards in Baobabs!). Ruaha is a wild & beautiful place and the cherry on top must be Mwagusi Camp. We traveled as a family (our girls are aged 5 and 8) and everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you Chris & the Mwagusi Team.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Hingey1 wrote a review Nov 2023
Wokingham, United Kingdom78 contributions46 helpful votes
+1
My son and I have just left Mwagusi Camp having stayed three nights. The experience was exceptional. The accommodation consists of Bandas which are basically a tent with a thatched roof above which helps to keep the interior surprisingly cool. The food and beverage offering is also remarkable bearing in mind the camp is in the middle of the bush. The camp is owned and run by Chris Fox who is a gentleman and a consummate host. Chris is also a fascinating raconteur who willingly shares his exciting safari stories with you each evening at supper. This commences with all guests sitting around a camp fire with a drink or two then moving to a beautifully laid table all situated on the dry bed of the river Mwgusi. It's a magical experience with the like of leopard hunting monkeys very nearby. Chris is very ably assisted by Rosie and their endearing young son Freddie! Our guide and driver Jimmy and Johan were extremely friendly and knowledgable. I found the three days to be very enjoyable, also incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating with plenty of free time to relax. I'd thoroughly recommend a visit.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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PebblesJD wrote a review Oct 2023
Saint Paul, Minnesota64 contributions48 helpful votes
This place is magical. I cannot speak highly enough about this place. I would go back in a heartbeat. Worth every nickel. The bandas were superb, beautiful, large, clean, romantic. But truly it is the service that shines through. Our guide was amazing - Baldon, who knew every animal in sight. All of the staff were so attentive to every detail of our stay, and so very kind. Chris himself shared many meals with us. The evening dinners in the riverbed by torchlight was spectacular. If you want the trip of a lifetime, I highly recommend Mwagusi. Just watch out for those monkeys because they seem to know when tea and biscuits are served in the bandas, and they will take your cookies!
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Keep an eye out for the monkeys, those little rascals will take your milk and cookies!
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Jyveturkie wrote a review Oct 2023
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania32 contributions7 helpful votes
We had an excellent stay for two nights at Mwagusi camp. The tents are very comfortable, the food was excellent, and the game drives were better than any we've done before. Ruaha is much less crowded than other parks, and Mwagusi's guides are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. All the staff at Mwagusi are courteous and helpful. We began the day with coffee delivered to the tent, and ended it with dinner and drinks served at tables set up in the riverbed. We did have a few minor issues that keep me from giving five stars (toilet problems, broken tent zipper), but nothing that would make me think twice about staying again.
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
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GLORIA B wrote a review Oct 2023
Varese, Italy13 contributions17 helpful votes
Our staying at "Mwagusi camp" was exactly what we were looking for : the tent was super, spacious and very well kept , food was excellent, ( very good chef indeed ) Silence and quite completed our stay! Chris and Rosie are 2 perfect hosts . Chatting with them in the evening, during dinner, is an added value : they share their knowledge about the park, wildlife, and also the country - thank you both BUT our major THANKS !! goes to our Guide Jimmy and our Driver Hemed : they were simply marvellous! so much engaged to make us happy and to let us see, discover whatever possible in wildlife, giving us daily surprises and emotions " Their knowledge about wildlife ( and also small slopes ) is un-believable and for sure we will never forget them and their kindness
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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michaeleichberger wrote a review Oct 2023
Munich, Germany2 contributions3 helpful votes
A true insider tip....! Not our first trip to Tanzania but our first safari. We were looking for a unique nature experience far away from mass tourism as you know it from the Serengeti. What did we get: far more than expected! First of all, who is chasing the Big 5 is wrong here. There are no rhinos. What there is: a wonderful bush and river landscape in absolute isolation. Animal encounters very often alone or with a maximum of 3 other jeeps. A very respectful interaction with the wildlife and among the guides. No jockeying for the best spots. From lions to elephants, from hippos to crocodiles, an absolute variety of animals. We saw more than we expected. The camp is located directly on the Mwagusi River. It consists of spacious beautifully appointed bandas nestled in the river landscape and offers a wonderful view to the few waterholes (we were in September, dry season). We had a visit from a herd of elephants right in front of the banda, like in the movies! Chris Fox, his wife and little son had lunch and dinner with us every day and Chris told us about his exciting life. A really extraordinary man who is very committed to the conservation of nature in Africa. Among other things, he runs and supports his own reforestation project in the mountains. The food at the camp is fantastic and varied cooked with love and home grown vegetables. We had chosen exclusive tours (without other guests) for our game drives and did not regret it. Our guide Baldur and our driver were absolutely top. We always felt safe and learned a lot from them. Baldur loves nature and even explained the stars to us at night. In summary, the 4 days in Ruaha National Park were an experience of a lifetime, perhaps the best we have experienced so far while traveling. Thank you Chris Fox with family and to the whole team, good luck and strength for the future, what you do and have created is authentic, valuable and great. Respect!! Christina and Michael (the Oktoberfest refugees from Munich 😉)
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Book direct with "Wings over the wild". Payment transfer goes to UK and much more flexible than...
