Location

Set along the banks of the seasonal Jongomero River, in the south of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.
GPS co-ordinates of Jongomero Airstrip: 7° 53 ' 95 " S - 34° 34 ' 97 " E
Rwy 900m, elev 3000', 16/34 - sloping - land 34 unless strong SE wind
GPS co-ordinates of Jongomero Main Camp: 7° 54 ' 412 " S - 34° 34 ' 201 " E

Selous Safari Company portfolio map Tanzania
Travel

Flying
Guests will be collected by vehicle at Jongomero Airstrip, which is 5 minutes drive from camp. Coastal Aviation, Auric and Safari Airlink fly to Jongomero Airstrip from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Seronera or Migration Capital, Zanzibar, Nyerere and Mafia. Approximate flight time from Dar es Salaam is between 1 hour 20 mins and 2 hours 30 mins (depending on type of aircraft and number of stops).

Driving
Enter via the Ruaha Main Entrance Gate. We do not take bookings with vehicles and driver/guides. However, if guests go on game drives with our guides, the driver can then accommodated in our guide tents.

Seasons

Ruaha National Park has a different climate set at a higher altitude than Dar es Salaam. Seasonal patterns differ from our other camps as it is located further inland, west of the Southern Highlands. From June to November, Ruaha has a wonderful fresh climate with cool crisp evenings and early mornings of 10˚C or less and warmer days of high 20˚Cs. As the days become warmer, the water sources in the park diminish and with the bush less dense, it is the ideal time for both game viewing and walking safaris.

Ruaha has only one annual rain cycle, similar to Southern Africa, and that begins in December; an exciting time for the Park as the seasonal sand rivers begin to flow and the Park becomes alive with springtime as the plants bud, the insects fly, awakening the wealth of Ruaha birdlife. Migratory birds return to the park to breed with their full plumage and unique calls, with the Ruaha wilderness yielding a high rate of new species, including the Ruaha Red-billed Hornbill and the Ruaha Chat. It is warmer than the earlier months of the season with temperatures ranging from 15˚C to low 30˚C. Following the rains the Park is very green and the game can be more dispersed and harder to spot through the thickened bush nevertheless this time of year offers a stunning safari experience.  During the green season, TANAPA puts a hold on walking.  The camp is closed during the rainy season from mid March to end May each year.

Activities

The proximity of the seasonal Jongomero river and the Great Ruaha River allows guests to wake at a leisurely pace and enjoy breakfast in camp, before driving into the park for the morning. Early morning, sunrise game drives can also be arranged. Walking safaris leave at dawn. After a lunchtime rest the afternoon activity departs after tea and cake and returns for drinks and safari stories around the camp fire. Most of the year it is possible to enjoy a delicious, lantern-lit dinner, set up in the riverbed in front of camp.

At Jongomero Camp, you will enjoy your own private game drive vehicle and private guide for the ultimate game driving experience.

For pre-booking only Jongomero also offers a great combination of walking safaris and/or fly-camping on one of a three-night stay. Experience the adventure of sleeping in a small, domed tent under the African star canopy, the freedom of showering under the trees and the ultimate adrenaline rush of walking on foot in big game terrain. Our fly-camp operates from mid-July to mid-November. Walking safaris are conducted with both an armed, specialist walking guide and an armed TANAPA guide. There is an additional walking park fee. Kindly enquire when booking your stay. Walking activities operate during the dry season from approx end of June/early July until beginning of December.

Child policy

Due to safety concerns and other guests’ enjoyment of the camps we accept children from six years old with international bookings and children from 10 years old with resident bookings. At Jongomero we have a limit of two children (aged 6 – 11) in camp at any one time. The camp is unfenced and children are the responsibility of their parent or guardian, at all times.

Booking

For accommodation rates and seasonal offers, please email reservations@selous.com.

Rates & money

Rates include full room and board, all drinks except Champagne*, two safari activities per day, vehicle transfers to and from Jongomero airstrip, WiFi access in rooms and public areas, laundry service. Please note we are unable to launder underwear, but we do provide washing powder.* Please note this option is not available for local resident/Expat guests.

The rates exclude conservation and concession fees, walking Park fee Tourism Development Levy, fly-camping, gratuities of a personal nature, Flying Doctors Medivac Insurance Policy and tips.

Final bills are payable in US Dollars, (Cash US Dollars post-issue 2006) Tanzanian Shillings, Euros and Pounds Sterling. Guests can also pay with credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, JCB), PayPal or several Mobile Provider Payment Facilities such as Mpesa and Airtel Money. A 5% surcharge is  applicable.

Please note our camps are situated in remote locations and therefore after Dar es Salaam you will not have access to an ATM or bank.

All tents are fitted with a small safe programmed by the guest.

Luggage & Suggested Packing List

On all light weight aircraft in Tanzania there is a strict weight restriction of 15kg / 33lbs and soft bags are requested for easy storage.

Below is a suggested packing list for Jongomero.

  • Neutral khaki coloured safari clothing, no bright or dark colours
  • Ruaha has a cooler climate so we recommend both short sleeves and shorts for the day and long sleeved/trousered clothing for the evening and possibly a fleece for morning walks and game drives
  • Comfortable walking shoes – no need for heavy hiking books as walking is even and the bush not thick
  • Swimsuit
  • Lightweight waterproofs
  • Binoculars
  • Camera equipment, including plenty of memory capacity and waterproof cover/ziplock bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Widebrimmed sunhat – preferably with a head strap for game drives
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Basic first aid kit including mosquito repellent, antihistamine cream and eye drops

Selous Safari Company works with local communities at all our camps and many guests ask if they can donate supplies, if you are interested in this please discuss with the camp manager.

Check out time

Our check out time is at 10h00, a later departure may incur a fee or charge for an extra lunch