Ruaha National Park

• Size: 20,226 sq.km/ 12,567 sq. mi    
• Established: 1964
• Distance & Travel Time:  From Iringa town, it is 108km/67mi to the main gate (Y-junction), 625km/338mi from Dar es Salaam and 480km/298mi from Mbeya City.

Climate

Ruaha National Park enjoys only one rainy season, usually from the end of November to May with annual average rainfall ranging from 500 to 800mm. The park is located at an altitude between 750 and 1868 meters.

Getting there

The park is accessible by road and air.

Road. From Iringa town it is 108km to the main gate (Y-junction), 625Km from Dar es Salaam and 480Km from Mbeya City.

Air. Daily flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha are the easiest way to Ruaha. Airstrips are located at Msembe and Jongomero. Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Safari Link all have scheduled flights to Ruaha.

Park Attractions

Not only does Ruaha enjoy abundant wildlife, but the magnificent and constantly changing landscapes add a magical touch to the whole experience. Baobabs dot the rocky hillsides, the cool green shade along the River, and the open grassy plains, all make a wonderful and exciting trip.

Wild Animals

This is the place where you can see both Lesser and Greater Kudu because it is the southernmost limit for Lesser Kudu in the African continent.

It is also possible to see, Sable and Roan antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Topi, and both Southern and Bohor reedbuck, and it is the southernmost limit of Grants Gazelle.

In addition to this, Ruaha boasts a healthy population of Wild Dogs, Leopard, Lions, Cheetah, Buffalo, and elephants, not to mention all the other species, of which there are plenty.

Birds

With 574 species recorded in Ruaha, it is difficult to visit this beautiful Park and not be impressed by the number and variety of birds you see.

Baobab ”Upside down tree”

The park is known for having baobab trees scattered all over the park. During the dry season, the baobab trees shed leaves, leaving only bare branches that resemble roots. Therefore, people nicknamed it a “roots up tree”.

The Great Ruaha River

”The life of Ruaha” and one of the main attractions for many tourists.

Activities

Various activities are available in the park, such as day and night game drive, walking safari, cultural tourism, bird watching, star gazing, and balloon safari.

Walking Safari

This activity takes you closer to nature as it provides a chance of tracking animals by their footprints, stop to admire birdlife in the trees, and watch smaller creatures and their behaviors.

Night game drive

A night drive gives you the opportunity to see Ruaha like never before with a chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife and predators when they are more active

Filming and Photographing

The Park makes it the best place for professional filming and photographing

Balloon safari

Experience hot air balloon safaris and enjoy spectacular aerial game viewing and remarkable landscapes

Cultural and Historical sites

The Mkwawa Museum, Isimila Stone age site and natural pillar, Mapenza grave, Nyanywa, Ganga la Mafunyo, and Idinda rock painting will add unforgettable story tales on your visit.