Mdonya Old River Camp is a small, adventurous tented camp in western Ruaha National Park, just a few kilometers from the stunning Mdonya Falls and a one- to two-hour drive from the airstrip.

Relax and explore this wonderful, unspoiled region with ease, supported by a small team of friendly staff in a simple, 12-tented camp.

The communal area of Mdonya is divided between two open-sided tents. One houses the dining area and the other the lounge.

Coffee tables and comfortable chairs dot the lounge tent; it’s a good place to take a break and relax after a game drive or just contemplate the wilderness you are surrounded by. The dining tent is a communal affair, romanticized at night when the wooden tables are set outside for a starlit meal under the African sky.

Rooms

The tents are set beneath large sycamore trees on the banks of the Sand River.

They’ve maintained the feel of those used during original explorations of Tanzania, lit by candlelight and featuring en suite bathrooms with open-air solar-heated showers and flush toilets.

All tents have en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets, open-roofed showers, and a dressing room. The two Family tents are ideal spaces for larger groups, each sleeping four.

These spaces consist of two rooms separated by a zip partition, with an en suite attached. Simple but comfortable, they’re each furnished with double or twin beds veiled by mosquito nets, as well as private verandas where you can sit back and observe the passing wildlife.

They’re also equipped with a wardrobe, writing table, and lockable chest. Torches, candles, matches, and drinking water are provided.

Food and drinks

Dinners are held outdoors by a campfire, with many dishes prepared in a wood-fired oven, including pizza. When out on safari, you can enjoy bush breakfasts and lunches, allowing you to explore further during the day without the need to return to camp. Sundowners can also be enjoyed while out in the bush or around the campfire in the evening.

Child Policy

Mdonya Old River Camp accommodates only children aged 6 and older due to its remote location. The tents can be converted into twin- or triple-unit accommodations suitable for families.

Location

Set over on the western side of the park, away from the busier Msembe region of the park, Mdonya Old River, as the name suggests, is set on the Mdonya River that seasonally runs through the region, attracting in the game of all sorts.