Jongomero Walking Safari - Fact File

Forge a unique love affair with the African bush by joining a walking safari and fly-camping at Jongomero Camp. As it is limited to a maximum of 6 people, one can experience the exclusivity and luxury of having your own highly skilled professional guide in the remote, astoundingly beautiful untouched parkland of the Ruaha National Park.

The setting
The camp is situated in a grove of shady trees on a dry riverbed within walking distance from the main camp. This wildlife rich area is virtually untouched with very few roads or vehicles and is located close to the Ruaha river where numerous animals come to drink. The walking safaris in this area provide the guest with an unforgettable experience getting as close to nature as possible observing Africa’s great wildlife on foot.

Accommodation
* The 3 fly-tents accommodate a maximum of 6 people (Booking minimum is 2 persons).
* Dome-shaped, and made of mosquito netting, the tents provide unimpeded views of the African night-sky. They are fully insect proof, with fitted ground-sheets and are spacious enough to stand up in.
* Beds are comfortable mattresses with crisp linen.
* Outside each tent is a stand with basin, towels and soap dish, reminiscent of old safari days.
* There is a bucket shower- with hot water available at all times of the day - located in such a way that it provides an enthralling view of the surrounding areas.

Relaxing & dining
Experience true African cooking with all meals prepared on the open fire in our rustic bush kitchen.

Activities
After lunch in the Jongomero Camp, guests will take a game walk to the fly-camp area lasting up to 3 hrs. After the first night sleeping in the bush, guests will embark on a full mornings walking safari, arriving back at camp in time for lunch. After a small snooze and some tea and coffee there is the afternoon walk or drive (whichever is preferred) leaving at 16h00 and returning to camp at around 18h30 as the sun sets. The following morning begins with breakfast followed by a short morning walk, then returning to Jongomero Camp by vehicle with a game drive on the way arriving in time for lunch. Walks are accompanied by an armed professional guide and askari (warrior).
All walks are at a slow leisurely pace. However it can get quite hot, guests should have the fitness to walk about 13 km at a time over rough terrain in hot weather. Should the fly-camp only be booked for one night, guests will depart by foot after lunch and arrive at the fly-camp to spend the night. The next morning will involve a walk back to the main camp via a different route to be back just before lunch.

Wildlife
While fly-camping one is secluded far away, from road, tracks and lakes. Off the beaten path where there is a huge diversity of animals including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, to name but a handful. The area is also home to 2nd largest wild dog populations in the world.

Birding
The Ruaha National Park is birders’ paradise with more than 500 bird species.

Exclusivity
Walking and fly-camping may be booked on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis.

The season
The fly-camp operates from 1st of June until the end of November. After this period is the time of heavy rains which can spoil the fly-camp experience. Due to the increased rain, the bush thickens considerably making safe walking impossible to conduct. This date changes from year to year and is dependant on the Ruaha Game Department.

Getting there
* Two hour flight from Dar es Salaam, with airstrip just 10 minutes from Jongomero Camp.
* Transfers included from Jongomero airstrip to camp.

Payment
* Cash: Dollars, Euro’s, Pounds Sterling and T-shillings
* Credit card: Visa (preferred), Amex & Master Card (charges apply)
* Travellers cheques (no Thomas Cook)

Notes
* No guests under the age of 16 allowed on fly-camp.
* Guests should bring closed comfortable walking shoes (trainers are fine), safari colored clothing (green, brown, khaki), binoculars, hats and sun cream.
* Needs to be pre booked. However when space available when in camp one can join a group.
* Fly-camp can not be done on the last night of guests stay in Jongomero Camp as one will come back in camp after the check out time of 10am.

Full itinerary for a 2 nights fly-camp

Guests requesting 1 night fly-camp will walk to the fly-camp, spend the night and return to main camp the next morning on foot.