Ruaha National Park is one of the most exclusive Tanzania safari destinations. It covers an area of 20,226 square kilometers, stretching from Central to Southern Tanzania. This makes it the second-largest National Park in Tanzania after Nyerere.
Ruaha National Park’s vast size gives it an advantage in wildlife diversity. The park has a mixture of impressive landscapes and ecosystems ranging from savanna grasslands, woodlands, mountainous areas, and wetlands.
Ruaha National Park is less popular than northern Tanzania safari destinations like Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. This makes Discovery Journeys adventures to the park exclusive and unique. Ruaha is among the most eco-friendly Tanzania safari destinations. Its wildlife has been sustainably managed over the years, making the park’s wilderness appeal stand out.
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Discovery Journeys To Ruaha National Park
Wildlife in Ruaha National Park
The African wild dogs are Ruaha National Parks’ leading animal attractions. Wild dogs are native to sub-Saharan Africa and renowned for their aggressive hunts that end with over 80% success chances. The wild dog population has reduced over the years, and there are few safari destinations where you can see them.
Ruaha National Park has the highest population of greater Kudus in East Africa. Greater Kudus are large woodland antelope species native to Eastern and Southern Africa. Ruaha is among the few East African destinations where you can see these and several other antelope species, including the roan antelope, lesser kudus, and sable antelope.
Elephants, the land’s largest mammals, are present in Ruaha. They are often spotted in herds grazing the open savanna ecosystem. Giraffes, hippos, zebras, and buffaloes are also commonly seen. The park is also home to Big Cats, including lions and leopards. Cheetahs are present in the park but rarely seen.
Ruaha National Park’s Bird life is equally rewarding. The Park is home to over 450 bird species, including endemics. A Tanzania Safari to Ruaha is exclusive, and the best African Adventure one can be part of.
Activities to do in Ruaha National Park
Game Drives
Game drives are the traditional ways of exploring savanna wildlife destinations, including Ruaha. The park’s large size and diverse ecosystem offer opportunities for unique discoveries in the different game drive trails.
Journeying with elephants, prides of lions, herds of buffaloes, and other safari animals is the order of the day in Ruaha. These are all ideal for wildlife viewing, photography, and documentaries. Early morning and evening game drives are recommended for the best wildlife encounters.
Night game drives present an opportunity to explore Ruaha National Park’s nocturnal animals. Big cats like lions and leopards are most active during the night. Aardvarks and bush babies are notable nocturnal species to look out for.
Birding Journeys
The vibrant bird life in Ruaha National Park is best explored on dedicated birding safaris. It gives you time to traverse the different ecosystems, studying the bird species. The Ashy Starling, Tanzanian red-billed hornbill and yellow-collared lovebird are endemic to Ruaha.
The Bateleur, African fish eagles, long-crested eagles, sooty falcon, and crested barbets are notable birds you can spot in the park.
Walking Safaris
Ruaha walking safaris are appealing as you get close to wildlife. Journeying the park on foot enables you to learn more about wildlife species you do not see while on game drives. Insects, butterflies, reptiles, and other amphibians are only explored on guided walking safaris.
Trackers and knowledgeable rangers lead these guided nature walks sharing their frontline wildlife experiences.
Ruaha River Excursions
The Ruaha River is the major water source in Ruaha National Park. It remains a major water spot in the dry season where most grazers gather to freshen. On Ruaha River excursions, you spot the park’s major wildlife, including elephants and hippos.
Where to stay
Accommodation choice in Ruaha determines how successful your safari will be. The park is facilitated by several lodging options suitable for all travelers. Kwihala Camp is situated in the heart of Ruaha National Park. It comprises five spacious camps in the open wilderness with great views of the wildlife. The camp’s central location is great for your Discovery Journeys to the different game drive trails.
Ruaha River Lodge is situated along the banks of the Ruaha River with incredible views of surroundings. The lodge has 20 chalets that are spacious and self-contained. Each chalet has a viewing deck facing the River where you can relax and spot the different wildlife species.
Ikuka Safari Camp is perched on the edge of the Mwagusi escarpment, viewing the Ruaha National Park Wilderness. The lodge is luxurious and intimate, with seven cottages, each with views of the park.
Jongomero Camp, Mdonya Old River Camp, Kigelia Ruaha, Jabali Ridge, and Tandala Tented Camp are notable lodging options.
Getting to Ruaha National Park
The park can be accessed by road and air transport. There are scheduled and charter flights to Msembe and Jongomero Airstrips that offer direct access to the park. Coastal Aviation, Safari Airlink, and Auric Air are the flight operators.
Road transfers to Ruaha are enjoyable, with a stop at Mikumi National Park for game drives.
Best time to Visit
The dry season months from June to October are prime months to visit the park. There are minimal rainfall disturbances, and exploring the park becomes easy. Most animals gather at the parks’ major water sources and wildlife spotting also becomes easy.
Some lodges close during the rainy months of March, April, and May because of floods that cut off access routes. These months are, however, good for birding tours as migratory birds are present in the region. Lodges that keep operating offer fair discounts, making it affordable to book your dream Tanzania safari.
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