Ruaha National Park

Visiting Ruaha National Park

To the west of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Ruaha national park is the other most well-known park on the southern safari circuit. However, Ruaha is not an easy park to get to and flight-prices make this an expensive option when compared with Nyerere national park and other more accessible parks. Unlike the northern circuit where the majority of safaris are done by covering miles by car, safaris in the south are more likely to be accessed by schedule flights. The southern parks also connect more easily to a Zanzibar beach extension.

One upside for a visit to Ruaha national park is that its lack of accessibility equals a very quiet park when it comes to people. You are likely to share your safari experience with nobody else.

Ruaha national park is a very different terrain to that of Nyerere national park with much more open drier expanses with rocky outcrops and hillsides full of wonderful baobab trees. This park is full of wildlife with approximately 10% of the world’s lion population. You will also find cheetah and wild dogs here. This is also a popular park for elephant and buffalo. The only thing that it lacks is a boat safari.

Wildlife of the Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is a hidden gem in Tanzania, offering a truly authentic safari experience. Renowned for its vast, unspoiled landscapes and diverse wildlife, the park is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.

One of the standout features of Ruaha is its incredible variety of antelope species. While you can expect to see classic East African animals like zebra, waterbuck, and impala, the park is also home to a remarkable array of antelope typically found in southern Africa. Spotting sable antelope, Grant’s gazelle, and both greater and lesser kudu is not uncommon. It's a unique opportunity to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat alongside their more familiar counterparts.

Beyond the antelope, Ruaha boasts impressive populations of lions and cheetah, making it a thrilling destination for big cat enthusiasts. As you explore the park on game drives, you'll have the chance to encounter other iconic African species like elephant, giraffe, and buffalo. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, with over 500 species recorded in the park, including a variety of endemic and rare birds.

Safari in Ruaha National Park

Safaris in Ruaha national park tend to be game drive focused during daylight hours as night drives are not permitted. There are only a few camps that offer foot safaris due, in part, to the large number of elephant and buffalo that roam the park. For those who feel particularly adventurous, one or two lodges in Ruaha offer an incredible fly-lodgeing experience under the stars.

Best time to visit Ruaha

How to get to Ruaha

Getting to Ruaha National Park involves a bit more planning than visiting some of Tanzania's more popular parks. However, the journey is well worth the effort.

By Air

The most convenient way to reach Ruaha is by flying. Several domestic airlines offer scheduled flights to the park's airstrips, Msembe and Jongomero. Most flights depart from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, but there are also options from other major cities like Arusha and Kilimanjaro.

By Road

For the adventurous traveler, a road trip to Ruaha can be an unforgettable experience. However, be prepared for a long and bumpy journey. The closest town is Iringa, about a three-hour drive away. From there, you'll need a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the park's rough roads.