Ruaha National Park

Location: Central Tanzania, about 130 km west of Iringa town.
Size: Approximately 20,226 km², making it Tanzania’s largest national park.
Accessibility: By road (8–9 hours from Iringa or Dodoma) or by light aircraft (daily flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Selous).

Ruaha National Park is a true wilderness destination — remote, vast, and untouched. It represents the heart of wild Tanzania, with rugged landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and the life-giving Great Ruaha River winding through the park.

Unlike the busier northern circuit parks, Ruaha offers intimate, off-the-beaten-path safaris, where you can explore Africa’s wilderness in peace, surrounded only by wildlife and raw nature.

The park forms part of a larger ecosystem that includes Rungwa, Kizigo, and Muhesi Game Reserves, covering over 45,000 km² — one of Africa’s largest protected areas.

Top Activities in Ruaha National Park

1. Game Drives

  • The main activity in Ruaha — available morning, afternoon, or full-day.
  • Explore the vast plains, baobab forests, and the Great Ruaha River.
  • Common sightings include elephants, lions, and large antelope herds.
  • Night game drives may be available at some lodges (by special arrangement).

2. Walking Safaris

  • Experience Ruaha on foot with an armed ranger and guide.
  • Discover tracks, plants, insects, and smaller creatures often missed on drives.
  • A thrilling way to connect intimately with nature and learn about animal behavior.

3. Bird Watching

  • Ruaha is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania.
  • The mix of habitats — riverine forests, baobab valleys, and grasslands — attracts a wide variety of species.
  • Best between November and April when migratory birds arrive.

4. Photography

  • Ruaha’s rugged scenery — baobab-studded plains, rocky hills, and winding rivers — creates a dramatic backdrop for photography.
  • Early morning and late afternoon light enhance the park’s golden hues.

5. Sundowners & Bush Meals

  • Enjoy a drink or dinner set in scenic locations overlooking the savannah or river — a classic safari tradition offered by many lodges.

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Monduli, Arusha.

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