Tanzania offers one of Africa’s best safari experiences. The country has many national parks, each giving a unique experience. Ruaha National Park is one of the best parks in Tanzania and should be on your list of places to visit while in the country.
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park, covering an area of 13,000 square kilometers. It is part of a large ecosystem that includes Usangu Game Reserve, Rungwa Game Reserve, and other protected areas.
The park has some of the largest herds of elephants, 10 percent of the world’s lions, over 500 species of birds, and much more.
The Ruaha River flows through the park. The park is believed to have the highest number of elephants compared to any other national park in East Africa. It is home to 1,650 species of plants, 571 species of birds, and many animals.
The park features baobab trees, miombo woodlands, Savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, kopjes (rocky hills), natural springs, rift valleys, river systems, wetlands, and gently rolling hills dotted with baobab trees.
Ruaha National Park offers a true wilderness experience because it is less visited than Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks, which can be crowded most of the year.
History
Ruaha National Park was first declared as Saba Game Reserve in 1910 by the colonial government. In 1946, the name changed to Rungwa Game Reserve. In 1964, the southern part of the reserve became a full national park.
A small part of the southeastern Ruaha River was added to the park. The Ruaha River used to flow all year, but since 1993, it sometimes dries up during the dry seasons.
This has caused changes in the park’s environment because the river provides water for wildlife and people.
The park was once known for large elephant numbers — about 34,000 in 2009. However, the number dropped to 15,836 in 2015. There were also cases of poisoning that killed 6 lions and 74 vultures.
In 2008, Usangu Game Reserve and other wetlands were added to the park, increasing its size to 20,226 square kilometers. This made it the largest protected area in East Africa.
Entry Fee
The entry fee for Ruaha National Park is $30 for foreign non-residents, $15 for foreign residents, and 5,000 Tanzanian shillings for Tanzanian citizens.
Children of foreign non-residents pay $10, foreign resident children pay $5, and Tanzanian children pay 2,000 shillings. Children under five enter free.
Entry fees can change, so it is best to check before you travel.
Animals
Ruaha National Park is great for wildlife viewing. The best times are early morning and late afternoon. You can see animals such as elephants, roan antelopes, greater and lesser kudus, jackals, leopards, cheetahs, sable antelopes, African wild dogs, klipspringers, bat-eared foxes, zebras, elands, giraffes, lions, impalas, hyenas, hippos, black and white rhinos, wildebeests, buffaloes, Grant’s gazelle, defassa waterbuck, clawless otters, and many more. The Mwagusi area is known for good lion and predator sightings.
Balloon safaris are another way to enjoy the park. These can be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Other Activities in the Park
- Birding: Ruaha National Park is a great place for bird watchers. Over 517 species of birds have been recorded. Some common birds are the bateleur, spur-winged goose, Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, giant kingfisher, collared palm thrush, African fish eagle, crested barbet, yellow-collared lovebird, white-bellied go-away bird, southern ground hornbill, Namaqua dove, goliath heron, long-crested eagle, emerald-spotted wood dove, black-bellied bustard, Eleonora’s falcon, and Ashy starling.
- Nature Walks: You can take guided nature walks to explore the park up close. These walks let you see wildlife, birds, and baobab trees with their smooth bark. Some camps restrict walks because of many elephants, but camps like Jongomero, Kwihala, and Kigelia offer nature walks with experienced guides.
- Cultural Encounters: To make your safari more memorable, you can visit local communities to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. You may see traditional dance performances and buy handmade crafts as souvenirs to support the locals.
- Fishing: Fishing is possible at the Ruaha River, which offers a good fishing experience. Bring your own fishing gear, and an experienced guide will take you to good fishing spots. While fishing, you may see wildlife on the riverbanks and animals like crocodiles and hippos in the river.
Location
Ruaha National Park is in central Tanzania, 130 kilometers from Iringa town. It is west of Selous Game Reserve and west of Serengeti National Park.
Best Time to Visit
Ruaha National Park has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. The park can be visited all year, but the best time is during the dry season from June to October.
During this time, wildlife gathers near water sources, and the plants are not thick, making it easier to see animals.
Accommodation
There are many places to stay in and around the park. Some of these include Mwagusi Camp, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, Kwihala Camp, Ruaha River Lodge, Jongomero Camp, Ikuka Camp, Kichaka Camp, Jabali Ridge, Mdonya Old River Camp, Mwagusi Safari Camp, and others. Your choice depends on your budget and preferences.
