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Ruaha National Park Tanzania is the largest national park and one of East Africa’s best-kept secrets. It is a haven for biodiversity and a dream come true for any wildlife enthusiast, with its rugged wilderness and dramatic and expansive savannahs hosting a unique mix of flora and fauna not found elsewhere in the world. Ruaha takes its name from the Great Ruaha River, which winds its way through the park and is its lifeblood. This important watercourse makes Ruaha have one of the most dynamic ecosystems, with literally thousands of species.
Quick Details About Ruaha National Park
Location: Central Tanzania, Iringa Region
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Entry Fee: $30 for adult, $15 for children (non-residents)
Nearest Airport: Iringa Airport (140 km), Msembe Airstrip (2 km)
Nearest railway: Makambako Station (190 km)
Location
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Ruaha National Park Tanzania is located in the Iringa Region in south-central Tanzania, 130 kilometres west of Iringa Town. There is a well-tended gravel road from the Arusha National Park connecting the region through the Iringa-Ruaha Road that leads to Ruaha National Park and other towns. Covering a huge area, the park is along the banks of the Great Ruaha River and forms part of the mighty Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem.
How To Reach
Photo: Erasmus Kamugisha / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: There are two airstrips in the park, Msembe Airstrip and Jongomero Airstrip both offering domestic flights from major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar.
By Road: Ruaha is accessible by road via Iringa, which lies about 130 kilometres away. This drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. From Dar es Salaam, it takes approximately 10-12 hours by road.
By Rail: The central railway line in Tanzania connects Dar es Salaam to Iringa, from where a road drive can be taken to the park.
Things To Do
1. Wildlife Safaris
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Tanzania wildlife safaris in Ruaha National Park are the most exciting safaris in Tanzania. You can take game drives in search of a variety of species like elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. The predator populations in the park, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, are very large and are one of the reasons it is internationally renowned. As animals are most active early in the morning or late in the afternoon, these safari tours are best taken at these times of the day.
2. Guided Nature Walks
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commonst
Guided tours in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, give you a close view of nature on foot. Led by expert guides, the walks offer an up-close experience of the park’s flora and smaller fauna like antelopes and reptiles. Guides typically share interesting information on animal tracks, medicinal plants and the ecological importance of the park’s habitats. The best-known activity at Ruaha, walking safaris, offers you an opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the area and commune closely with the natural world in a way that few places allow.
3. Explore The Great Ruaha River
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Great Ruaha River provides a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, which runs through the park and is a stunning sight. During the dry season, animals come from midland to drink along the riverbanks, which visitors enjoy watching. Hippos and crocodiles dot the water, and herds of elephants and antelopes graze around. The river draws birdwatchers, and fish eagles and herons are often sighted. Enjoy a picnic or take your camera for some lovely shots by the river.
Places To Visit Near Ruaha River
Discover close locations for your journey to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, with its rich mixture of nature and cultural characteristics.
1. Isimila Stone Age Site
Photo: Vero.Lova / Wikimedia Commons
The Isimila Stone Age Site is an important archaeological site, lending the greatest insight into early human history. The discovery took place in the 1950s, when hammerstones, axe heads, flints, and scrapers were unearthed from the site, and they were said to be from 60,000 to 100,000 years old. Isimila combines archaeological and natural beauty, thus making it a very compelling destination for those interested in human history and geology.
Distance From Park: 30 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
2. Tungamalenga Lodge And Camp
Photo: Alex Azabache / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Near the Ruaha National Park, Tungamalenga Lodge and Camp is the ultimate base for your safari retreat. In addition to the well-equipped camping areas shaded by the surrounding natural vegetation, eat meals and stay in traditional thatched huts at this rustic lodge. Guests can experience a welcoming Tanzanian atmosphere as well as fresh local dishes made on-site. Ruaha is also the location for the lodge’s guided game drives and cultural tours of adjacent villages, making for an ideal balance of adventure and relaxation.
Distance From Park: 35 km
Timings: No specific operating hours
3. Magombwe Village
Photo: Mangapwani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Magombwe Village, near Ruaha National Park, is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Hehe people, known for their colourful customs and welcoming nature, dominate in this colourful, rustic settlement. Tourists to Magombwe can enjoy traditional dances, music performances, and storytelling visits that showcase the community’s culture. Village artisans create unique handmade goods that can also be brought home as the best souvenirs, including woven baskets and pottery.
Distance From Park: 100 km
4. Kalenga Museum
Photo: Matt Crypto / Wikimedia Commons
Kalenga Museum (or Mkwawa Museum) is another historic treasure away from Ruaha National Park Tanzania. This small but mighty museum pays tribute to Chief Mkwawa, the legendary Hehe leader who put up a heroic fight against German colonial forces in the late 19th century. The museum features artefacts, weapons, personal effects and the infamous skull that was returned to East Africa from Germany after World War I. First, you should head to the ruins of Chief Mkwawa’s fort, which is full of practical insight into the Hehe people’s tenacity and ingenuity.
Distance From Park: 100 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
5. Iringa Town
Photo: Ernst G. Ulz / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the German colonial period, the various African, Swahili, and European expressions in the construction of the buildings give visitors a glimpse of times gone by. One of the attractions in Iringa is the Iringa Boma Museum, which is housed in one of the oldest buildings in town, built in 1914. This building was once a military hospital and is now a regional museum and cultural centre. Besides the historical sites, Iringa has busy markets with traditional crafts, fresh produce, and textiles to see, offering a real Tanzanian experience.
Distance From Park: 120 km
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost for a three-day safari in Ruaha ranges regarding the option of accommodation, park fees, and meal plans. The price can be between $500 and $1,000 for the budget options, while it can range between $1,000 and $2,000 for mid-range and luxury options. Prices change based on the level of service and comfort you are looking for.
Tips For Travellers:
- For a comfortable and enjoyable safari, wear a comfortable fit of lightweight, neutral colour attire.
- Don’t forget a pair of binoculars and a camera with you for fantastic photography.
- Hire a guide so you can enrich your journey by showing you the right paths of the park to know its wildlife.
Ruaha National Park Tanzania is not just another safari destination but a journey into one of Africa’s last truly wild frontiers. Here, the dramatic landscapes, from the sweeping savannahs to the rugged escarpments and the incredible diversity of wildlife, create an experience that is both raw and transformative. Unlike other parks in Tanzania, Ruaha offers a less crowded and intimate connection with nature. Plan your trip with TripXL and witness the circle of life unfolds in its most authentic form.
Cover Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
