Banyan Tree will open its first eco-luxury safari resort and spa called Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park in late 2025.

The resort takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab – an iconic African tree known for its resilience and longevity. At Ubuyu, these trees frame the entrance to an intimate site with six villas that have been designed to blend into the terrain and offer views over the Savannah.

Located in southern Tanzania’s Iringa region, Ruaha National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, a high concentration of lions and more than 570 bird species. It is one of the last refuges for the country’s endangered painted wolves.

With design inspired by traditional Maasai circular dwellings, the one- and two-bedroom villas (245sq m and 350sq m) will have open-air showers, private plunge pools and decking for guests to view the wildlife. A 452sq m three-bedroom retreat will be centred around a firepit courtyard and have an infinity pool, private chef’s kitchen and a rooftop terrace designed for stargazing.

Each of the villas will be constructed using natural materials such as clay, timber and thatch – with furniture crafted by local artisans. They will also be solar-powered.

Spa and wellbeing

The resort’s Maji Spa will be a secluded open-air pavilion perched above the Great Ruaha River with space for two treatment beds and an outdoor tub. Treatments will include healing rituals using local oils and native plants such as baobab. In-villa treatments will also be on offer.

Therapists will be trained in the brand’s protocols at the Banyan Spa and Wellbeing Academy in Phuket, Thailand.

Other experiences

At the centre of the property will be a free-flowing communal space called the living room and a plant-focused, zero-waste restaurant that uses ingredients sourced from nearby farms and villages.

An Escape Host will guide guest journeys, including sustainable communal dining experiences – such as cooking classes to make local dishes such as pilau and ugali.

Safari trips will also be on offer.

The resort is taking reservations now, with rates starting from US$2,000 (€1,736, £1,482) a night.

Banyan Tree Escape, the brand

The Banyan Tree Escape brand is an extension of Banyan Tree’s vision for immersive experiences that combine nature and sustainable design, but this brand is reserved for properties that are found off the beaten track in untouched locations around the world.

The first of these properties opened in 2022, called Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape – in northern Ubud, Bali. The adults-only property has a ‘no walls, no doors’ concept that runs throughout the property and each of its 16 bales (villas).

Read more about The Banyan Group’s plans for wellbeing in our Spa Business report here.