Kwihala Tented Camp

I have been lucky enough to go on safari to more than 25 different parks in 4 countries ( Uganda, Kenya , Tanzania and Rwanda) but before this trip to Kwihala Tented Camp had never experienced guiding of such a high standard.

In fact, the guiding alone is enough to justify a five star review.

Our guide was Marius Swart who is one of three guides, each of whom spends around 3 month of the season in residence at the camp.

His remarkable knowledge and unhurried style made for a game viewing experience which was close to perfection.

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And all this in one of the best parks I have visited. Ruaha seemed to me to have a concentration of game almost as great as the Maasai Mara, with lions everywhere, lots of elephants and a huge herd of buffalo which has attracted film-makers trying to document their battles with the lions!

There are, however, far fewer tourists than in the Mara.

As for the camp itself, the tent was the best I have stayed in. It was spacious and beautifully decorated with a king size bed and a luxurious bathroom. In addition, the service was excellent.

I was taken aback by the remoteness of this camp and just how much 'in the bush' it was.

The establishment had its main boma with a lounge/restaurant area and then there were mobile tents available which we were accompanied by a guide each evening and morning as it is an unfenced camp meaning that wild animals walk through at any point in time, a little disconcerting to those not familiar with a safari.

The tents themselves are permanent type structured tents made of canvas and it has most of the amenites of a superior room.

As electricity is generated by a generator and the water is supplied remotely which means the showers are equipped with an outside water tank which is heated up naturally by the sun.

Water is provided for drinking and cleaning teeth. I felt the camp gives one a 'real' hand experience on what it is like to camp out in the wilderness in Africa without the pain of pitching tent and cooking and cleaning each evening.

My advice is do not go with the expectation of a 5-star boutique hotel with amenities but go with the mind of a real Africa safari experience.

Amon (tracker) and Steve made our trip a real experience not to be forgotten. The knowledge and insight Steve provided to the safari experience is something one cannot put into words.

His enthusiasm and excitement is so clearly evident that this is someone passionate about what he does and it made this trip a truly memorable and remarkable one and I have come away having learnt so much about the mammals and birds and a renewed respect and excitement for what Africa has to offer one.

There are large prides of lion to be seen and you get attached to the different prides having heard their stories.

Elephants, Buffallo, Leopard, Zebra, Giraffe, Impala and a multitude of birdlife is to be seen and it is something to be experienced to fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring at night and the smell of hyenas walking past your tent at night.

The days are long - up at 5.30am and in bed around 10 or later.

Steve really does make the most of the game drives so your morning game drive starts with a cup of coffee/tea delivered to your tent and then a drive from about 6am until 12pm depending on sightings followed by lunch with a bit of a rest and then back out again for a game drive at 4/4.30pm until sunset followed by dinner at 8pm.

I took a few game drives off and relaxed at the main camp and just enjoyed the various birdlife/animal life that came through. I would definitely recommend 3 nights (2 nights is a bit short) to truly experience this