Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park, located to the west of Iringa in the south-central part of the country. It is famous for its large elephant population, diverse predators such as lions and wild dogs, and stunning landscapes.
The park, which the Great Ruaha River feeds, is vital to a large ecosystem and offers visitors opportunities for game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching, where they can spot over 570 bird species. This location is less commercialised than other safari spots and is often visited during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources.
The easiest method to access Ruaha is from Dar es Salaam by road. However, various domestic airlines provide regular flights to the park’s airstrips, Msembe and Jongomero. The majority of flights leave from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, although there are also alternatives from other significant cities such as Arusha and Kilimanjaro.
- Book a 4x4 Car for self drive road Trip to Ruaha
- Consinder a one way rental and take a local flight back to Dar es Salaam
- Save on your Ruaha National park trip by camping with a 4x4 jeep
- You can book a guided tour from Da es Salaam
Ruaha National Park is situated in Tanzania. In 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve, along with other important wetlands, was added to the park, increasing its size to roughly 20,226 km2 (7,809 sq mi). The park is located approximately 130 km (81 mi) west of Iringa. The name Ruaha National Park comes from the Great Ruaha River, which is known as the main tourist draw in the park, flowing through its southeastern area, where numerous animals can often be seen. The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is from June to October. During this period, the national park experiences its dry season, providing ideal conditions for outstanding game viewing.
Self-drive trips in Tanzania provide both flexibility and a genuine experience. trips feature well-known routes such as the Northern Circuit to Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti for iconic wildlife observation. To the Southern Circuit, more secluded wilderness experience in Mikumi, Ruaha and Nyerere. Essential planning considerations include renting a 4×4 vehicle, gathering supplies from larger towns in case of camping, and knowing the optimal times to visit for particular wildlife occurrences.
Consider taking on a self-drive journey to Ruaha National Park from Dar es Salaam. This option allows you the freedom to explore its “untamed wilderness” at your own pace, providing a more authentic and adventurous experience due to its remote location. You will also have the opportunity for extensive wildlife viewing, as it is generally less crowded than other parks. This allows for spontaneous stops to enjoy the wildlife, including the abundant elephants and notable predator populations. Take in the stunning landscapes of baobab-studded plains and riverine forests. The intersection of different vegetation zones in this vast park has led to a unique mix of animals, particularly Greater and Lesser Kudu, along with sable and roan antelopes. This feature is not found in any other national park in the country.