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Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape (Opening May 2026)

Ruaha, Tanzania

Rewild your soul in the untamed nature of Ruaha

Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, is an invitation to rewild your soul. An intimate safari retreat set in the untouched nature of Ruaha National Park. Here, expansive, artisan-crafted villas overlook the Great Ruaha River. Harmoniously woven into the open savannah, where animals roam freely in their natural habitat.


Guided by your dedicated Escape Host, experience thoughtfully curated adventures, sustainable communal dining, and ancient healing rituals. Unfiltered, untamed and freeing, this is nature as intended.

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Address
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
+27 83 6367413
Check-in: 11:00am
Check-out: 10:00am
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Accommodation

Step into the wild, where artisan-crafted villas dissolve the boundaries between you and nature to connect you with the rhythm of the land. Inspired by Maasai dwellings and the Ruaha River, our villas blend community, nature, and timeless design.

Stay with us
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Two Bedroom River View Villa

A spacious two bedrooms plunge pool villa with outdoor decks and living areas designed to share moments in the breathtaking wilderness of Ruaha.

  • 4
  • King, Twin

  • 350 sqm

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    Bedrooms - Sunrise

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    Lounge & Pool Deck – Sunset

Explore
Ubuyu Private Retreat
Ubuyu Private Retreat

Our signature Private Retreat offers an expansive home-away-from-home immersed in the wilderness. Designed for comfort and connection, it features three independent suites, premier river views, generous gathering spaces a 360° rooftop terrace, and a spacious centred around a firepit, living area with a show kitchen and optional private chef service.

  • 6
  • King, 2 Twin

  • 452 sqm

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    River Front

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    Sunrise

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    Sunset

Discover Experiences

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Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s wild heart, an untouched wilderness where East Africa’s savannahs meet Southern Africa’s miombo woodlands. Named after the Hehe word for “river,” its lifeblood, the Great Ruaha, draws diverse wildlife, including Africa’s largest lion population, vast elephant herds, and the endangered wild dog. With over 570 bird species, Ruaha is a sanctuary for both predators and bird enthusiasts alike.

Escape Host

Escape Host

With your Escape Host, every journey is yours, crafted to your pace, curiosity, and edge. No set itineraries, just pure connection to the land. From tracking lions to uncovering ancient wisdom, they turn observation into understanding.

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Open Kitchen

Gather at the Open Kitchen, where Tanzanian flavors and stories come to life. Fragrant pilau, hearty ugali, and plant-forward dishes celebrate local traditions with a modern twist. Watch chefs at work, join a hands-on cooking class, or savor a private meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

From June to October, Ruaha’s dry season offers clear skies and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather near permanent water sources. Between December and March, the landscape is lush and green, with only occasional rainfall, rewarding scenery, rich birdlife, and a quieter safari experience.

Ubuyu is best accessed by air. Daily scheduled flights operated by Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link, and Auric Air arrive at Msembe Airstrip, just outside Ruaha National Park headquarters. From here, it’s a short game drive through the wilderness to reach the lodge.

Yes. While wild and remote, Ubuyu welcomes guests aged 14 and up. For families seeking connection, to each other and to the land, our spacious villas, hosted experiences, and flexible dining allow for moments of togetherness and stillness alike.

Opt for natural fabrics in soft, earth-inspired tones, chosen for comfort and breathability. Days are warm, while evenings can be cool, so a light layer is recommended for firelit nights. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection will ensure you remain at ease throughout your stay.

Ubuyu offers reliable, high-speed internet access in the villas and main areas, allowing you to stay connected when needed. At the same time, the setting gently encourages a slower pace, a place where you can choose when to log on, and when to tune into the quiet rhythms of the landscape. Here, connection is effortless, whether digital or found in the silence, the sky, and the call of the wild.

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