Overview
Tanzania’s Untamed Wilderness
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s greatest hidden treasures and the second-largest national park in the country, spanning over 20,226 square kilometers. Located in south-central Tanzania, this wild and remote park offers a truly authentic safari experience with fewer crowds. The park gets its name from the Great Ruaha River, known in the local Hehe language as “Luhava,” meaning "great river."
Ruaha sits at an altitude between 750 and 1,868 meters, making it a mix of rugged hills, sweeping plains, and riverine woodlands. With only one rainy season from late November to May and an average annual rainfall of 500 to 800 mm, the dry season (June to October) is ideal for spotting wildlife as animals gather near water sources.
Park Attractions
Ruaha’s diverse landscapes and dramatic scenery make every game drive feel like a journey through nature’s masterpiece. From baobab-dotted hills to lush riverbanks and open grasslands, the park is as visually stunning as it is rich in wildlife.
- Wildlife: - Home to both Greater and Lesser Kudu, sable and roan antelopes, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, topi, and southern and bohor reedbuck, Grant’s gazelle, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a thriving population of African wild dogs, elephants and buffaloes roam freely across the plains.
- Birdwatching Paradise: - With over 574 bird species recorded, Ruaha is a dream for bird lovers. From raptors to colorful bee-eaters, birdwatching here is exceptional year-round.
- The Iconic Baobabs: - Scattered throughout the park, baobab trees are a signature feature. During the dry season, they shed their leaves, leaving behind stark, root-like branches—earning them the nickname “upside-down trees.”
- The Great Ruaha River: - Often called “the lifeline of Ruaha,” this river is a magnet for wildlife and a centerpiece of the park’s ecosystem. It’s especially popular with visitors during the dry season.
📅 When to Visit
The best time to visit Ruaha is during the dry season (June to October), when animals concentrate around the river and waterholes. This is prime time for game viewing and photography.
The wet season (late November to May) brings lush greenery and is excellent for birdwatching and scenic views, though wildlife is more dispersed.
🏞 Excursion and Activities in Ruaha National Park
Ruaha offers a wide range of activities for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture seekers alike.
- Game Drives (Day & Night): - Explore Ruaha's wild terrain in a 4x4 safari vehicle with expert guides. Night drives offer a rare chance to see nocturnal predators and wildlife in action under the stars.
- Walking Safaris: - Get closer to nature with a guided walking safari—track animals by footprints, observe birds, and discover the park’s smaller inhabitants up close.
- Balloon Safari: - Float above Ruaha in a hot air balloon and take in breathtaking views of the park's landscapes and wildlife from the sky.
- Cultural & Historical Tours: - Visit fascinating sites like Mkwawa Museum, Isimila Stone Age Site, Mapenza Grave, Nyanywa, and Ganga la Mafunyo, Idinda Rock Paintings.
Other Activities
- Birdwatching
- Bush meals & picnicking
- Star gazing
- Filming & photography
🛣 Getting there
Ruaha is accessible by both road and air, making it easy to include in your Tanzania itinerary.
By Road
- 108 km from Iringa town to the main entrance (Y-Junction Gate)
- 625 km from Dar es Salaam
- 480 km from Mbeya City
By Air
- Daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Land at Msembe or Jongomero airstrips
- Flights operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Safari Link
