Fact Sheet Introduction
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KIGELIA CAMP FACT SHEET INTRODUCTION Kigelia Camp is an authentic Africa in Tanzania’s finest wilderness. Set in a secluded grove of Kigelia or “Sausage Trees”, on the banks of the Ifuguru Sand River in the Ruaha National Park, Kigelia Camp is an exclusive semi- permanent mobile camp offering a tailor made, private experience, giving our guests a chance to step off the treadmill and connect with the soul of Africa. Our small, discreet camp operates in a socially and environmentally responsible way, placing a minimal footprint in these precious areas of natural beauty. The camp was designed and built to genuinely blend into the ecosystem and allow you to immerse into nature as much as possible. AfrikaAfrika is focused firmly on the integrity of the safari; the luxury of the experience. First and foremost a safari is about the experience; being at the right place at the right time with the best guide is critical. Accommodation is of course very important, but is only one part of the formula. Kigelia Camp is a traditional tented safari experience accessing remote areas that offer an unparalleled level of exclusivity and fantastic game viewing. Wake up with the sounds of wildlife surrounding your tent as you sip your morning coffee and get ready for a game drive. All snuggled up under a blanket you depart just as the African sun rises in the background. Ruaha National Park is truly an amazing destination when it comes to animal encounters along with the breath taking scenery of ancient baobab trees and the winding Ruaha River. If you have been on safari before and are now looking for an authentic, natural experience, with intimate guiding Kigelia is your place. OVERVIEW Accessed by light aircraft to Msembe airstrip within the Ruaha National Park, our small, discreet classic luxury seasonal camp operates in a socially and environmentally responsible way, placing a minimal human footprint. It is our vision to see African natural environments protected and local Quick overview communities develop through good stewardship and revenues generated by responsible tourism. Kigelia Camp offers six (6) double large walk-in tents, with en suite bathrooms. Activities include game drives within Ruaha National Park. Off road driving is allowed. LOCATION • The camp is in the Ruaha National Park, Tanzania - Set on Ifuguru Sand River. General • Close to the Mwagusi River and Great Ruaha River confluence. • Daily flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha, by Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link or Flightlink. • Landing at Msembe Airstrip, your adventure with us begins with a 20km game drive from Getting there the airstrip to the camp. • Here you will be met by the Camp Manager and the Kigelia Camp staff team who will do their best to make sure your experience at Kigelia Camp is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Kigelia Camp – 2013 Fact Sheet • Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's second largest national park covering an area of about 20,200 square kilometres - a vast wilderness in the southwest of the country. Geography • The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, baobab trees and the stunning Great Ruaha River. • This park is unique in that it represents the transition zone where southern African and eastern African species of flora and fauna overlap. Due to this, Ruaha has a unique variety of animals, birds and vegetation. • 7 degrees south, 33 minutes, 36.74 seconds GPS coordinates • 34 degrees east, 57 minutes, 34.08 seconds Kigelia Camp Map Map courtesy of Expert Africa ACCOMMODATION • Six (6) guest tents - twin or double bed configurations possible for all tents. Overview • One (1) twin guide tent for private guides. • Camp can accommodate 12 guests with 2 private guides. • En suite bathroom with an internal flushing toilet. Outdoor bucket hot water shower under the stars. • • Large canvas tents set on the ground under shade of Sausage or Baobab trees. • Veranda in front of each tent – views onto and across sand river. Details • Lighting powered by solar power. • Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each tent. • For security tent has a lockable trunk . • Electrical items can be charge at the main Pavilion tent. • Free laundry service, depending on weather should be returned to you within 24 hours. Kigelia Camp – 2013 Fact Sheet CAMP • Camp situated beneath large trees set high on banks of the scenic Ifuguru Sand River. • Dining and lounge area in one large pavilion tent. Overview • Fire pit and sitting/dining area overlooking sand river for outdoor dining under the stars. • Picnics on drives offered allowing for all day excursions. • Camp has 220v generator powered electricity run in kitchen and main areas when guests are not in camp. • 220v battery power (charged by the generator) is used for lighting in communal areas. • Lighting in guest accommodation is solar powered. Electricity & Water • 220v plugs available in dining tent for charging. • Drinking water is bottled. • Shower, toilet and laundry water is river water and hand