Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is situated just at the southern midpoint of Tanzania. It is bordered by the Rungwa and Kizingo Game Reserves. Together they make up one of the biggest conservancies in all of East Africa. The name of the park comes from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the park’s southeastern margin.
Geographical locationNorthern TanzaniaArea20,226 sq. km. (7,809 miles)GuideLocal Guide
Activities
The one great aspect of Safaris in Ruaha National Park is the remoteness. The feeling of having the wilderness all to yourself is going to be a memorable experience. With that in mind, the following are some activities that we recommend you take part in while on a Tanzania Safari here.
Head out on a Guided Walking Safari – No better way of experiencing the Bush than on foot.Visit the Jabali Ridge Spa – Relaxation is captured perfectly!Bush Picnics – With smiles, sundowners, and stories; a great way to end a day!Game drives – See the exceptionally varied wildlife of Ruaha on morning and evening drives. Or opt for a unique night safari!Cultural excursions – Learn a thing or two about the rich culture of the Hehe people.
Wildlife
Ruaha National Park is renowned for the concentration of large elephants. There are over 10,000 of these gentle giants roaming across the park’s vast plains. The Great Ruaha River offers an ideal habitat for Nile crocodiles and hippos.
On a safari here, you can also expect reliable sightings of large predators. Ruaha is home to around 10% of the African population of lions. There are 200 cheetahs in the park as well. And, Ruaha has the third-largest population of the endangered African-painted dogs on Earth. Leopards and hyenas are present in the park too.
Moreover, if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, then this park is a wonderland! Ruaha National Park has more than 550 species of birds. With endemic birds like lovebirds, Tanzania red-billed hornbills, ashy starlings, etc. Other species that you can also expect to see include – storks, six species of vultures, falcons, Eurasian hobby, and plenty more.
When to Visit?
Best Time to Visit
The Dry Season (from June to October) is the primary time for game viewing in Ruaha National Park. Although a visit during the wet season has its advantages too. Below is a comparison of visiting Ruaha National Park based on the two seasons:
Dry Season in Ruaha National Park
- From June to October
Wet Season in Ruaha National Park
- From November to April
- Spotting wildlife is easier because of the thin vegetation.
- The surrounding landscapes are vibrant and green.
- Clear and bright skies with hardly any rainfall. And less humidity.
- Fewer crowds and discounted costs.
- Fewer mosquitoes mean fewer chances of contracting malaria.
- Birdwatching is outstanding – due to the arrival of migratory birds.
- A Piece of advice – Many accommodations around Ruaha National Park are closed in the month of April. So we recommend that you book your camps or lodges in advance.
Well-Known For?
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, is well-known for several distinctive features:
Diverse Wildlife: Ruaha is renowned for its impressive wildlife population, including large numbers of elephants, lions, leopards, and various antelope species. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa for big game viewing.
Scenic Landscapes: The park boasts stunning landscapes, from open savannahs and woodlands to the Great Ruaha River, which attracts a variety of animals, especially during the dry season.
Birdwatching: With over 570 recorded bird species, Ruaha is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot everything from raptors to vibrant species like the African paradise flycatcher.
Less Touristy: Compared to other parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro, Ruaha sees fewer visitors, providing a more remote and intimate wildlife experience.
Rich Ecosystems: The park encompasses diverse habitats, including miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and open grasslands, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna.
