Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape

Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, is a safari retreat in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, and Banyan Group's first safari lodge. A Banyan Group release of 15 July 2025 gave its opening as late 2025. The group's results release of 13 August 2026 reports it welcoming its first guests, and a release of 17 September 2026 counts it among the group's existing hotels in Africa.

The first phase has six artisan villas, each with a private pool and expansive views, built from local materials and inspired by traditional Maasai architecture. The villas overlook the Great Ruaha River and sit in open savannah where, the operator says, animals roam freely. Banyan Group describes Ruaha as home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, the highest density of lions, endangered wild dogs and more than 570 bird species.

Guests are guided by Escape Hosts, who lead wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges and riverside rituals, according to the 2025 release. The images the operator has published of the lodge are renderings.

“Momentum continues into the second half of the year, with the Group's first safari retreat, Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, welcoming its first guests and the opening of Banyan Tree Mount Emei in August.”

The operator’s wording, read on its own page and last checked 1 November 2026.