delivered to the tents. • Water is scarce so conservation is an important consideration year round. Drinks • All drinks are included in the accommodation rate. • Cellular phone signals are received from all major networks within lodge area. So not to intrude on other guests’ privacy, guests are requested to please observe following courtesies: Communication Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests. Please use phone in the privacy of the tent and not any of the common areas: main pavilion, camp fire or on any of the vehicles or on game drives. Child policy • Children aged 6 and above are welcome - if a client makes an exclusive booking for the whole camp then children of any age are welcome. Rates • Rates are available on request and we reserve the right to change our rates at any time. ACTIVITIES • Game drives in open Land Rover vehicles to maximize visibility. Each vehicle accommodates a maximum of six or seven guests in bucket seating. • Configuration may be altered due to environmental conditions such as dust, wind or rain. • Game drives are tailored to client wishes in terms of length and nature. Game viewing • Full day drives with packed picnic meals can be arranged on request. • Private vehicles are available on request at an additional cost. • Guides brief guests on safe and appropriate behavior to maximize the pleasure of the experience for all guests. • AfrikaAfrika is currently doing community work in the villages of Idodi and Tungamalenga. Cultural Guests are welcome to visit this village as a full day excursion combining a game drive on the way and a picnic lunch. More in-depth involvement to help us with our community efforts can be arrange along with long stay accommodation rates. Kigelia Camp – 2013 Fact Sheet • AfrikaAfrika’s vision is to see African natural environments protected and local communities develop through good stewardship and revenues generated by responsible tourism. As well as managing systems within the camp which are environmentally friendly, such as conserving precious water resources, we also support local communities by buying local products, which reduces our carbon footprint, such as serving only locally purchased food, as well as employing staff from the surrounding local communities which Benefitting others allows guests a cultural exchange of ideas and lifestyles. • AfrikaAfrika donates $10 per person per night (included in the rates) from each guest to the community to be spent on teachers’ housing, teaching aids for the school, small business loans and other vital community services. • AfrikaAfrika is currently doing community work in the villages of Idodi and Tungamalenga. Guests are welcome to visit these villages as a full day excursion combining a game drive on the way and a picnic lunch. LUGGAGE & EQUIPMENT Luggage • Please be aware of the strict weight restrictions (15kg / 33 lbs) whilst traveling on light aircraft. It is mandatory to bring soft-sided bags so that they can easily be stowed. • Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarized, tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light • Sun hat • T-shirts and long sleeved cotton shirts • Shorts • Long trousers • Comfortable walking shoes – bring two pairs in case one gets wet • Warm winter jersey or fleece • Light rain gear Camera equipment with plenty of memory capacity, batteries and chargers Suggested • packing list • Binoculars • If client wears contact lenses, we recommend bringing glasses in case of irritation from dust • Basic medical kit including malaria prophylaxis – consult your travel doctor • Moisturizing cream, high SPF suntan lotion and after sun lotion/aloe vera • Personal toiletries • Tissues/wet wipes • Insect repellent • Antihistamine cream to reduce the discomfort and inflammation from any bites • Visas, tickets, passports and money (please note there are no banks or bureau de changes in Ruaha) • Please be aware that USD bank notes printed prior to 2006 will not be accepted by National Parks Authority and most other government and business agencies within Tanzania. Please note that dark colours are NOT advised whilst on safaris as they attract tsetse flies – best to wear light earthy colours such as beige. Kigelia Camp – 2013 Fact Sheet • Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries by Mark Nolting Behaviour Guide to African Mammals by Richard Estes • • Birds of Prey of Southern, Central and East Africa by David Allan • Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa by Chris & Tilde Stuart Recommended reading • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon • Photographic Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa by Braam van Wyk • Gallery Travel Guide: Ruaha National Park by Graham Mercer & Javed Jafferji • The Safari Companion by Richard Estes • The Ruaha Sketch Book by Sue Stolberger MONEY • Rates include full room and board, all drinks, laundry service, road transfers from Msembe airstrip and Kigelia Camp, two game drives per day or full day game drive with resident Rates include camp guide, community conservation levy @ $10 per adult per night (16 years and above) as well as camping fees.