Tribes Travel

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Tribes Travel, 12 The Business Centre, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 7SA, UK

Tribes Travel

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Tanzania

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    Mdonya Old River

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    About Mdonya Old River

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    Mdonya Old River is a small safari camp set in the western part of the second largest game park in Tanzania, Ruaha National Park.  It offers the true bush experience, and is a little basic, but more than makes up for this by its location within a beautiful wilderness area, its proximity to game and welcoming atmosphere.  Mdonya Old River Camp allows you go get very, very close to nature –and because sometimes that nature can be dangerous (for example, lions are known to wander through the camp), Mdonya Old River is not recommended for young children.

    The 11 tents are spread out over a large area, under the shade of large sycamore figs and Faidherbia albida, nestled in the curving banks of a sand-river. They are traditional safari tents, comfortably furnished with double or twin beds and with large verandahs where one can relax and observe the wildlife around.

    There are also three family tents, with separate rooms zipped on. All the tents at Mdonya Old River have ensuite bathrooms with dressing room, open-roofed shower and separate flush toilet.

    There are hides at both ends of the camp, where guests can sit and watch the game pass by all day long. The dining and lounge tents are under acacias and sycamore figs overlooking the dry river bed which is used by game as a corridor, so guests can enjoy the game viewing even while having lunch or relaxing. The experience of dining by candlelight to the sound of crickets and the occasional hyena or lion is unforgettable.

    There are comfortable sitting areas, a small library and interesting wildlife artefacts.
     
    Mdonya Old River is located a few kilometres from the Mdonya Falls and an exciting 1-2 hour game drive from the airstrip.

    Activities: 

    The Ruaha is an enormous undeveloped wilderness whose beautiful open landscape is especially rich in elephant, buffalo and lion. This national park is for people looking for a genuine, off-the beaten track, round-the-campfire experience, and Mdonya Old River is the ideal setting for such an experience. 

    Activities include bush game drives, bush dinners, and walks beside the Great Ruaha River.  Guests get a chance to see the breathtaking mosaic of ecosystems, from the river pools to the dry open savannah. There are Baobab valleys and sand rivers fringed with Hyphaene petersiana palms, and monolithic granite boulders dating from the formation of the Great Rift Valley and exposed by erosion litter the area, especially by the Mdonya Falls.

    Highlights and information

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    Highlights

    • Located in one of the most scenically diverse parks in Africa
    • A huge variety of wildlife that isn't used to human contact.
    • The camp is a real bush experience - no generators.
    • The tents are very spread out so the camp feels very private and exclusive.
    • Ruaha is very quiet and unspoilt park.

    Situation

    Located in the western part of the Ruaha National Park,a few kilometres from the Mdonya Falls and an exciting 1-2 hour game drive from the airstrip. The camp is located on an ancient sand river in completely natural surroundings deep in the uncharted bush.

    Activities

    Game drives in open 4WD vehicles; guided walks; fly camping on request at extra cost; bird watching; picnics & bush lunches.

    Facilities

    The camp consists of eight ensuite double tents and three ensuite family tents. There is a tented sitting area with campfire; library; waiter-service bar and tented dining area.

    Child policy

    Children below 6 years of age are not encouraged.

    Open

    Closed April and May.

    Best time

    Tanzania's main rainy season runs from April until the beginning of June. There is also a short rainy season in November. Ruaha is good all year round though it is at it's best during the dry season, from July - October. For birding Ruaha is one of the best places to go in the whole of Africa during February.

    Inclusions

    All game viewing activities except fly-camping.

    Meals

    Full board.

    Pricing guidelines for Tanzania

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    We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

    International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Tanzania can combine easily with other East African countries.

    For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

    • Example tripPrice per person
    • 1 week high quality safari in the northern circuit (eg with Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire ...)Between £2500 and £3500
    • 2 week southern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidayBetween 3000 and £4000
    • 1 week stay on an Indian Ocean island (Zanzibar, Mafia, Chole, Pemba)From £1000 +
    • 1 week Kilimanjaro climbAround £1500
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