Location
The camp is currently located in the north of the Ruaha National Park about 45 minutes drive from Msembe air strip near to the Mwagusi river. It has been sited on a hillside site away from the park roads in deepest bush and enjoys wonderful views and superb sunrises and sunsets. Being in the north of the park we are very close to prolific game viewing areas of the park. The camp will remain at this site until November when it will be dismantled for the rainy season, it will reopen in December 2007 on a new site.
Climate
Ruaha National Park is situated between 7° and 8° south of the Equator, so it enjoys very warm sunny days and warm evenings. However the altitude of the park varies between 1200 and 1600 mtrs above sea level so can be cool in the early mornings and at night. In the 'rainy' season, Nov/Dec and April/May there is heavy rainfall of usually short duration during part of the day or at night. Rain washes and waters all the vegetation and results in a profusion of wild flowers and plants.
Accommodation
The camp consists of six individual and privately located tents. The spacious tents (40 sq mtrs) are fully furnished with comfortable beds, integral bathrooms (bucket showers) and flushing toilets. Each tent has a covered verandah area, is mosquito proofed and protected from the elements by a heavy duty 'fly' sheet.
The Mess Tent
Designed by well-known contemporary African designer - Jacquie Resley, the 150 sq mtr spacious mess tent is the main social centre of the camp. The separate dining and relaxing areas create a homely feel, although canvas walls and open sides leave one with no illusions that one is camping in the bush.
Transportation
Road - The EMC camp is currently situated about a one-hour drive from the park entrance gate. Ruaha National Park entrance is approximately two hours drive from Iringa, which in turn is approximately seven hours drive from Dar es Salaam. It is recommended for road trips to Ruaha that the journey is broken in Mikumi with an overnight (or more) at one of the camps in Mikumi National Park.
Plane - There are scheduled flights to Ruaha from both Dar es Salaam and Arusha with Coastal Air. Flight time is approx 2 hours (from both ARS and DAR) the airstrip nearest to the current camp site is 'Msembe'. Charter flights can be arranged.
Electricity
The camp has solar power, which provides electric lighting to the mess and to the individual tents during the hours of darkness, but we also use a lot of safari oil lamps. There is also a square pin plug socket (UK 3 pin type) in each tent supplying 240v power to charge batteries etc.
Water
Water is obtained from the park headquarters and transported to the camp by a special water carrier. It is not suitable for drinking or teeth brushing (for which bottled water is provided) but is very welcome at the end of a long day when gently warmed, placed in a canvas bucket and connected to the in-room shower.
Children
It is felt that this style of camp is not suitable for young children and whilst we do not allow children under 12 years to stay at the camp, parents should consider whether this is the type of camp that is suitable for their child. Children (over 12 years) who have an interest in wildlife and who are comfortable in an adult environment thoroughly enjoy the camp.
Communications
The camp has both long and short wave radio communication, which allows us to contact all of our vehicles in the park and also the main centres of Arusha and Dar es Salaam. There is also a satellite phone for use in case of emergency. Mobile phones struggle to get a signal in Ruaha National Park, although it is possible in certain areas, the current camp site is not one of them!
Private Groups & Exclusive use
Private groups and exclusive use of the camp bookings are welcomed and special arrangements can be made for individual requirements.
Safaris
Safaris in the Ruaha National Park are included in the camping package and consist of;
Game Drive - These are in our specially adapted, open, 4WD vehicles, providing raised seating for better game viewing and shade from the equatorial sun. Game drives are best taken early in the morning or late afternoon. Park rules do not allow vehicular transport in the park during the hours of darkness.
Camping with EMC
In order to enjoy the camping experience to the full it is recommended that guests stay for a minimum of 3 nights.
Guiding
EMC driver guides are trained to conduct game drives in Ruaha National Park and being resident in the park are aware of animal movements and the best locations and times of day to view wildlife and birdlife. They are familiar with the topography of the park and are a veritable mine of information on animals, birds, trees, flowers, insects etc. The guides are always available in the camp to impart their specialist knowledge.
Clothes
For most of the year the lightest and most comfortable clothing is recommended, preferably of natural fibre. The heat is dry and the sun can be fierce, so long sleeves are recommended for safaris. A sun hat or bush hat is an essential item on safari. Sometimes in the evenings and early mornings the drop in temperature may require a light sweater to be worn. It is advisable to select clothes in shades of brown, green, khaki etc when interacting with the bush. White is not advisable when game driving and certain shades of blue attract flying insects. However in the evenings 'you will be pleased to know' all colours and patterns are acceptable.
Special Occasions
Great care and pride will be taken in organising a special occasion or event whilst camping with EMC. We can provide the right atmosphere and menu for a birthday, anniversary, special dinner or lunch.
Hospitality
The resident 'family' of guides, managers and staff are there to make sure that each guest enjoys the EMC camping experience to the full. It is designed to be a canvas 'home' in the bush rather than a hotel or a safari lodge or permanent camp. Our guest's enjoyment is our reward.
Seasons
The camp is put up on 1st June until 31st October each year, it is then taken down and relocated and reopens on 15th November until 10th March when it is taken down for the rainy season.