Tanzania safari in Ruaha National Park

Tanzania safari in Ruaha National Park- “Explore the Wondering Nature” Ruaha National Park is located in Tanzania and is quite larger, covering around 20,226 square kilometers. This was achieved in 2008, when the park expanded in include Usangu Game Reserve and other important wetlands were added to the park. the parks lies about 130 kilometres west of Iringa. It is park os a bigger ecosystem known as Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which spans 45,00 square kilometers and includes Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area.  The park’s name is derived from the Great Ruaha River which flows along its southeastern margin and is the focus of game-viewing.

Ruaha National Park is a birders paradise housing over 570 species of birds have been identified in the park. Among the resident species are hornbills and others are migratory birds visit the park. Other notable animals in this park are east African cheetah, African lion, African leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, African buffalos and several antelope species among others. Since 2005, the protected area has been considered a Lion Conservation Unit.

Climate

 Ruaha National Park receives only one rainy season, usually from the end of November to May. The average rainfall in Ruaha varies from 500mm around the Msembe Headquarters’ area in the rift Valley, to 800mm in the western high plateau area of the park. The coolest time is normally from June to the end of July. Temperature can range from max of 30C during the day to as low as 8C at night. The temperature slowly increases over the next few months resulting in the hottest time, with day time can go high to 40C and night-time low of approximately 25C, which is generally just before the rain begins to fall in November and December.

Attractions found in Ruaha National Park

Wildlife

Ruaha National Park is a top spot for wildlife lovers, drawing tourists with its incredible variety of animals. This park boasts a significant number of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and striped hyenas. In fact, it holds about 10% of the world’s lion population and one of only four cheetah groups in East Africa. Additionally, Ruaha is home to the largest population of African wild dogs and is often crowded with herds of elephants and buffalo, along with many other animals. It’s thought to have the highest number of elephant herds in East Africa.

The park is also a haven for impressive mammals like greater and lesser kudu, Grant’s gazelle, impalas, elands, sable and roan antelopes, defassa waterbucks, ostrich, giraffes, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, and hartebeests. Visitors can spot hippos and crocodiles near the great Ruaha River, too. Beyond the large mammals, the park is home to many reptiles and amphibians, including both venomous and non-venomous snakes, monitor lizards, agama lizards, and frogs.

Birdlife

Ruaha National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania. The park features over 570 bird species including endemic and migratory birds. the best birdwatching spots in Ruaha National Park includes, the Great Ruaha River, the southern regions and the areas around the river. Some of the bird species found include, Yellow-collared lovebird, goliath heron, emerald-spotted wood dove, white-bellied go-away -bird, Eleonora’s falcon, Ruaha red-billed hornbill, collared palm-thrush, crested barbet, southern ground hornbill, sooty falcon, buff-crested bustard, Namaqua dove, ashy starling, African fish eagle, long-crested eagle, red- cheeked Cordonbleu, golden-breasted bunting, red-billed quelea, African grey flycatcher among others.

 Vegetation

Ruaha National Park is home to a variety of plant life, including river forests, Miombo woodlands, and open savannah filled with acacia trees. You can find rugged hills, flat plains, dry bush areas, and swamps throughout the park. Several rivers, such as the Jongomero, Great Ruaha, Mwagusi, and Mzombe, flow through, acting like vital lifelines for the ecosystem. The waterfalls along the Ruaha River create a perfect home for animals like crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife that live in or near the water.

During the dry months, the Ruaha River shrinks to just a few waterholes, which predators eagerly watch over. They patiently wait for antelopes and other animals to come and drink, using the riverbank vegetation for cover. This area becomes an excellent hunting spot. Overall, the diverse plant life throughout the park offers great habitats and viewing opportunities for the many different species of plants and animals that call Ruaha home.

