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Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s 2nd biggest Protected Area after the vast Serengeti National Park. Located in the southern end of Serengeti and West of Iringa, Ruaha is an extensive safari park in Tanzania with abundant wildlife yet remains one of the least explored destinations. Ruaha National Park alone extends over 20, 226 sq. km and makes up part of the larger Rungwa-Kizingo-Muhesi ecosystem which occupies 45,000 sq. km.

In addition to Ruaha, there are also 2 other magnificent Game Reserves (Muhesi and Kizigo Game Reserves) and a Wildlife Management Area –Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area. Besides, visitors have 3 key areas for game viewing. The most spectacular section of Ruaha is the Ruaha River which features the stunning Mdonya Woodlands and the Mbage-Mwagusi circuit.

The Ngalambulwa Mountain marks the highest peak of Ruaha National Park rising at the elevation of 1600 meters. The park’s landscape is also characterized by spectacular rocky terrains and grassland.

Ruaha National Park was declared as a Saba Game Reserve in 1910 and after, it upgraded to a National Park in 1964. Ruaha’s size was extended following the addition of Usangu Game Reserve. As of 2005, Ruaha was recognized as a Lion Conservation Unit and the Usangu basin featuring among its Important Bird Areas. The park takes its name from the scenic Ruaha River that flows via its South-eastern end. Ruaha River is where majority of wildlife converge for water.

Vegetation cover

Ruaha National Park is endowed with diverse vegetation zones/types. The key vegetation types that make Ruaha National Park spectacular include the Miombo woodlands, Riverine forests, Open savannas with dry bushlands, acacia trees, kopjes, rolling hills, flat plains, and swamps.

Additional rivers to explore in Ruaha National Park include Mzombe, Mwagusi, and Jongomero Rivers. Along the Ruaha River, there exist some scenic waterfalls where you can find hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic species. Ruaha National Park lies at an altitude of 750 and 1868 meters.

Wildlife Species to Encounter

The highest concentration of wildlife resides in Ruaha National Park including the African elephants, bat-eared foxes, buffaloes, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, black rhinos, jackals, hyenas, leopards, wild dogs, zebras, lesser kudu, greater kudus, hippos, elands, and roan antelopes. Ruaha also shelters sable antelopes, and many mammal species.

Bird species

A total of about 570 species of birds reside in the Ruaha including migratory and endemic species. The diverse bird species to explore in the Ruaha National Park include Tanzania red-billed hornbill, emerald-spotted wood dove, Giant kingfishers, Ashy starling, Goliath heron, Bateleur, Black-bellied bustard, Southern ground hornbill, collared palm thrush, yellow-collared lovebird, crested barbet, Spur-winged goose, and more.

Top activities to do in Ruaha

Key tourist activities to enjoy in Ruaha National Park include game drives, birding, nature walks, and more.

Game drives

Game drives feature among visitors’ favorite experiences while in Ruaha. The park is best explored on a 4×4 safari vehicle and a myriad of wildlife can be spotted. Visitors get a chance to observe different wildlife including serval cats, wild dogs, cheetahs, Kudus, elephants, impalas, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and others.

Birding

Ruaha protects savanna and wetland bird dwellers. Keen birders have the opportunity to observe some of the 570 species of birds. They include Ruaha red-billed hornbill, bateleur, kingfishers, fish eagle, Ashy starling, black-collared lovebird, and others. You can also search for the migratory birds around November and April.

Nature walks

Ruaha National Park is also an ideal location for guided nature walks. Nature walks usher visitors deep into the hidden habitats to explore different species. The best nature walking excursions introduce visitors through the swamps, shrubs, forest, and bush areas where you stand a chance to encounter some unique wildlife and birds hardly spotted on a 4×4 game drive.

When should you visit Ruaha National Park?

While Ruaha National Park is an all-year-round destination, game viewing is best enjoyed during the dry season. The park records the dry season from June, July, August, September, to October. Around these dry months, expect to observe diversity of wildlife along the Ruaha River as they converge to take water.

Weather & climate

Ruaha records one rainy or wet season which runs from November to May. During the rainy season, the annual rainfall experienced ranges from 500 to 800 mm.

Where to stay

At Ruaha, visitors have a variety of accommodation facilities to consider for overnight stays. They include budget, midrange, and luxury. Key accommodation options include Ruaha River Lodge, Kigelia Camp, Tandala Tented Camp, Mwagusi Safari Camp, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, Sunset Mountain Lodge, Jabali Ridge, Jongomero Camp, and more.

How to get to Ruaha National Park Tanzania

Access to Ruaha National Park is possible by road or air. Visitors who opt for the road can spend about 10 to 12 hours when driving to Ruaha National Park from Dar-es-Salaam. If you are connecting from Mikumi National Park, expect to spend about 5 hours. By air, you can catch up with the scheduled or chartered flight from Dar-es-Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha to Msembe Airstrip or Jongomero Airstrip.