Ruaha National Park

"Explore the Wondering Nature"

TANAPA GIS Account

March 20, 2020

Welcome to Ruaha National Park

A map showing the location of Ruaha National park in Tanzania.

It is the second largest National Park, covering an area of 20,226 sq.km located in south-central Tanzania. During the dry season, when game viewing is at its best, animals are drawn to the Great Ruaha River and other water sources. The name Ruaha was derived from the hehe word called ''Luhava'' meaning the great river.

Climate

Ruaha National Park enjoys only one rainy season, usually from the end of November to May with annual average rainfall ranging from 500 to 800mm. The park is located at an altitude between 750 and 1868 meters.

Getting there

The park is accessible by road and air.

Road. From Iringa town it is 108km to the main gate (Y-Junction), 625Km from Dar es Salaam and 480Km from Mbeya City.

Air. Daily flights from Dar es Salaam and Arusha is the easiest way to Ruaha. Airstrips are located at Msembe and Jongomero. Coastal Aviation, Auric Air and Safari Link all have scheduled flights to Ruaha.

Park Attractions

Not only does Ruaha enjoy abundant wildlife, but the magnificent and constantly changing landscapes add a magical touch to the whole experience. Baobabs dot the rocky hillsides, the cool green shade along the River, the open grassy plains, all make a wonderful and exciting trip.

Wild Animals

This is the place where visitors can see both Lesser and Greater Kudu because it is the southernmost limit for Lesser Kudu in African continent.

It is also possible to see, Sable and Roan antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Topi, both Southern and Bohor reedbuck and it is the southernmost limit of Grants Gazelle.

In addition to this, Ruaha boasts a healthy population of Wild Dogs, Leopard, Lions, Cheetah, Buffalo, and Elephant, not to mention all the other species, of which there are plenty

The greater Kudu(Tragelaphus strepsiceros); Park's identity

Lion *(Panthera leo),* 10% of Africa's remaining lions are found in Ruaha

High population of Elephant (Loxodanta africana)

Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest *(Alcelaphus buselaphus lichtensteinii)*

Birds

With 574 species recorded in Ruaha, it is difficult to visit this beautiful Park and not be impressed by the number and variety of birds you see.

Baobab ''Upside down tree''

The park is known for having baobab trees scattered all over the park. During dry season the baobab trees shed leaves, leaving only bare branches that resemble roots.Therefore people nick named it “roots up tree”.

The Great Ruaha River

''The life of Ruaha'' and one of the main attraction for many tourists.

Tourism activities

Various activities are available in the park, such as day and night game drive, walking safari, cultural tourism, bush meal, bird watching, star gazing, balloon safari and picnicking.

Walking Safari

This activity takes a visitor more close to nature as it provides a chance of tracking animals by their footprints, stopping to admire birdlife in the trees, and watching smaller creatures and their behaviors.

Game drive

Venture into the pristine wilderness of the Ruaha in a 4*4 safari vehicle hosted by experts. The Park is hailed for its vast herds of buffalo which roam the magnificent plains as well as for its flourishing elephants, lions , leopards , crocodiles and hippo populations

Night game drive

A night drive gives you the opportunity to see Ruaha like never before with a chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife and predators when they are more active

Filming and Photographing

The Park makes the best place for professional filming and photographing

Baloon safari

Experience hot air baloon safaris and enjoy spectacular aerial game viewing and remarkable landscapes

Bush meal

Visitors can enjoy taking their meals at the middle of the bush after a short or long day game drive

Picnicking

Star gazing

Cultural and Historical sites

The Mkwawa Museum, Isimila Stone age site and natural pillar, Mapenza grave, Nyanywa, Ganga la Mafunyo and Idinda rock painting will add unforgettable story tales on your visit

Natural pillars at Isimila stone age site

Accommodation facilities

In the Park, there are various available accommodations ranging from private owned to TANAPA owned accommodations. TANAPA owns picnic sites, public campsites, special campsite, Cottages, Bandas, Rest house and Hostel

Cottages

Owned by the park, are strategically located on top of a hill with scenic views, available, in single/double or family suits. Also there is a restaurant serving meals and other refreshments. Booking is advisable.

Bandas and Rest houses

Bandas (uniport huts) and Rest house are available at Msembe Hq. Booking is advisable

Public camp sites

The Park offers Public camp sites that are equipped with toilets, showers, kitchen and dinning area.

Private Owned facilities

Lodges, Permanet tented camps and seasonal camps are available, booking in advance is recommended.

RUAHA TOURIST GUIDING MAP

Visit Ruaha National Park Today

Support work of Ruaha National Park by visiting the park and see the wildlife that calls this place home. Visiting Parks help support local livelihoods and help protect wildlife for generations to come

Learn more about the Park

Learn more about the work of Tanzania National Parks which protect and manage wildlife situated in areas designated as a National Parks.

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Comment few words to describe this amaizing shot ! #ruahanationalpark #babalaonationalpark #kariburuahanationalpark Photo by @bateleur_safaris_and_tours