There are few experiences that will ignite your senses like fly camping in one of Africa’s most remote wildlife-rich wilderness areas. The Ruaha National Park on the Southern Safari circuit of Tanzania with its majestic baobab trees, the Great Ruaha River and untouched landscape provides the perfect, pristine setting for a fly camping and walking safari adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Fly camping is an exciting opportunity to mobile, ‘camp out’ for one night in a remote area outside of our main Jongomero camp. A mobile camp is set up in advance and has all the necessary amenities to keep you comfortable for a night under the African star canopy. While camp is set up, you have the chance to embark on a walking safari. Accompanied by our armed, experienced walking guide and TANAPA ranger you are able to truly immerse yourself in the beautiful, natural surroundings taking a leisurely wilderness walk to reach your overnight spot.

The walk is not strenuous and can be tailored according to your fitness level. There is no need to carry supplies as our camp team takes care of everything. During the walk, your guide will point out all things small and interesting, most of which are not visible to the eye from a safari vehicle. Setting the scene for an evening in nature, you will have the opportunity to hear the natural, surround sounds, noticing a guinea fowl's warning call or listening to honking hippos in the distance. Soon you will also start to pick up the spoor of all the creatures that have walked in the animal paths in front of you and; experience the art of tracking from guides that have learned to track, since they were little. Certain smells will become more evident and if you are lucky you might even pick up the smell of buttered popcorn fresh after a leopard has marked its territory. You feel the gentle breeze prick goosebumps on your skin and deeply inhale the fresh African bush air, all the while getting more attuned into nature.

Reaching your mobile camp, our team welcomes you with an ice-cold drink. It is time to put your feet up and enjoy sundowners while admiring the breathtaking sunset. Though basic, our dome canvas tents are comfortable, fitted with thick comfortable mattresses, white crisp linen bedding and enough blankets to keep you warm through the night. Your ‘bush bathroom’ will be set up close to camp, but will be private so that you can enjoy a refreshing warm bucket shower after your walk.

The highlight of our fly camping experience is dinner under the stars around the campfire core. You will be amazed what our chefs dish up in the middle of the bush. While you relax around the campfire, enjoying the nocturnal sounds of the bush,  our chefs will light the fires and start their potjies (three-foot cast iron pot in which a hearty stew is usually prepared). You will enjoy a hearty meal under the stars while our camp team’s hospitality ensures an exceptional all round alfresco experience.

On a clear, balmy night you can have the outer flysheet of your tent removed, as to enjoy the starry sky from the comfort of your bed. You will still have your sturdy mosquito net around and can rest while our guides take turns to stay awake, looking out for animals that may roam close to camp. Drift off to sleep to the lulling sounds of cicadas, the distant rumbling of a lion or whooping hyenas.

Before you head back to camp on a short, morning walk, a delicious cooked breakfast is served. With bellies full, explore the trails on foot as you return to the creature comforts of Jongomero.

A fly camping experience can only be pre-booked on a private basis for a minimum of two guests up to six guests in the same traveling party. Enjoy this experience during the ‘dry season’ in Tanzania from the middle of July to the beginning of the short rains in November. Incorporate a night of fly camping when staying at Jongomero on a minimum three-night stay safari (weather-permitting). The child age limit is 16 years and older to accompany adults.

During a fly camping experience you will find all your senses heightened as you are fully immersed in your natural surroundings and each other. The ultimate bucket-list safari experience to enjoy Tanzania in a very unique and special way. Although you might be hesitant to leave the luxury of the main camp, you will discover true luxury is - the ultimate freedom to enjoy the natural space in your own time as you venture on foot, off the beaten path and with your five senses, fully connected 360 degrees with life.

latest posts
We are thrilled to announce that the newly renovated, beautiful Fanjove Island is open and welcoming guests, once more! Fanjove Island, the smallest of six islands in the Songo Songo Archipelago, offers a phenomenal private island marine safari combined with mind-blowing decadent accommodations and the same high quality personalised hospitality service, the Selous Safari Company is known for.
Continue reading
I arrive at Siwandu, Jongomero’s sister camp in the Nyerere National Park and immediately feel an energy here that draws me in completely. In an instant I feel welcomed, relaxed and simultaneously excited to see why Siwandu owns this thrilling vibe.
Continue reading
It is the height of safari season and with great relief I notice that Tanzania is once again bustling with safari-goers ready to explore and yearning for new adventures. Although most of the flights I have been on the past few days have been filled to the brim, surprisingly our little 12-seater charter plane by Auric is empty this morning.
Continue reading