At a Glance
- Banyan Tree to launch solar-powered eco-lodge in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park by 2025.
- Ubuyu blends luxury safari tourism with sustainable travel in Africa’s largest elephant habitat.
- New villas offer low-impact design, local craftsmanship, and immersive wilderness experiences.
Global hospitality group Banyan Tree is expanding its African footprint with Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, a new luxury eco-lodge set to open in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, in late 2025.
The upcoming property marks Banyan Tree’s latest move into Africa’s high-end safari circuit, targeting travelers seeking immersive, low-impact wildlife experiences.
Solar-powered villas and indigenous design
Named after the Swahili word for the baobab fruit, Ubuyu will feature six sustainably built villas, each designed to blend seamlessly into the savannah landscape.
Inspired by traditional Maasai architecture, the one- and two-bedroom villas will include open-air showers, private plunge pools, and expansive viewing decks.
A three-bedroom suite will be anchored by a fire pit and rooftop terrace, offering sweeping views for stargazing and storytelling.
Built with natural materials such as timber, clay, thatch, and hand-carved Mninga wood furniture made by Tanzanian artisans, each villa will run entirely on solar power, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainable tourism in Africa.
Immersive culinary and wellness experiences
The central lodge area will include a plant-forward, zero-waste kitchen, an open-plan lounge, and the rooftop Mganga Bar.
Guests can unwind at Maji Spa, located along the riverbank and offering treatments that draw on indigenous healing practices, using locally sourced herbs and oils.
With its exclusive, low-footprint approach, the lodge promises to deliver a deeper connection to nature in a region known for its quiet, uncrowded safari experience.
Ruaha: Africa’s untouched wilderness
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of its most biodiverse.
The park hosts Africa’s largest elephant population, the world’s highest lion density, and endangered species like the African wild dog. Over 570 bird species add to its appeal for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Unlike the busier parks in northern Tanzania, Ruaha offers a remote safari experience, accessible primarily by air via scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Serengeti, and Selous, with Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link, and Auric Air servicing the nearby Msembe and Jongomero airstrips.
