What Is Ruaha National Park Known For? Ruaha National Park is the second largest national park Tanzania, found in the south of the central mid- point of Tanzania and west of Iringa Town just about 130km . Ruaha National Park is bordered in the north by the Kizigio and Rungwa River game reserves. The park was established in 1964 and It covers the total area of 20,226 square kilometers (7,809 ) square miles .
Ruaha national park has a variety of wildlife that includes; large herds of elephants, 10 percent of lions, Zebras , Buffaloes , cheetahs , Giraffes , antelopes ,hunting dogs ,lesser –kudu , striped hyenas, Hippos, grant gazzelles , Crocodiles and Hippos among many more and over 540 species of birds that includes ; endemic species, migratory species with starling , weaver birds, ashy starling, Bateaur common,, Tanzanian red billed hornbills etc and comprises of Miombo plains , Forested highlands and significant rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Ruaha national park is well known for its excellence wildlife –sighting opportunities that make it a spectacular destination since the wider area hosts 10% of world’s lion population and it has been with lion conservation unit since 2005. June- October are the best time to visit Ruaha National Park since its dry season perfect for game viewing especially when animals are taking water at the river .
How to get there; the easiest way to get to Ruaha national park is by scheduled / charter flight from Dar-es-salaam to any of the parks’ airstrip. There are also flights connecting all the parks of the southern safari circuit, Flights from Arusha Town and the northern safari circuit are also available. It takes approximately 600 km (10 hours”) drive from Dar- es –salaam to Ruaha national park Please note you can use road transport from arusha to ruaha national park its very far.
The park has different gates that includes; Msembe gate is the main entrance gate, Ruaha National Park Gate is long the road from Makuluge. The bridge crossing to Ruaha River is the main Entrance to the park etc. For one to access the park promises has to have permission letter that is given at any of the gate.
Ruaha national park charges Entrance fee; that’s the money charged by (government body) TANAP Tanzania national parks Authority in charge of Tourism from Tourists Before accessing the park promises. The entrance fee is valid for 24 hours when one is staying inside the park and when one is staying outside the park you pay per entry.
Entrance fee include; Non foreign residents are charged 30USD per person above 16 years of age 2023/2024 rate and children are charged 10usd per child between 5 -10 years. East African citizen pay 5,000tsh per adult per day and 2,000TSH per child per day aged between 5-15years .Park Entrance permits are given at All the gates.
There are more different activities to do while in Ruaha national park which include;
_Game drives / Viewing both in the night and during the day in the park which enables you to spot different animals like African elephants , hyenas, the big five especially during dry season when animals are taking water on the river .
_Hot air balloon rides that gives good view of the Tarangire River and a memorable experience. Its perfect for game viewing. June to October is the perfect time for hot ballon safari in the park.
Birding /bird watching activity especially for bird lovers since the park has many species of birds include; Black headed lap wing, Black Billed Barbet, hornbill, yellow fronted tinkerbird, long –toed lapwing, long tailed nightjar among others.
Hand craft safaris especially the masaai and other activities include; camping grounds for camp lovers, Flying safaris, night walking safaris, bush walks, cultural visits in the local villages that will entertain you with traditional dances.
Ruaha national park has different categories of accommodations/lodges/hotels/guesthouses that includes;
Budget lodges , Mid- range lodges and luxury accommodations include; Ruaha hilltop lodge, Ikuka safari camp , Jongomera camp , Kwihala camp , Mwagusi safari camp ,jabali ridge camp, Tandala tented camp, Kigelia camp, Mdonya old rivercamp , Ruaha river lodge , asanja ruaha ndembo among others.
