Ruaha National Park – Self Drive Tanzania Safaris- 4×4 Africa.

Ruaha National Park is  the second largest national park after Nyerere National Park which is the largest park with big five animal watching. The Ruaha National Park is located  158 kilometers west of Iringa  town covering an area of about 20,226 square kilometers.

The park got all this size after the addition of the Usangu Game reserve and other wetlands in 2008 to it. Ruaha National park is part of the 45,000 square kilometers Rungwa, Kizigo and Muhesi ecosystem which consist of the Rungwa game reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi game reserves and also the Mbomipa wildlife Management Area.

Ruaha National park derived its name from the Great Ruaha River which flows along its southeastern margin and it is the best focus for game-viewing. The park is a home to more than 571 bird species like hornbills and other wildlife like the cheetah, African leopard, lion, giraffe, hippos and others.

Tsavo West National Park has a variety of wildlife Safari, such as eastern black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion. There are also other smaller animals that can be spotted in the park, such as the Bushbaby, hartebeest, lesser kudu and Masai giraffe.

1. Walking Safaris
2. Wildlife Watching
3. Big five watching

Safari activities in Ruaha National Park

• Game viewing:

Ruaha National park is a home to a number of wildlife including the largest concentration of elephants with a population of about 10000. Also the park hosts about 10% of the global lion populations. Among the other wildlife seen in the park include cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, sable antelopes, warthogs, zebras and others.

• Bird watching:

Ruaha National park is a bird lover’s paradise hosting over 570 bird species. The park is also a home to the rare Eleonora’s falcon which comes in the months of December and January. Others species include raptors, bee-eaters, rollers, hornbills and others.

• Walking safaris:

All the walking safaris and hikes done in the park should be guided since the park is a home to a number of predators like lions, leopards and others. Give more attention to the surrounding where you are conducting your safari from.

Game drive in Ruaha National park

The great Ruaha River: The River is the main attraction in the park due to the fact that its name is the same as that of the national park and it travels along the southeastern border of the park. Ruaha River serves as draw for game viewing since it is a habitat to a number of animals like crocodiles that can be seen on its banks. Also, the river draws much other wildlife especially during the dry season. These animals gather at the river banks to quench their thirst. Among them include elephants, buffalos, impalas, giraffes and others.

Bird species: Ruaha National Park is a home to over 570 species of birds including the migratory ones like the rare Eleonora’s falcon that are always available in the months of December and January. Other residential birds include bee-eaters, rollers, hornbills, raptors and others.

Ngalambulwa Mountain: This is the tallest point in the park with a summit of 5,250 feet. It is surrounded by the grasslands and rocky terrain which add a massive insight to the beautiful landscapes in the park.

Shetani lava flow

Birding in Tsavo West

Wildlife: Besides having the largest collection of elephants which is about 1000, Ruaha National park is a home to a number of wild animals. Among the animals at the park are; buffalos, giraffes, hartebeest, impalas and others. The park also habitats predators like lions and leopards, cheetahs, wild dog and hyena.

Where to stay?

There are many accommodations which are luxury and those camping sites which are inside the park like kibo slopes camping site which are open any time for camping adventures.

When to go to Ruaha National Park?

The best months to self drive in Tanzania are recommended to be done in dry months but you should have working Ac since its hotter in the regions of Ruaha National Park , never attempt to skip the drive in Ruaha National Park.  Best time are June to October and January to February. Although the park can be visited at any time of year, wildlife viewing during the peaks of the Wet season (April and November) is not recommended.

How to access Ruaha National park?

Ruaha National park is difficult to access since its location is remote but with a strong landcruiser you can enjoy the adventure to Ruaha National Park for great wildlife safari experience.  Since most visitors to this park are nature lovers then consider the distance that will interest your eyes with sight seeing scene.

By Road Ruaha national park is about 625 km from Dar es Salaam and we would advise you to plan stop over route to Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park and other tourists attractions for unique Self drive Safari in Tanzania.   If you decide to go straight , it may take you 10 -11 hours to arrive at the park. Make sure you have strong working landcruiser with the recommended jeeps being Landcruiser lx 2015 and above.