A new lodge, Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, will open in Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park in late 2025.
Ubuyu takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab with two ancient trees framing the entrance to the lodge. The property will comprise six villas – each designed to blend into the surrounding terrain with views over the savannah. The one- and two-bedroom villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai circular dwellings, featuring open-air showers, private plunge pools and expansive decks. A three-bedroom retreat is centred around a fire pit and rooftop terrace designed for stargazing and storytelling.
Each villa is solar-powered and constructed using natural materials including timber, thatch, clay and locally carved Mninga wood furniture crafted by local artisans.
The main area includes a living room, open kitchen serving a “plant-forward”, zero-waste menu, and the rooftop Mganga Bar. Maji Spa is set along the river bank and offers treatments grounded in indigenous healing using local oils and herbs.
Ruaha National Park has a reputation for offering a quieter, more off-the-beaten-track experience than Tanzania’s northern parks. It is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, the world’s highest concentration of lions and endangered African wild dog along with 570 bird species.
It is best accessed by air with scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Serengeti and Selous via Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link and Auric Air. The nearest airstrips are Msembe and Jongomero.
