Jongomero Camp - Ruaha National ParkThis is the only lodge located in the South-Eastern part of Ruaha National Park, making it the epitome of a wild remote bush experience with an old world safari feel. The lodge itself is situated on the Jongomero river which only flows for part of the year and otherwise serves as a clear pathway for animals to cross that can be viewed from the swimming pool, main area and all 8 of the tents. Elephants wandering alongside the camp are a regular occurrence, so much so that many of the ‘regulars’ are named and known by the staff. The personal touches throughout the lodge and service as well as the extraordinary guiding that Jongomero, and its sister lodge Siwandu in Selous are renowned for, distinguish it from many other properties.
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Highlights
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The LodgeThe communal area in Jongomero is a charming wood and thatched roof structure with a cozy lounge, bar and dining area. The perfect place to regale stories of the days' adventures while sipping on a gin and tonic. Dinners are a private romantic candlelit affair while lunch is generally a communal event but guests are offered the option of private dining should they prefer to do so. The menu here is creative and delicious with an impressive focus on local ingredients with an international flair. The service and hosting is exceptional and with the small personal touches and surprises really make your stay highly memorable.
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AccommodationThe eight canvas tents constructed of wood, canvas and thatched palm leaf are stationed along the, generally, dry river bed each with delightful wooden verandas. It is not uncommon to see a herd of elephants digging for water in the riverbed below. The tents are beautifully decorated with polished wooden floors and enormous dhow wood beds. On our last morning in Jongomero we were greeted to the most spectacular bush farewell, a herd of elephants right outside our tent. Thankfully we weren’t in a rush so we sipped our coffees while enjoying observing these gentle giants, after having crawled across the floor to unzip the tent slightly to secure memorable photos of our enormous neighbours.
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Activities and AdventuresThe lodge offers game drives with open-sided 4WD vehicles and in true safari manner you will end your days escapades with a sundowner in a spectacular location. Walking safaris are offered during the dry season and fly camping can be arranged with advanced notice.
Our walking safari in Jongomero was incredibly interesting as we were taught about some of the finer details of the bush from tracking to dung. With the sounds of trumpeting elephants and roaring lions in the vicinity it was certainly exhilarating as well, despite us being told that our walking safari was relatively uneventful in comparison to most! |
