Rukiya Safari Camp

The game drives were fantastic, even though we got caught in the rain during rainy season. Everyone on the staff was kind, helpful, and happy to stop for a chat. We had a lovely stay at Safari camp with the children. The beds and bathroom were good, the accommodation was nice, and it had real safari vibes. The food was very good every time. We’ll come back, but in the dry season 😊

The camp is in a great location, and our walking guide, Liberty, was knowledgeable, kind, friendly, and engaging. He was the one bright spot in a stay where service otherwise felt among the worst we’ve had on many safaris. Aiden and Jessica showed little willingness to help or engage, and didn’t even say good morning. They seemed focused on their laptops. Aiden in particular came across as unhappy to have guests around: when we asked questions or tried to talk, his replies felt like a favour, and he stayed behind the bar staring at his computer. I asked other guests about it, and they felt similarly, putting it down to inexperience. The tents were fine, but too close together. You could hear normal conversation from neighboring tents. One guest had no cold water in their tent. A sewer smell lingered throughout the camp for our whole stay, so it didn’t seem like the user issue they claimed, though hopefully it was temporary and gets fixed. There was no tea or coffee in the tents, and in the mornings it wasn’t always available, despite what they said. You also can’t walk very far because of crocodile and hippo warnings, which limits where you can go. We’ve been fortunate to go on many safaris, and we were very disappointed with the service and the money we spent. The camp felt like old South Africa still existed there, and the apparent “outstanding” reviews left us baffled. If this sounds like the experience you want, fine, but consider the other options available.

The setting at Rukiya Safari Camp was beautiful and intimate, and the team made us feel like family. We ate really well, too. The game drives with Aiden and Marcel were a real adventure. They worked well together and did everything they could to find wildlife, while sharing lots of interesting information. They were fun and friendly. Thanks to everyone for a great experience!

I loved the quiet here so much that getting up around 4:30am for a peaceful coffee before the drives never bothered me. The property itself is full of wildlife, so the drive out toward the Big 5 reserves is already like a game drive. The guides really knew their stuff and were passionate, which made it even more exciting. The tents were roomy, comfortable, and kept clean and refreshed. The food was amazing, with a big shout out to chefs Nomsa and Saint. Everyone else on the property was friendly and professional too. Staying somewhere smaller gave me a more intimate, authentic experience, and I’m glad I chose it. Rukiya is pure magic, more serene and tranquil than anywhere I’ve been. I’d highly recommend it.