Tandala Camp

(10 units) tandala@iwayafrica.com/ tandalacamp@yahoo.com.

Situated some 13km outside Ruaha's entrance gate along the Tungamalenga road, this new lodge overlooks a seasonal river in private conservancy buffering the national park. Accommodation is in no-frills but comfortable en-suite tents set on a stilted wooden base, while facilities include an attractive makuti restaurant and bar area alongside a small swimming pool. The greater kudu for which the camp is named is evidently quite common in the surrounding woodland, while a waterhole fringing the camp attracts a steady stream of wildlife in the dry season, inc elephants on most days. Because it lies outside the national park, activities such as night drives, guided game walks and fly-camping are offered.

US$150/180 sgl/dbl FB, or US$170/300 inc activities outside the national park. Game drives into the park are offered at US$55 pp (half-day) or US$75 pp (full day) inc park entrance fees.

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

(8 rooms) 026 270 1806; 0748 726709; ruahahilltoplodge@yahoo.com; www.ruahahilltoplodge.com.

Situated on a steep hillside some 20km from the park entrance gate along the Tungamalenga road, this is another new lodge, and good value at US$80 pp for FB accommodation in a simple en-suite thatched banda with hot water, solar power and a private balcony. There's a great view from the restaurant/bar area, and the management can arrange transfers from Iringa as well as game drives into the park by prior arrangement.

Msembe Camp

(11 rooms) This national park camp near the headquarters lies close to the river
and some extensive open plains teeming with game. The accommodation isn't up to much – prefabricated en-suite dbl and family bandas that look like they must get seriously hot during the middle of the day – but it's the cheapest on offer within the park. Bedding, firewood and water are provided, and drinks can be bought at the nearby staff bar, but all food must be brought with you.

US$20 pp.

Tungamalenga Camp

0744 983519/0745 469504; tungcamp@yahoo.com.

This new camp,and curio shop is situated in the eponymous village about 27km before the park entrance gate on the, left fork coming from Iringa. The small en-suite bandas, each with 2 beds and netting, would seem, rather overpriced were it not for their proximity to the park. Camping, with access to a clean shower, and toilet and a self-catering area, costs US$10 pp. Meals are available by arrangement.

US$18 pp bed only, US$20 b&b or US$40 FB.