Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is one of the numerous national parks in Tanzania that travelers can explore during a safari tour at any time of the year. Ruaha National Park is situated in the southern region of central Tanzania, covering an area of 20,226 square kilometers, making it the second largest national park in Tanzania, following Nyerere National Park. Ruaha National Park constitutes a segment of the large Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem. Ruaha National Park features three distinct principal regions for safari game observation, with the Ruaha River section being the most picturesque, encompassing the Mdonya forests and the Mbage-Mwagusi circuit.

Ruaha National Park is located approximately 130 kilometers west of Iringa. Ruaha National Park is named after the prominent Ruaha River, which flows along the southeastern boundary, establishing it as one of the premier game watching locations inside the park.

Attractions of Ruaha National Park

Wildlife in Ruaha National Park

The animals in Ruaha National Park are among its most coveted attractions. A variety of species inhabit Ruaha National Park, which travelers can observe during a safari in the park. Travelers on a Tanzania safari at Ruaha National Park may observe various wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, white rhinos, black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and other antelope species.

Birds

The birds of Ruaha National park attracts several travelers, as the region is home to over 570 bird species. Ruaha National Park hosts endemic species, near-endemic species, migratory species, and resident species of birds. Birds observable at Ruaha National Park on a birding safari encompass the Goliath heron, crested barbet, yellow-collared lovebird, black-belied bustard, African fish eagle, collared palm-thrush, long-crested eagle, and Tanzania red-billed hornbill, among numerous others. Birding excursions in Ruaha National Park to observe the diverse avifauna can occur year-round, particularly during the mating season from November to April, when migratory species are also present in the park.

Ruaha River

The Ruaha River, which lends its name to the park, is a remarkable tourist attraction within Ruaha National Park and one of the premier destinations to explore in the area. The Ruaha River traverses Usungu Plains, supplying water to the park and serving as a vital resource for animals during the dry season, when wildlife in Ruaha National Park gathers to bathe and hydrate.

Vegetation Cover

The vegetation of Ruaha National Park is a captivating attraction, home to a diverse array of wildlife species. Ruaha National Park include savannah grasslands, woodlands, flat plains, acacia trees, bushland, marshes, kopjes, and the 160 km Ruaha River.

Activities in Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park presents numerous activities for tourists, including game drives across its expansive savannah plains, guided nature walks that facilitate close encounters with wildlife such as giraffes, and bird watching, which allows visitors to observe a variety of avian species native to the park, among other pursuits.

Best time to visit Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is accessible year-round, with the optimal period for wildlife observation occurring during the dry season from May to October. Travelers seeking birding safaris in Ruaha National Park should ideally visit during the wet season, which coincides with the nesting period.

Accessing Ruaha National Park

Visitors can access Ruaha National Park via road or air transportation. Travelers can reach Ruaha National Park by a 10-hour drive from Dar es Salaam International Airport, with the option to break the journey by spending one or two days in Mikumi National Park, also located on Tanzania’s southern safari circuit. Ruaha National Park is approximately a 5-hour journey from Mikumi National Park.

Accessing Ruaha National Park by flight is the most efficient and convenient option, particularly for travelers seeking to avoid lengthy road journeys. Chartered and scheduled flights, such as Coastal Aviation and Safari Air Link, operate from Dar es Salaam to various airstrips in Ruaha National Park. The advanced aviation sector in Tanzania facilitates connections to Ruaha National Park from Serengeti National Park or other sites within the northern safari circuit.

Accommodation in Ruaha National Park

Numerous accommodations are available in Ruaha National Park for travelers throughout their safari. Accommodation at Ruaha National Park is available both within and outside the park, accommodating all levels of travelers, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options. Accommodation options in Ruaha National Park include Tandala Tented Camp, Kichacka Camp, Mdonya Old River Camp, and Mwagusi Safari Camp, among numerous others.

Ruaha National Park is an exceptional destination for a safari tour in Tanzania, particularly for those seeking exclusivity, as it is less congested than other prominent Tanzanian safari locations such as Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both situated in the northern circuit, the most frequented region of Tanzania. Contact a reputable tour operator to assist you in organizing an exceptional Tanzania safari that includes Ruaha National Park and other remarkable attractions, such as the stunning Zanzibar Island.