Overview–tanzania

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is located in Tanzania and is the largest national park in the country, covering an area of approximately 20,226 square kilometers (7,809 square miles). The park was established in 1964 and has since been expanded to include the Usangu Game Reserve and other wetlands. It is situated about 130 kilometers (81 miles) west of Iringa and is part of the larger Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which spans around 45,000 square kilometers (17,000 square miles).

1. Head Out on a Walking Safari

Walking safaris in Ruaha National Park provides an intimate experience with nature, allowing participants to explore the bush on foot. Accompanied by experienced armed guides and local trackers, groups are limited to a maximum of six people, enhancing the learning experience about wildlife and their habitats. This activity is ideal for active and adventurous travelers as it heightens the senses and allows for close encounters with smaller animals, birds, and insects.

2. Take a Game Drive

Game drives are a classic way to explore Ruaha National Park’s diverse wildlife. Visitors can travel in custom-modified 4x4 vehicles guided by trained professionals who help spot various animals across the park’s plains. The park is home to around 80 species of mammals, including a significant population of lions (approximately 10% of the world’s total), elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.

3. Enjoy a Photographic Game Drive

For photography enthusiasts, specially equipped photographic game vehicles are available that feature rotating seats and camera rests designed for capturing stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitat. These vehicles accommodate three photographers at a time and must be booked in advance.

4. Go Birdwatching

Birdwatching in Ruaha National Park is exceptional due to its rich avian diversity with over 500 recorded bird species. A birding safari allows enthusiasts to observe both northern and southern bird species amidst the park’s varied landscapes.

5. Take a Night-time Game Drive

Night-time game drives offer a unique opportunity to witness nocturnal wildlife activity when many predators become active. Guided by knowledgeable rangers, visitors can spot animals such as lions, wild dogs, owls, and nightjars under the stars while learning about the night sky.

6. Eat Lunch in the Bush

Dining al fresco in the heart of Ruaha’s wilderness provides an unforgettable experience where guests can enjoy picnic lunches surrounded by nature’s beauty.

7. Drink Sundowners Out on the Plains

After a day of exploration, guests can relax with drinks and snacks set up by their guide while enjoying conversations about their day’s adventures against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.

8. Go on a Boating Safari

From Usangu Expedition Camp, boating safaris allow visitors to explore waterways where they can see crocodiles, hippos, and various waterbirds while observing other wildlife coming down to drink.

9. Enjoy a Spa Day

For those looking for relaxation away from safari activities, spa services are available at Asilia spas within or near Ruaha National Park offering massages and treatments amidst tranquil surroundings. These activities cater to various interests ranging from adventure seekers to relaxation lovers while providing opportunities for wildlife observation and appreciation of Tanzania’s natural beauty.

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Rates

From: $152 to $651 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season

From: June to October (Ruaha is rarely crowded)

Size

From: 20,220km² / 7,807mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Ruaha National Park is an unspoiled wilderness famed for its large number of elephants. Aside from rhinos, most major safari animals are easily seen here. A large pride of lions, sometimes counting more than 20 individuals, roam the park, and even buffalo, an unusual prey, isn't safe here.

Wildlife Highlights

Ruaha’s flagship animal is the wild dog. There are only a handful of places where these charismatic pack animals are easily observed, and this is one of the best. Ruaha is also home to the largest population of greater kudu in East Africa. Other rare antelope species that can be seen here include lesser kudu, roan, and sable antelope.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

June to October (the middle and end of the Dry season) is the best time for wildlife viewing in the park. Wildlife is easier to spot at this time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the Great Ruaha River and its tributaries. The male greater kudu is most visible in June, the breeding season. The best time to see wild dogs is during their denning season, from June to August.

General Wheather

Ruaha National Park is hot and dry. Temperatures don't vary much throughout the year. The warmest months are October to March, and the coolest are June to August. The Dry season occurs from May to October. Ruaha has one extended Wet season from November to April. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Wet season, but it is unusual for rainfall to last throughout the day.

Dry Season –May to October

The sky is blue and it hardly ever rains. It gets very dry and dusty toward the end of the season.

May, June, July, August & September – It is dry and sunny and temperatures range between 26°C/79°F (daytime) and 14°C/57°F (night-time).
October – It is the end of the Dry season. The average daily temperature increases to 29°C/84°F.

Wet Season –November to April

It is hot and humid. Average temperatures range from 29°C/84°F (daytime) to 17°C/63°F (night-time).

November & December – The rains usually start in November. It doesn't often rain all day; showers are mostly in the afternoon. The temperature increases just before the rain starts, and peaks of over 38°C/100°F are not unusual.
January, February & March – Like previous months, it is highly unlikely for rains to last the whole day, but they will be more plentiful and usually occur in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures average 29°C/84°F, while night and early morning average 16°C/61°F.
April – The rains will slow down, as this is the end of the Wet season. Temperatures average between 28°C/82°F (daytime) and 16°C/61°F (night-time).

Prons

Top wildlife viewing in the middle and end of the Dry season
Superb for spotting predators, including big pride of lion
One of the best places in East Africa to encounter wild dogs
Unusual antelope species such as greater kudu, roan, and sable
Very exclusive and it doesn't get crowded
Tanzania’s second-largest national park (after Nyerere)

Cons

Relatively expensive, with limited budget options
Animals are scattered during the Wet season
Most lodges are closed from March to May

How To Get There

Safaris to Ruaha National Park usually start from Dar es Salaam, and your point of entry for the country will be Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and handle all further transportation.

The 600km/373 mi drive to Ruaha from Dar es Salaam takes at least 10 hours*, and a lot of it is on a dusty, bumpy road. Many people traveling to Ruaha make a stopover at Mikumi National Park. From Mikumi, the distance to Ruaha is about 320km/200 mi, and the drive takes roughly 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

The easiest way to get to Ruaha is by scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam to one of the park's airstrips. There are also flights connecting all of the parks of the Southern safari circuit. Flights from Arusha town, the base for the Northern safari circuit, are also available.