With its 20,226 sq km Ruaha National Park former biggest National Park in Tanzania (now the Nyerere National Park), also making it one of the largest protected areas in East Africa, and is located in south-central Tanzania. The national park has its name from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its entire eastern boundary and is the focus for game-viewing, which also becomes one of the main water sources during dry-season.
With only a handful of visitors Ruaha National Park remains untouched and unexplored. With its pristine ecosystem size and unique location it is most likely that Ruaha National Park will continue experiencing only a few visitors each year. This makes Ruaha National Park a perfect choice for an off the beaten track itinerary.
Ruaha is located where two vegetation zones meet, the Zambezian and the Sudanian, making this national park a mix of tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, shrublands and drier grasslands and acacia savannas, providing a varied and interesting wildlife with a stunning scenery to explore.Ruaha National Park is a birder’s paradise, by being home to more than 571 species of birds. Other than providing a spectacular birding, Ruaha is also the place to find the magnificent Greater Kudu. Home to many rare wildlife species such as the Sable & Wild dogs. Giraffes, Zebras, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and many more without forgetting the Crocodiles & Hippos are in abundance.
Not only does the water supply of this national park serve for the wildlife within it, but also for human beings. Making this national park economically significant as it supports agricultural activities and contributes to hydro-electric power.
Climate
Ruaha National Park has temperatures ranging from 16 – 27 °C.
Ruaha National Park enjoys only one rainy season, dry season is between June and October and its wet season is November to May with annual average rainfall ranging from 500 to 800mm. The park is located at an altitude between 750 and 1868 meters.
Best time to visit
Ruaha National Park can be visited all year around, however game viewing is at its best during the dry season. Animals are drawn to the Great Ruaha River and other water sources. Ruaha’s dry season is between June and October.
Accessibility
The park is accessible by road and air.
Road: From Iringa town it is 108 km to the main gate (Y-Junction), 625 km from Dar es Salaam. For the guests who want to visit this park in combination with the Northern circuit parks and explore the country by road, we drive from Karatu to Dodoma for overnight 7-8hrs drive and further to Ruaha on the second day, a great way to explore the country and its people.
Air: Daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha are the easiest way to Ruaha.
Accommodation
As regarding accommodation when visiting Ruaha National Park the park has a public and special campsites, as well as a hostel, self-catering bandas and cottages. And for more comfort the park has numerous lodges and permanent camps.
Activities
- Walking Safari
- Game drives
Other Destinations
Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park
Enduimet Wildlife Management
Katavi National Park
Lake Natron
Mahale Mountains National Park
Saadani National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Mikumi National Park
Mkomazi National Park
Ruaha National Park
Nyerere National Park
Gombe National Park
Arusha National Park
Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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