lodge F&W Favourite
Mdonya Old River Camp sunset

Mdonya Old River Camp

As relaxed or action-packed as you wish
Ruaha SafarisTanzania· 12 Rooms · £££
Nestled in the curve of a rippling sand-river

A basic and simple camp, but isn’t that was nature is all about?

Location: Mdonya Old River Camp lies in the heart of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's second-largest and one of its wildest safari destination. Tucked beneath towering sycamore figs and acacia trees along the banks of dry Mdonya sand riverbed - and just a few kilometres from the seasonal Mdonya Falls - it offers guests uninterrupted views of wildlife passing through. It's about a 1-2 hour game drive from Msembe Airstrip, and its remote location ensures true immersion in Ruaha's diverse ecosystems, with minimal crowds.

Rooms: The camp consists of 12 traditional Meru-style safari tents, each spaciously spaced along the riverbank for privacy. Tents can be configured as doubles, twins, or with an additional tent zipped onto the veranda for families. Inside, you'll find ensuite facilities with solar-heated open-roof showers, flushing loos, writing desks, lockable chests, and shaded verandas where wildlife often appears just metres away.

Amenities: Public spaces include open-sided dining and lounge tents located under shade trees overlooking the riverbed. Guests gather around a large outdoor fire pit for sundowners, and dining is under candlelit or kerosene lanterns. There's a small library, gift shop, and charging stations powered by solar or generator. While there's no Wi-Fi or air conditioning, the rustic ambience is part of the appeal - and guest comfort is thoughtfully balanced with authenticity.

Activities: Mdonya Old River Camp serves as a base for twice-daily game drives through Ruaha's mosaic of habitats - river pools, woodland, grassland and baobab valleys - with chances to see elephant, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog and more. Guided walking safaris, bush breakfasts, sundowners and picnics under the African sky add variety and intimacy to the experience. Wildlife often wanders into the camp, creating magical, spontaneous encounters.

Sustainability: Sustainability lies at the core of the camp's ethos. Solar power heats water and provides energy; candles and lanterns light the camp after dark; rechargeable batteries are used to minimise waste. Food ingredients are sourced from local community initiatives - such as Iringa women's projects for jams and cheese - and wood for cooking comes from fallen trees harvested sustainably. The camp supports the Ruaha Conservation Fund and offsets vehicle emissions via contributions to carbon-sequestration programmes in Tanzania.

Ottilie
I'm here to help
Contact Ottilie

Let me help you create your perfect bespoke holiday

Trips in Ruaha Safaris

Ruaha Safaris Trip Inspiration

Type

All

Price

Sort by

Featured

When to visit Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.

Speak to a Tanzania expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Our Tanzania Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.