With arguably one of the best, if not the best, location within the park it is difficult to ignore Ruaha River lodge. With 24 stone cottages this is a large lodge, but this is combated by splitting the lodge in two with each being run as a separate entity. One with a riverside dining and lounge area as well as a campfire area and one bar, dining area and lounge positioned high on a rocky kopje (a hill in a generally flat area) with phenomenal views over the park. The river flows past the lodge year-round so is a magnet for wildlife, there is even a pod of resident hippo in a pool located beneath the kopje of the second lounge and dining area.

The large cottages are simple but well furnished with either a double or twin beds, a comfortable sitting area and writing desk. The large en-suite bathroom has a flushing toilet, twin basins and a solar powered shower. The cottage is finished with large, decked area with safari seating overlooking the river and the inevitable flow of wildlife.