On the banks of the wetlands, just beyond the reaches of the seasonal high-water mark, Usangu Expedition Camp sits among the woodland shade, offering the perfect launch pad from which to enjoy the multitude of activities available across this largely unexplored 6,000 km2 wilderness.
About Usangu Expedition Camp
Boating and canoeing through the waterways amongst an array of birdlife, walking the vast open grasslands during the dry season months, or sleeping under the enormous canopy of the African night sky, Usangu Expedition Camp offers a safari experience like none other.
The neighbouring Douglas Bell Eco Research Station offers the opportunity to engage with research projects and develop a deeper understanding of the work in the area, from placing camera traps and identifying predators against the research database to tracking lions with telemetry and contributing to global research. Late afternoon presents the perfect time to explore the surrounding area on foot before enjoying the sunset over the Usangu Wetlands.
Location of Usangu Expedition Camp
The Usangu Wetland features a permanent water source in its centre, the Ihefu Swamp, surrounded by grassy marshlands and floodplains. Only the Ihefu Swamp offers water during the dry season, but as the rainy season develops, the wetland expands to cover an enormous area. The miombo forest thrives on the outer limits of the wet season high-water mark and provides the perfectly shaded location for Usangu Expedition Camp.
The Usangu Wetland is an essential feature of the Ruaha National Park -Rungwa ecosystem, with significant implications for ecosystems thousands of kilometres away from the wetland. Its features are unique, and under the proper conditions and health, the biodiversity of species is undeniably a treasure trove. Herds of roan and sable roam the vast wetland, and wild dogs run wide along rivers.
Hundreds of ostriches congregate in a way not often seen in other African places. Thousands of migratory bird species pass through the wetland, and dandified amphibians are still waiting to be discovered.
What to expect during the year
Usangu is open from June to November when it’s hot and dry. During this time, the Usangu wetlands recede, and the surrounding grasslands dry out into wide open spaces ideal for walking. The falling rains from November until April transform the landscape, making it green and lush. They also create logistical problems as the water-logged road networks and the rising floodplains limit land-based activities.
