Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape is set to open later this year in Ruaha, Tanzania.
Located in southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, amid ancient baobab trees and miombo woodlands, the off-grid modern safari lodge balances refined, grounded luxury with a respect for its ecological and cultural context.
In collaboration with Italy-based FABRIC Integrated Architecture, the Banyan Tree team conceived a low-impact camp shaped by vernacular traditions and the rhythms of the surrounding landscape.
Honoring the land and legacy
Ubuyu comprises six sculptural villas—including one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations—alongside a series of shared spaces that weave into the terrain. Circular in form and organic in layout, the villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai bomas and the curves of the nearby Great Ruaha River.
Constructed using locally sourced materials (such as thatch, clay, and muninga hardwood), the villas are built on low-impact foundations and finished with handcrafted interiors that emphasize earth tones, clean lines, and custom furniture carved by Tanzanian artisans.
Passive cooling techniques and shaded open-air layouts eliminate the need for artificial climate control, while strategically framed views capture cinematic moments—from elephants at dusk to baobabs at sunrise—in nature.
Connection at Ubuyu
At the heart of Ubuyu is the Living Room, a shaded, wall-less gathering space inspired by the Maasai enkang.
This open-air hub is joined by the Open Kitchen and rooftop Mganga Bar, where culinary storytelling takes centerstage. Here, chefs prepare plant-forward, zero-waste meals in view of guests, while communal and intimate seating areas encourage shared experiences and connection.
Nearby, the Maji Spa channels local traditions through plant-based rituals performed in a breezy, handbuilt pavilion beside the river.
Planet-first hospitality
Ubuyu’s ecological commitment is evident in its material palette, local labor construction process, and energy model.
All villas are solar-powered and supplied by local wells, while minimal earthworks and low-impact foundations preserve surrounding ecosystems.
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