Banyan Group opens first safari retreat Ubuyu in Tanzania
Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, has opened in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park as the group's first safari retreat.
Banyan Group has unveiled Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, a new retreat in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania's Iringa region. It is the group's first safari experience and the second property under the Banyan Tree Escape brand, following Buahan in Bali.
The retreat features six private villas positioned along the Great Ruaha River, each with its own plunge pool. The first-phase collection includes three One-Bedroom River Front Villas, a secluded One-Bedroom River Glade Villa, a Two-Bedroom River View Villa for families, and the signature Ubuyu Private Retreat, a three-suite residence.
The villas were built using locally sourced clay, timber and thatch, with Mninga wood furnishings crafted by Tanzanian artisans. The property runs on solar power and locally sourced water.
The retreat includes an open-air gathering space inspired by the traditional Maasai enkang, a restaurant serving a menu built around local ingredients, a rooftop bar and a riverside spa. Each stay comes with a dedicated Escape Host who arranges bespoke activities, from walking safaris to cultural exchanges with the Hehe, Bena and Kinga communities.