Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, is being designed as an intimate eco-luxury safari retreat, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience Ruaha National Park – celebrated for its raw beauty and remarkable biodiversity…
Located in southern Tanzania’s Iringa region, 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.
Its location – 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.
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.
Main image credit: Banyan Tree
