Ikuka Safari Camp Ruaha

Layout

Located around 20 minutes by car from the park's best wildlife-viewing areas, Ikuka stands out for its unique setting and sweeping views.
It is run by its owners, Mark Sheridan-Johnson, an experienced safari guide, and his wife Chloé. Their knowledge allows them to create an intimate, personalised experience.

Ikuka's six open-sided rooms are spread along the escarpment. All offer sweeping views over the national park, with rooms 1 to 3 facing the sunrise and rooms 4 to 6 facing the sunset. All have been beautifully designed, with low walls built from locally sourced white quartz and tall thatched roofs that let the breeze flow through. A neutral colour palette and the use of natural materials, characteristic of the architect's style, give the rooms a sophisticated look and a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
A seventh tent, a family unit, has recently been added to the accommodation offering.

The central area is equally elegant. Like the rooms, its wood-and-timber-slat construction has been left open on the sides to maximise the view. The space was built around several trees and rocks that were left in place during construction.

Upstairs is a second lounge area with plump, colourful cushions and a small library stocked with several guidebooks.
A few steps down from the central area lead to a raised wooden veranda where guests can relax by a beautiful oval pool, fitted with shaded loungers, and take in even more spectacular views.

Meals, taken together at a large table, are kept simple, hearty and varied despite the lodge's remoteness. On request, they can be served in special settings, among the baobabs or out in the open savannah.

Ikuka is accessible by light aircraft via Msembe airstrip, 45 minutes from the lodge.
It is open from June to March. The dry season runs from June to November, with short rains possibly starting in December and lasting through May.

For your children

Children welcome from age 7. Walking safaris from age 16.

Rooms

The rooms were built directly into the rock to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Clad entirely in wood, with thatched roofs, understated locally-inspired furniture, cotton curtains and beige wool fabrics, they seem to echo the tawny colours of the savannah. The rooms have 24-hour electricity and hot water from solar panels.

There are no windows here, just a large mosquito net in place of walls. The valley view is exceptional.

6 rooms can be set up as doubles, with twin beds, or as triples; each with a bathroom and sitting area. One tent also has a small private pool.
The two-storey family room can accommodate 2 or 3 children upstairs and 2 adults downstairs, with a shared bathroom and common sitting area, terrace and private pool.

Each room has a central tented space with a king-size bed, enclosed from end to end by cream curtains. On one side of the room, a comfortable dark leather sofa is dressed with an array of tasteful cushions, alongside a coffee table. The floor is covered with a makuti mat.

The spacious bathrooms feature a rain shower with magnificent views. The bathrooms are separated from the bedroom by a low wall made of a wooden frame filled with quartz stones.

Other amenities: ceiling fan, bathrobes, power outlets, laundry service (complimentary), pure cotton linen, safe, no hairdryer.

Activities offered

Activities on site: 4x4 safaris, guided walks (at extra cost), bird watching, activities suited to children.

For 4x4 safaris, Ikuka has both Land Cruisers and Land Rovers. Safaris run in the morning and afternoon, often along the banks of the Mwagusi River. We recommend setting out as early as possible, around 6:30am, with a packed breakfast, returning to camp for lunch. After a nap, a dip in the pool and a revitalising tea time, the second 4x4 safari sets out around 4pm, returning to camp after sunset.

Walking safaris (from age 16, to be booked in advance or on site subject to availability, 50 USD per person) set out from camp or another area, amid breathtaking landscapes. You may spot elephant, impala, kudu and giraffe, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Services included: full board, shared 4x4 safaris, drinks (except champagne and special wines and spirits), laundry.

At extra cost: walking safari (50 USD local tax per person per safari), gratuities and personal expenses, champagne, special wines and spirits.