Tanzania’s Largest Wilderness
Ruaha is the largest national park in Tanzania. Known for its great populations of elephant, buffalo, greater and lesser kudu, hippo and crocs, it is one of the country’s best national parks and, owing to its remote location, it is one of the least visited. One of the most important aspects of Ruaha is the overlapping of East African and Southern African species of plants, trees, birds and mammals.
Spectacular Landscapes and the Great Ruaha River
The scenery is spectacular; its landscape is characterized by miombo woodland dotted by rocky hills on a plateau that stands more than 3,300 feet (1,000 m) in altitude. Park elevation ranges from 2,460 feet (750 m) in the Ruaha Valley to the 6,230 foot (1,900 m) Ikingu Mountain in the west of the park. The Great Ruaha River, with its impressive gorges, deep pools and rapids, runs for 100 miles (160 km) close to the park’s southern boundary, and is home to many hippo and crocodiles. Black riverbed rocks are contrasted against golden grasses and baobab trees that line the riverbank, creating a unique and beautiful sight.
Seasonal Wildlife Viewing
The dry season, when game is concentrated along the Ruaha River—June to October—is the best time to visit. Large numbers of greater and lesser kudu, elephant and impala can be viewed, along with eland, sable antelope, roan antelope, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, ostrich and giraffe. Lion, leopard, spotted and striped hyena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and African wild dog are also present in significant numbers. Black rhino are present but seldom seen. A whopping 573 species of birds have been recorded. During the wet months of December to March, wildlife is scattered, but game viewing is still fairly good. It becomes less so from February to June, when animals are difficult to spot due to high grass.
The Safari Experience
In addition to morning and afternoon excursions, midday game viewing in this park can also be very productive as wild animals can be seen moving to and from the river. Ruaha is one of the best parks in East Africa for escorted wildlife walks. The scenery and wildlife, especially along the Ruaha River, is exceptional in the dry season.
History and Conservation
Ruaha was originally part of the Saba Game Reserve that was formed in 1910, before it became part of the Rungwe Game Reserve, established in 1946. The Ruaha National Park was gazetted as a park in 1964 and all hunting was prohibited. In 2008 it was extended from 5,000-square-miles (12,950-km²) in size to 8,500 square-miles (22,000-km²) by incorporating the former Usangu Wildlife Management Area.
Travel and Logistics
The park is about a 2.5-hour charter flight from Dar es Salaam. Park Headquarters is located at Msembe, 70-miles (112-km) from Iringa and 385 miles (615 km) from Dar es Salaam.
Accommodations
Classic Luxury
Jabali Ridge: Set high on a rocky kopje close to the core game viewing area of the Mwagusi River. Hidden among the rocky boulders are 10 elegant suites with private decks. Day and night game drives and escorted walks are offered. Jabali Private House is an exclusive house sleeping 6 guests; a private chef, guide and vehicle are included in your stay.
Jongomero Camp: Located on the banks of the Jongomero Sand River in the southwestern section of Ruaha, featuring 8 classic luxury tents with double vanity and solar-heated showers. The camp offers game drives in open vehicles, escorted walks with armed professional guides, bush breakfasts and bush dinners. As the camp is remote, other travelers are seldom seen.
Mwagusi Safari Camp: Located on the seasonal Mwagusi River, featuring 10 large tents and comfortable lounge areas under thatch. Game drives in open vehicles and walks are offered. Elephant may often be seen digging for water in the dry riverbed in front of camp.
Adventurer Options
Kwihala Camp: Located in the north of Ruaha National Park and overlooking the Mwagusi Basin, featuring 6 tents with bucket showers and flush toilets. Enjoy morning and late afternoon game drives in open vehicles, walks, night game drives or participate in the Ruaha Carnivore Project (pre-arrange prior to arrival).
Kigelia Ruaha: Located on the banks of the Ifuguru Sand River and features 6 canvas tents with verandahs, flush toilets and safari (bucket) showers. Activities include game drives in open vehicles, guided bush walks, picnics and sundowners.
Ruaha River Lodge: Located on the banks of the Ruaha River offering stunning views. The spacious 29 stone-and-thatch bandas are located in prime positions on the river bank, each with a private patio. There are two dining areas, one on the river’s edge and another elevated for panoramic vistas.