Cultural sites

 The burial place of Chief Gogo Mapenza can be found in Ruaha National Park. To reach it, you’ll need to take a full day trip from Msembe along the road to Mpululu. It’s a good idea to have a guide accompany you on this journey. There are several other important cultural and historical spots nearby, such as Ganga la Mafunyo, Nyanywa, Chahe, and Painting Rock. Additionally, sites like the Ismila pillars close to Iringa town, Kalenga, Mlambasi, Lugalo, and God’s Bridge are worth exploring.

Activities in Ruaha National Park

Game drives

Game drives are a favorite activity in Ruaha National Park, where visitors can explore the park in open 4×4 vehicles, giving them a chance to see various wildlife in its natural setting. You can choose from morning, afternoon, or night game drives. In the mornings, you might catch a glimpse of predators like lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and servals, as well as other animals that are active during the night. Afternoon drives are perfect for watching wildlife such as Elephants, Jackals, Elands, Kudu, Impala, Sable, Roan antelopes, Giraffes and Zebras as they feed.

A night drive will give you the opportunity to see Ruaha like never before with a chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife and predators when they’re more active. During this time there are chances of seeing nocturnal wildlife, including elusive species like bush-babies. You’ll head out with your guide and a spotlight either at the end of your afternoon game drive, or after an early dinner.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris are the perfect way to explore the beauty of Ruaha National Park. Join a walking safari with a trained ranger and local guides as you stroll along established trails that wind through the bush, shrubs, swamps, and forests, spotting various plants and animals along the way. Nature walks are conducted in the maximum group of six people. During your walking safaris, you’ll also have the chance to learn about the local wildlife and visit a nearby village. You can interact with Maasai tribes and discover their music, customs, and eco-friendly ways of living.

Birding tours

Ruaha National Park offers a fantastic environment for bird watching, thanks to its mix of savannahs and wetlands. The park is home to over 570 different bird species, including many that travel from other places in Africa and even Europe. You can spot unique birds here, like Ruaha red billed hornbill, black collared lovebirds, bateleurs, sunbirds, ashy starlings, fish eagles, kingfishers, ground hornbills, African fish eagle, long-crested eagle, red- cheeked Cordonbleu, golden-breasted bunting, red-billed quelea, African grey flycatcher and others. The best time to go bird watching in Ruaha is from November to April, when many migratory birds arrive and several species are actively breeding.

Sport fishing

The park offers several fishing methods, such as trolling, spinning, and using both live and dead bait, along with fly fishing. They strongly encourage a catch and release practice to protect the fish. Make sure to plan your visit to Ruaha National Park so you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

River cruise

This is also another exciting activity offered to visitors while on a Tanzania safari in Ruaha National Park.  river cruise in the park is done along the great Rauha River. River cruises offer the opportunity to see hippos basking in the sun and crocodiles. Several wildlife species are seen along the shores of the river to quench their thirst in dry season

 Best time to visit Ruaha National Park

 The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. During these months, wildlife gather around the water sources, making it easier to spot animals. The pleasant temperatures and clear skies enhances the experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the park’s beauty and wildlife. For birdwatchers, the best time to do bird watching in this park is between the months of November to April. During this season the park receives migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa and also there are high breeding rates of several bird species.

Accommodation in Ruaha National Park

The park has got a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid range and luxury. Some of these facilities include; Jongomero Camp, Jabali Ridge, Mwagusi Safari camp, Ruaha River Lodge, Kigelia Camp, Kwihala Tented Camp, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, Old River Camp, Ikuka Safari Camp, Kichaka Lodge, and many others like Ruaha River Campsite, Mdonya River Campsite among others.

How to get to Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park can be reached in two ways, either by road transport means or by air means

By Road: Ruaha National Park is located 108 km from Iringa, and the road is accessible throughout the year. It’s about 625 km from Dar es Salaam and 480 km from Mbeya City. While most roads within the park can handle various weather conditions, it’s best to use a 4×4 vehicle for a smoother ride.

By Air: The easiest way to reach Ruaha is by flying from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. There are airstrips at Msembe and Jongomero, and airlines like Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Safari Link have regular flights to Ruaha.