Ruaha National Park | Tanzania's Untamed Wilderness

Take the courage to lose sight of the shore in your home country and visit the land of the wild in Tanzania.

It’s home to carnivores such as lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and wolves; herbivores like elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and antelopes; reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles; and primates such as monkeys, baboons, and gorillas, to name just a few.

Tourists are offered a deluxe stay in accommodations with conference rooms, swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, and restaurants. The hotels include:

Jabali Ridge Lodge
Kwihala Camp
Asilia Africa Lodge
Ikuka Safari Lodge

The great Ruaha National Park is located in the center of Tanzania, close to Iringa, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha. It got its name from a Hehe word that means “river.”

The river within the park is the source of water for both wildlife and domestic use and is also used in the generation of hydroelectric power.

This remote area can be accessed by road transport, with stopovers at Iringa (to see the amazing rock formations and archaeological site of Isimila), Mikumi, Udzungwa, or Morogoro.

You can even travel to Zanzibar using a well-equipped safari car, provided it has enough fuel and is in good shape to cover long distances.

Tourists can stop for lunch and dinner at Neema Crafts, a place that trains people with disabilities to acquire skills to support their loved ones, giving tourists unforgettable memories.

Surprisingly, this national park receives fewer visitors since the transport options are not always well-detailed on their website.

The Best Times to Visit Ruaha National Park Are:

Throughout the Year: The national park is open year-round, serving people with different tastes.
Rainy Season: This season favors driving safaris, as all airstrips are closed to avoid strong turbulence that could damage planes and potentially cause loss of life. Safari cars become busy and expensive during this period. The land absorbs enough water, and the green grass blossoms, covering the park and giving it an Eden-like appearance, with God-created creatures feeding on the lush grass. Some, like male lions, use the tall grass as shelter for naps.
Dry Season: Airstrips are open during this period, allowing you to book a flight to the park and experience its dry, desert-like landscape. The heat during this season dries up the area, turning the green cover brown. Wildlife searches for food sources, resulting in the great migration, and tourists can witness large numbers of wildebeests.

Fun Activities to Explore the National Park:

Walking Safaris: This involves following animals in the park on foot while observing their natural routines. You should not get too close to them, as a sensible distance is advised, and noise is discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals. Littering or feeding the animals is also forbidden, as it may disrupt the food web and make wild species lazy to hunt. The smell of morning dew on plants, beetles, and butterflies attracts tourists to trek for hours under the guidance of a skilled tour guide.
Game Drives: Tourists wake up early, like school-going children, to venture out in safari cars and pause around rivers, waiting for thirsty mammals to come and drink. They also observe strategic predators that wait for grazers at these points. Some tourists even prefer trekking up Kilimanjaro Hill to spot hungry leopards and enjoy the bright morning and sunrise.
Hot Air Balloon Trip: A hot air balloon safari provides a unique perspective from high above, allowing you to view the landscape and spot animals that may not be easily seen during other seasons when they are in hiding.

Attractions at the Mighty Ruaha National Park Include:

Rivers: The Ruaha River, a watershed that feeds the park’s ecosystem, is a prime area for bird and game sightings. Other rivers in the park include the Mbonya, Mwangosi, and Mzumbe, fed by both large and small rivers. Major rivers include Lukosi, Yovi, Kitete, and Sanje, while smaller rivers include Umrobi, Lunwa, and Mambi.
Historical and Cultural Sites: Ruaha National Park is known for its cultural and historical safaris, with various sites that hold historical significance as Hehe land. The story of Chief Mkwawa draws many tourists to experience tales they’ve read about in history books. Other sites include the Mpanze grave of a Gogo chief and the Indinda Rock painting, featuring cultural art believed to have been made by the natives before the establishment of the national reserve.
Rift Valley: This rift valley, crossed by the Ruaha River, features high escarpments in the northeastern parts of the park.
Natural Springs: The hot springs, including Mkwawa, Mwayembe, Makinde, and Majimoto, are located near the base of the western rift valley escarpment. These springs attract numerous travelers, and the smoky, hot water is a sight not to be missed.