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Joyce T wrote a review Sept 2023
1 contribution
+1
The minute my friend Lynn and I were greeted at the local airport and loaded into our safari vehicle, our amazing time spent at Mwagusi Camp was underway! From the get-go our knowledgeable and delightful guide Jimmy and driver Eli gave us a wonderful taste of what was to come. They were so thoughtful and kind; enjoyable to chat with and learn from; and accommodated our interests and goals during each unique safari we went on with them. What a pleasant kickoff to our four days at this beautiful and atmospheric camp, with the gorgeous lands & animals that surround it. We were equally surprised and delighted to be immediately welcomed to camp by co-host Rosie & the other friendly staff who were awaiting our arrival. They ushered us to a delightful lunch with other guests in one of the cool & enchanting open air, communal dining/lodge spaces. It was so helpful to be given Rosie’s thorough orientation at the start of our stay—an introduction to the comfortable flow of the days to come and how to make the most of our visit. Throughout, we were constantly delighted by the attention and courteous care we received from all of the staff at Mwagusi and owner/host Chris, making us feel appreciated and at home. Lynn and I had such fun staying in the well & beautifully designed tent/banda accommodations; with such attention to detail and a feeling of blending perfectly with the landscape. How fun to be outdoors and indoors at the same time! We continually enjoyed the view of the dry riverbed (we chose our early September dates specifically to hit this time) that looked like an outdoor art installation. We were also entertained throughout by the wildlife that visited the riverbed & loved our downtimes relaxing after lunch or sipping early morning coffee before heading out on safari at first light. We were pleased to have Gertruda, an apprentice guide, join Jimmy for our last few outings, bookending our excellent Mwagusi safaris. We were delighted to see her in this role & be able to share her knowledge and experiences with us, too. Well done! Last but not least, the riverbed dinners—fireside and lantern lit; cooking pots full of the evening’s delicious meals and the long family-style dining table—endeared us to the other guests as we chatted about our days’ adventures and enjoy each other’s company. Now home, I pour over my beautiful photos to remember and relive the amazing time we spent with the Mwagusi camp family & new friends. Thank you for your hospitality, Chris, Rosie, and staff! We would be fortunate indeed to be able to come back again.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jlucu wrote a review Aug 2023
39 contributions
Mwagusi Safari camp is beautiful. The staff are super attentive took care of our every need. The location is right in the middle of Ruaha National Park, which is the second largest national park in Tanzania. The dinner at the camp was on the dry riverbed with candlelight. Beautiful. Our baranda (tent suite) was lovely, comfortable beds, a view of the river bed. I could have hung out there all day. The guide (Val) and driver (Eli) were fantastic, knowledgeable, fun and took great care of us. It was not crowded and we saw some amazing sites including a pride of lions eating their recent kill (Cape Buffalo) and Leopard in a tree, tons of interesting birds and giraffes and elephants galore. The sunset was beautiful.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
mwagusi camp hotel ruaha national park
LOCATION
TanzaniaIringa RegionRuaha National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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MWAGUSI CAMP - Updated 2024 (Ruaha National Park, Tanzania)

Frequently Asked Questions about Mwagusi Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Mwagusi Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Mwagusi Camp?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Mwagusi Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Does Mwagusi Camp have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Mwagusi Camp offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Mwagusi Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Mwagusi Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Mwagusi Camp?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, German, Swedish, Norwegian, and Swahili.