Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is in the southern part of Tanzania. The park covers an area of 20,226sq km (7,809 square miles), making it the second largest park in Tanzania after Nyerere National Park. Ruaha is part of the larger Rungwa-Kizigo -Muhesi ecosystem, which covers an area of 45,000sq km (17,000 square miles). Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wilderness areas named after the great Ruaha River, which travels along the southeastern border and is a water source for abundant wildlife, drawing visitors to the area. The second river is River Njombe, which wanders through gorges and broken rocky landscapes. There are three primary areas where one can go on game drives; the park landscape is diverse and most spectacular as it constantly changes from one area to another, adding a magical touch to your safari experience, along with the Mbage -Mwagusi circuit and Mdonya woodlands. Other attractive features that draw guests to the park include Ngalambulwa Mountain, the tallest point with an altitude of 5,250 feet (1,600m), grasslands and rocky terrain surrounding this massif, contributing to the diverse landscape.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is an unspoiled wilderness famed for its large number of elephants. In fact, aside from rhinos, most major safari animals are easily seen here. Large prides of lion, sometimes counting more than 20 individuals, roam the park and even buffalo, an unusual prey, isn't safe here. The main geographical feature of Ruaha’s untamed wilderness is the Great Ruaha River with its sandy tributaries. Away from the river, miombo woodland is interspersed with savannah grassland dotted with ancient baobab trees and rocky outcrops.
Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania holds many prides of lions. The prides I have witnessed have lions in huge numbers, up to 27 lions. Lions identify their territory by roaring loudly or by physically scent marking trees or rock outcrops. While female lions will hunt and kill most of the animals for the pride to eat, male lions are around primarily to defend the territory from other lion prides or nomadic male lions.
Wildlife Experience
Ruaha National Park has scores of wildlife. The park is famous for wild cat safaris due to its big numbers, which include (lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and spotted hyenas. Ruaha is home to Four of the” Big Five” ( Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, & Leopard). The only animal that is missing is the Rhino. Ruaha National Park has the largest herd of elephants than anywhere else in Tanzania. At least 16,000 elephants are present in the park, and the park serves as one of Tanzania’s Lion conservation units. Other wildlife species include zebras, giraffes, warthogs, hippos, the largest herd of greater kudu and the rare species of lesser kudu, roan and sable antelope. The park is also home to reptiles and amphibians, including monitor lizards, crocodiles, frogs, agama lizards and snakes, both poisonous and non-poisonous.
Birdlife Experience
Ruaha is a paradise for birdwatching lovers; over 570 species of birds are recorded in the park. Ruaha is home to the rare Eleonora’s Falcon, found during December and January. Other species of birds include Bee-eaters, Raptors, Hornbills, Egyptian goose, African black duck, Helmeted guinea fowl, Scaly francolin, Little grebe, Namaqua dove, Yellow-throated sandgrouse, Fiery -necked nightjar, Alpine swift, Jacobine cuckoo, Black crake, White-bellied bustard, Grey go-away bird among others.
Locate the Ruaha National Park
Getting There
By Air: Flying is the most accessible and preferable choice for getting to Ruaha using a scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport. Connecting flights from other parks on the “southern circuit” are also available, including flights from Arusha town and Kilimanjaro. There are two airstrips in the park, Msembe and Jongomero airstrips. The airlines operating these routes are Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link & Auric Air, ZanAir, Regional Air & Precision Air. Flight time from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
By Road: Ruaha National Park is accessed by road from Dar es Salaam. The journey takes about 8-10 hours, covering approximately 625km. Ruaha can also be accessed by road from Mikumi National Park, about 320km and a 5-hour drive. The nearest town to Ruaha National Park is Iringa Town, approximately 130km away.
Best time to visit
The weather patterns in Ruaha National Park are different compared to those of Nothern Tanzania & Kenya, with the rainy season kicking in from November to May. Ruaha National Park is an all-year-round park that one can visit anytime due to various attractions. However, the best times to visit Ruaha National Park for magnificent wildlife viewing are from June to October, a dry season with the greatest overall concentration of wildlife. For avid bird watchers, the best times to visit the park are during the rainy seasons of November to April due to the presence of migratory birds that flock to the park.
