Tanzania

Revealing the Riches of Ruaha National park

 

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania gets its name from the Hehe word for ‘river.’ The self-titled Great Ruaha River serves as the primary lifeline of the park’s wildlife. Its vastness and sheer remoteness are what makes Ruaha National Park Safaris so appealing.

The park is bordered by the Rungwa River and the Kizingo Game Reserves. Together, they form a 26,500 sq. km. conservancy, one of the biggest in all of Africa. Even though it’s one of the largest national parks in the country, Tanzania Safari Vacations here feel remote and completely exclusive.

Ruaha National Park Highlights

Highlights 1
safari experience

Vast tracts of land coming together to form a completely uncrowded | Tanzania

Highlights 2
Perfect Bonding

A mixture of varied habitats and wildlife species | Tanzania

Highlights 3
Herds of Gentle Giants

An elephant population with over 10,000 in numbers | Tanzania

Highlights 4
Avian Adventures Await

Incredible birdwatching experience with a presence of over 450 birds | Tanzania

Highlights 5
where animals gather

The natural springs of the park create water sources in the dry season | Tanzania

Highlights 6
Plentiful Carnivores

Great Predator Viewing including large pride of lions | Tanzania

Ruaha

Best Time To Visit

The best time for a Day Trip to Ruaha National Park is during the dry season (from June to October). This is the ideal time for wildlife viewing, with sightings of larger mammals and predators being the best between mid-May and December.

  • As water becomes rare towards the end of the dry season, animals gather around the available water sources.
  • This makes for some unbeatable game-viewing opportunities.
  • On the contrary, in the wet season from January to April, the surroundings transform into a vibrant burst of green.
  • Several migrant species of birds also arrive from the northern regions, making the park an idyllic birdwatching haven.

The following is a comparison of the seasonal features of both the seasons of Ruaha National Park:

Season Dry Season (June - October) Wet Season (November - April)
Wildlife Sightings Animals gather near water sources. Lush vegetation, newborns, migratory birds
Visibility Thinned-out foliage enhances animal visibility. Lush landscapes might affect distant visibility.
Wild Drama Predator-prey dynamics intensified. Renewal of life, unique wildlife interactions.
Photography Ideal for capturing clear wildlife shots. Vibrant scenes, lush backdrop for dynamic shots.
Birdwatching Lesser bird activity compared to the wet season. Migratory birds, over 570 species enhance birding.
Scenic Beauty Golden landscapes with rugged allure. Lush greenery paints a vibrant tapestry of nature.
Accessibility Easy road conditions, unhindered mobility. Some areas temporarily inaccessible due to rainfall.
Overall Experience Unveils raw predator-prey dynamics. Unveils raw predator-prey dynamics.

Best Weather -June to October (Chances of rain showers are extremely common)

Worst Weather-November to March (The Peak of the Wet Season)

Getting To Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park Day Trips typically begin from the city of Dar es Salaam. The point of entry is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). The easiest way to get to the park is by a chartered or scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam to the airstrip located inside the park. Flights that connect all of the southern safari circuit parks are also available.

  • Alternatively, flights from the city of Arusha are also an option. Plus, Coastal Aviation offers scheduled flights between Serengeti National and Ruaha National Park.
  • Ruaha National Park to Serengeti National Park – 606 km
  • Ruaha National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – 477 km
  • Ruaha National Park to Tarangire National Park – 408 km
  • Ruaha National Park to Moshi – 541 km

Ruaha National park Fact File

Enrich your exploration of Ruaha National Park with these enlightening details, laying the groundwork for an exceptional Safari Vacation in Tanzania.

a) Park's Timings and Opening HoursRuaha National Park Safaris greets visitors from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.

b) Permit Requirements – Entry permits can be acquired at the park entrance or conveniently secured online in advance. This ensures a seamless entry process and contributes to the park's conservation efforts.

c) Park's Purpose – As its principal, Ruaha National Park is driven by the dual purpose of safeguarding biodiversity and empowering local communities.

d) Languages – Bridging linguistic gaps, English and Swahili serve as widely spoken languages within the park.

e) Exploring the Park – Immerse yourself in Ruaha's beauty through a trio of captivating experiences. Guided vehicle safaris offer close encounters with wildlife. Guided walks provide intimate connections with nature. Finally, birdwatching reveals the avian wonders amidst scenic landscapes.

f) Required Vaccinations – Prioritizing health safety, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for those arriving from yellow fever-affected regions.

Ruaha National Park Wildlife

Ruaha National Park Wildlife is highlighted by a remarkable concentration of species. From powerful predators like lions and leopards to graceful herbivores like elephants and giraffes.

  • The Great Ruaha River, a life-giving source, sustains an astonishing array of life, with crocodiles and hippos sharing the waters with vibrant birdlife.
  • The park’s expansive landscapes harbour unique antelope species, such as the sable and roan antelopes.
  • While the park's wilderness is animated by the interactions between predator and prey.

Birds of Ruaha National Park include African fish eagle, Ashy starling, Black-bellied bustard, Collared palm-thrush, Crested barbet, Eleonora’s falcon, Emerald-spotted wood dove, etc.

Highlighted Wildlife Sightings – African Wild Dogs, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, Cheetahs, and Leopards.

Things To Do In Ruaha National park

Find out the allure of Ruaha National Park through its array of activities, each a gem to cherish. The following are the Ruaha National Park Activities we recommend including in your Tanzania Safari Vacation Package:

Guided Game Drives – Set off on captivating guided game drives on a Ruaha National Park Day Trip. This is the best way to witness the diverse wildlife that calls the park home.

Walking Safaris – Immerse in nature's embrace on foot, guided by experts who unveil Ruaha's smaller marvels, from birdsong to insect world.

Birdwatching – Tune into Ruaha's avian symphony, spot over 570 species in unique habitats, guided by birding enthusiasts who decode their stories.

Great Ruaha River Excursions – Set sail on river safaris, unveiling a waterborne perspective of crocodiles, hippos, and riverbank life, complemented by the scenic landscapes.

 

Explore Ruaha's untamed beauty, where lions roam and the river's secrets unfold, capturing the substance of Tanzania Safari Vacations.

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Ruaha National Park

Explore our Convenient FAQs Passage

Curious about ways to roam this wilderness? These FAQs shed light on every element of Tanzania Safari Vacations at Ruaha National Park.

Lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, and diverse birdlife thrive in Ruaha's varied landscapes. Expect to see them plus a whole lot more on a Ruaha National Park Tour.

Yes, guided vehicle safaris offer exceptional wildlife encounters led by knowledgeable experts during Ruaha National Park Safaris.

The dry season (June to October) offers prime wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to April) showcases vibrant renewal.

Add an activity to your Tanzania Safari Itineraries called birdwatching excursions to spot over 570 species in the diverse habitats of Ruaha National Park.

While Ruaha National Park Day Trips are land-focused, river excursions reveal the Great Ruaha's crocs, hippos, and riverbank life.

Yes, Ruaha National Park Accommodation choices include lodges and camps. They offer varied lodging options to suit different preferences.

Yes, some lodges offer guided night game drives for thrilling nocturnal wildlife observations.

Ruaha's landscapes range from rugged mountains to Great Ruaha River, providing diverse ecosystems.

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