Hodi Hodi is now thriving in the wilds of Ruaha
- Tim Henshall
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Julia Bishop, the co-owner of HODI HODI Bush Camp has taken the slightly unusual step of announcing that they're truly celebrating getting through three years in Ruaha. But when you consider the many challenges involved, its a delight to see them pass this milestone with the lodge now established as a real alternative to other operators in and around the park.
HODI HODI Zanzibar was designed and built in 2014 specifically as a post-safari paradise relaxation. Then after a few years they recognised the need to offer their own safari product.
"We chose southern Tanzania for our HODI HODI safari experience because it's beautiful, remote, much less visited. We found the perfect spot, on the slopes of a high mountain just outside Ruaha National Park."
Using local sustainably sourced eucalyptus, teak, mud-brick, grass thatch and thousands of rocks from the mountainside, and employing workers from the villages behind the high ridge of the camp, they started building in 2019.
Living in tiny tents, cooking on a campfire, with an office under canvas tied to a marula tree, they maintained social distance from elephants, jackals, civet, hyenas, wild pigs and baboons during the build. There were wildfires, poachers, a drought, long negotiations, financial difficulties, floods which broke bridges and cut us off for weeks.. and a pandemic.
Finally HODI HODI Ruaha Bush Camp quietly opened in June 2022. They started slowly, and they're now realising the potential of having chosen Ruaha.
The natural drama of empty space in this part of Tanzania needs no theatrical embellishment; our tented camp blends beautifully into the backdrop and panorama.
"With five double rooms, two family suites, two private homes, fully off-grid, we have heart-lifting views over timeless landscapes"
A lounge bar with pool overlooking the game waterhole where elephant herds drink, alfresco dining with a celebrated cuisine, epic sunsets, classic Land Rovers, no one for miles, the moon & stars at night .. this is an old-style, authentic safari home, built and curated by years of African experience, a deep love of wilderness, strong conservation values and respect for culture, 100% locally staffed from the area.
The wildlife has returned : lion, leopard, sable & roan antelope, greater & lesser kudu, giraffe, zebra & wild dog are often here to greet the guests.
We offer armed guided bushwalks, night drives, bush sun-downers, off-road exploring, day trips into the spectacular Ruaha National Park, and optional hot-air balloon flights.
And last year, we officially partnered with our village communities to assist their educational and healthcare projects, by leasing and conserving over 16,500 acres of pristine bush, up to the un-fenced park boundary, for 30 years and more.
Over 65 sqare kilometres of wilderness - mountain, forest, river and plains - and only us there.. Imagine!
Contact info@hodi-hodi.com for our special 4x4 safari & seaside combo, celebrating 2025.
Thanks to all our wonderful staff, to all our clients and guests past & future, and to everyone who assists HODI HODI to be what it is - connecting responsible tourism with grass-roots community development - both in Ruaha, and in Zanzibar.
Comments