Ruaha National Park a top safari destination in Southern Tanzania offering classic safari adventures without encountering many other travelers as well as safari vehicles. The park is famous for its high number of predators, elephants, and varied landscapes, walking safaris and hot air balloon rides.
At a size of 20,226 km2 (7,809 mi2), Ruaha National Park is a huge national park covering diverse number of wildlife species. Wildlife sightings are phenomenal here and there are a few accommodations available giving you a true African wilderness feeling. This coupled with its location in the remote southern part of Tanzania, many miles away from the popular Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, means very few travelers make to Ruaha.
Location
Ruaha National Park is located in central southern Tanzania, the closest town is about 130k from the national park. Southern Tanzania is very remote and less frequently visited than the better-known parks in the northern region of the country.
Therefore, the easiest way to get to Ruaha Park is to fly in. You can choose between chartered and scheduled flights departing from Dar es Salaam. Alternatively, a ten-hour drive plus a stopover in between will get you there.
What makes Ruaha National Park Special?
- Excellent wildlife sightings in diverse landscapes with very few tourists around, make for exclusive safari experiences
- Due to its remoteness, the park is very popular with repeat visitors and passionate safari lovers who have been to Tanzania before.
However, if you would like to visit Ruaha, while not missing out on Serengeti and Ngorongoro, you can choose to fly to Ruaha, landing at one of the bush airstrips inside the park.
Vegetation and landscapes
The vegetation in Ruaha differs drastically between flat treeless savannahs, Miombo woodlands, dry bush lands, swamps and riverine forests. Almost 1650 different plant species can be found in the park, creating a one-of-a-kind botanical paradise.
The park is named after the great Ruaha River of which 160 km flow through the park. It is the most distinctive feature of the park and for its residents the important. Apart from the Ruaha River, the park is well known for its varied scenery – from large open plains to rolling hills, river systems to western and kopjes to mountains.
The park marks the transition zone where eastern and southern species of flora and fauna overlap. Also, the Great Rift Valley runs through the park with escarpment walls rising between 50 and 100m in height. Natural springs associated with the rift valley are scattered through the park.
During the dry season, the majestic Ruaha River recedes to nothing more than a few precious waterholes that predators take complete advantage of. Laying silently in wait, knowing that thirst will drive herds of impalas, gazelles, and other antelopes to come drink. Additionally, the riverine vegetation on the shores around the river helps provide enough cover for lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas making it the best hunting ground in the park.
Wildlife in Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of African elephants in East Africa. Hence, huge numbers of up to 200 are often spotted below the giant baobab trees. What is more, Ruaha is also home to both species of kudu (greater and lesser) as well as the majestic sable and roan antelopes both of which are frequently seen.
For bird lovers, Ruaha National Park is home to 529 species that have been sighted in the park. some of the famous birds include the endemic Ruaha red bellied hornbill, kingfishers, sunbirds, black collared lovebirds, ashy starlings, ground hornbills, bateleurs, fish eagles and many more.
Things to Do in Ruaha National Park
The main activity in Ruaha Safari are classic day-time game drives, since there are few tourist vehicles, it is an ideal destination for photographers enjoying undisturbed views.
On walking safari, you will take a stroll amongst the might baobab trees accompanied by an experienced guide.
On hot balloon safaris, you glide across magical morning landscapes as the sun begins to rise, this is a very special experience
Where to stay in Ruaha National Park
Some of the best accommodation options to stay in around the park include
- Mwagusi Camp
- Kwihala Camp
- Jabali Ridge
- Kichaka Camp
- Mdonyo Old River