London – Berlin – Cape Town – Deep in the heart of one of East Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas, an intimate eco-luxury safari retreat is preparing to welcome guests. Opening in late 2025, Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience Ruaha National Park – one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, celebrated for its raw beauty and remarkable biodiversity.
Ruaha National Park: A wild tapestry of nature and ancestry Located in southern Tanzania’s Iringa region, Ruaha National Park is a vast convergence of ecosystems, where East Africa’s sweeping savannahs meet the miombo woodlands of the south. Unlike its more frequented northern counterparts, Ruaha offers a quieter and more intimate experience. It is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, the world’s highest concentration of lions, and one of the last refuges for the endangered African wild dog. More than 570 bird species also flourish within this rich and varied landscape, adding colour and vitality to its sweeping terrain.
Ruaha holds more than ecological significance. The land is deeply intertwined with the cultures of the Hehe, Bena, and Kinga peoples. Their enduring connection to the Great Ruaha River, which sustains both human and animal life, adds a profound dimension to the landscape.
Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape: A Sanctuary to rewild
Ubuyu takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab tree, Africa’s iconic Tree of Life. Revered for its resilience and longevity, the baobab has offered shelter, nourishment, and healing for generations. At Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, these ancient trees frame the entrance, standing as natural sentinels to a sanctuary shaped by nature, culture, and memory.
The property comprises six artisan-crafted villas, each designed to blend effortlessly into the surrounding terrain with sweeping views over the savannah. One- and two-bedroom villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai circular dwellings, featuring open-air showers, private plunge pools, and expansive decks positioned to capture sunrise light and wildlife movement. The three-bedroom Retreat follows the organic curve of the Ruaha River and is centred around a firepit 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.
At the heart of the retreat lies the Living Room, a free-flowing communal space inspired by the protective spirit of Maasai enkangs, while the Open Kitchen presents a plant-forward, zero-waste menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and villages. Above, the rooftop Mganga Bar serves elixirs infused with native botanicals, paired with sweeping views of the river and surrounding bushland. Set along the riverbank and open to the breeze, Maji Spa invites restoration through rituals grounded in indigenous healing, using local oils and herbs to soothe, balance, and renew.
Each stay is guided by a dedicated Escape Host who brings intimate knowledge of the land, wildlife, and surrounding communities. Whether arranging a walking safari at first light, a cultural exchange in a nearby village, or a riverside dining experience at dusk, every detail is shaped with care, sensitivity, and intention.
Getting there
Ruaha National Park 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.
Reservations
Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, opens in late 2025, with rates starting from $2,000 per night. Terms and conditions apply. For further information, please contact Louise.Rohner@banyantree.com.
