Usangu Expedition Camp, Tanzania

Situated deep within the remote southern reaches of Ruaha National Park, Usangu Expedition Camp offers a rare chance to explore one of Tanzania’s least-visited and most vital ecosystems.

Set within the vast Usangu Wetlands, this seasonal camp runs from June to November, offering an intimate, immersive stay that blends adventure, discovery, and conservation.

With just six tents nestled among the miombo woodlands, each stay feels personal and deeply connected to nature.

Guests can enjoy traditional comforts such as en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, or choose to sleep out in a star cube under the night sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Days are tailored to your interests, with private guides and safari vehicles, allowing full freedom to explore.

Join researchers in the field, track collared predators, set camera traps, or take to the waterways by canoe. Usangu is more than a safari – it is a living conservation experience that supports science, empowers local communities, and leaves a light footprint.

What is special about Usangu Expedition Camp?

Usangu Expedition Camp offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Tanzania’s most remote and ecologically significant landscapes.

Tucked within the vast Usangu Wetlands in southern Ruaha, this seasonal camp is not just about wildlife viewing—it’s about active participation in conservation. With exclusive access to the Usangu ecosystem, guests are invited to engage with ongoing scientific research through hands-on experiences like setting camera traps, tracking collared wildlife, and meeting field researchers. This behind-the-scenes look into conservation is what sets Usangu apart.

The camp itself is intimate, with only six guest tents and the option to sleep beneath the stars in an open-air star cube. Days are spent on walking safaris, private game drives, or exploring quiet waterways by canoe, revealing a side of Ruaha few ever see. Solar power, local staff, and sustainable design reflect Asilia’s commitment to light-footprint travel and community impact.

Usangu Expedition Camp is ideal for travellers who want to go beyond traditional safaris—those who seek connection, purpose and adventure in a pristine corner of the African wilderness. It is a stay that not only inspires awe but also contributes directly to the protection of one of Tanzania’s most critical wetland systems.

Discover Usangu Expedition Camp!

What unique features are incorporated in Usangu Expedition Camp?

1) Remote wilderness setting: Tucked away in the southern reaches of Ruaha National Park, Usangu Expedition Camp offers unrivalled access to the vast floodplains of the Usangu Wetlands. With only a handful of guests at any time, it provides solitude, space and a deeper connection to nature.

2) Purpose-driven travel: Perfect for the Conscious Explorer, Usangu places conservation at the heart of the experience. Each guest is given a personal camera trap to help monitor wildlife movements, and has the chance to learn basic tracking skills on foot. Talks from Asilia’s Positive Impact partners offer insight into the protection of this rare ecosystem.

3) Sleep beneath the stars: Usangu’s star cubes offer a safe yet thrilling chance to sleep under open skies, while the Trails Camp adds a deeper layer of immersion with remote bush sleep-outs supported by canvas dome tents.

4) Flexible, personalised adventures: Each stay includes a private guide and vehicle, with activities shaped around your interests, whether that is walking, boating, thermal night drives, or quiet observation.

5) Low impact, high value: Operating seasonally and fully solar powered, the camp is built to tread lightly. Usangu suits travellers who care how they travel, not just where, and want to make their safari matter.

6) A living laboratory for conservation: Usangu lies within one of Tanzania’s least-studied ecosystems. Guests have the rare chance to contribute to real-time wildlife research, simply by enjoying their stay. From camera trap footage to iNaturalist sightings, every moment helps build a deeper understanding of this critical wetland

What activities are being offered at Usangu Expedition Camp?

Usangu Expedition Camp offers a rich variety of activities designed to immerse guests in the remote beauty of the Usangu Wetlands while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. Each group enjoys a private vehicle and guide, allowing complete flexibility in how the experience unfolds.

Day and night game drives explore the five distinct biozones of the wetlands, with night drives enhanced by thermal imaging for quiet, non-intrusive wildlife viewing. Walking safaris offer the chance to engage more intimately with the landscape, learning tracking skills and discovering the smaller details of the ecosystem.

Boat excursions, available depending on seasonal water levels, allow access to otherwise unreachable corners of the wetlands and can be paired with catch-and-release fishing. Guests are also given a personal camera trap to set up around camp, capturing unseen wildlife activity and contributing to ongoing research.

For a deeper connection to nature, guests can sleep under the stars in open-air star cubes or spend a night at the remote Trails Camp for a wilder bush experience. Presentations by conservation partners and training in the use of biodiversity tools like iNaturalist further enhance the opportunity to learn, explore and contribute during your stay. Every activity is included, and tailored to guests interest and comfort.

Unplug and stay at Usangu!