Ruaha National Park, at a glance
Located at the heart of Tanzania, Ruaha is the ‘other park’ on the Southern circuit. Ruaha’s relative inaccessibility means it gets far fewer tourists than the Selous and less than any comparable park in the Northern circuit.
The rewards of travelling this far are a wild landscape with baobab studded hills and rocky escarpments, with superb wildlife; Ruaha safaris have reliably exciting predator concentrations, it is home to 10% of the world’s lion population, contains one of four cheetah populations in East Africa and has the third largest wild dog population in the world.
This is accompanied by huge elephant and buffalo herds and a cross-over of game from southern and Eastern Africa.
Things to do in Ruaha National Park
Find out more below about some of the activities to enjoy while on safari in Ruaha National Park.
We know that the epitome of any safari is the game drive, so we aim to give you the best possible experience, with specially equipped vehicles and knowledgeable guides.
Game drives are typically enjoyed twice per day at all Asilia’s safari camps: in the early morning and late afternoon. Our robust, custom-modified 4×4s and highly trained driver-guides take guests over rough terrain to discover incredible new slices of nature, crossing low rivers and overcoming steep gullies to cruising over vast, open plains.
Start your early morning with the roar of an engine and the promise of adventure. The rugged tyres of our vehicles churn up the mud of the plains, keeping you on track in your quest to find herds of wildebeest or elusive leopards. The open sides and high seats of our custom vehicles mean you will never miss a thing as you scan the horizon.
For those traveling longer distances, closed vehicles with pop-up roofs are used to take you on game drives that will transfer you to your next safari camp. These offer protection from gusts of wind, while still allowing you to enjoy incredible sightings of birds of prey circling overhead and other wildlife. Both styles of vehicle are equipped with a fridge and picnic bag to ensure you have all you need on your game drive.
Guests choose when to stop on their game drive for a delicious homemade breakfast sandwich and a thermos of hot coffee in the morning. If you’re out for a late-afternoon drive, we’ll park the vehicle and sip on a well-deserved gin and tonic to watch the sunset.
We know that the epitome of any safari is the game drive, so we aim to give you the best possible experience, with specially equipped vehicles and knowledgeable guides.
Game drives are typically enjoyed twice per day at all Asilia’s safari camps: in the early morning and late afternoon. Our robust, custom-modified 4×4s and highly trained driver-guides take guests over rough terrain to discover incredible new slices of nature, crossing low rivers and overcoming steep gullies to cruising over vast, open plains.
Start your early morning with the roar of an engine and the promise of adventure. The rugged tyres of our vehicles churn up the mud of the plains, keeping you on track in your quest to find herds of wildebeest or elusive leopards. The open sides and high seats of our custom vehicles mean you will never miss a thing as you scan the horizon.
For those traveling longer distances, closed vehicles with pop-up roofs are used to take you on game drives that will transfer you to your next safari camp. These offer protection from gusts of wind, while still allowing you to enjoy incredible sightings of birds of prey circling overhead and other wildlife. Both styles of vehicle are equipped with a fridge and picnic bag to ensure you have all you need on your game drive.
Guests choose when to stop on their game drive for a delicious homemade breakfast sandwich and a thermos of hot coffee in the morning. If you’re out for a late-afternoon drive, we’ll park the vehicle and sip on a well-deserved gin and tonic to watch the sunset.
When the day is hot and the lions lie belly-up in the shade of a tree, it’s time to look up and witness the busy bird life above you. Glimpse flashes of iridescent colour and hear the melody of songbirds. Perhaps you’ll spot weavers squabbling over space and materials while constructing their intricately woven nests. Or maybe you’ll witness the tango between potential mates as the male puffs out his feathers and aims to impress.
East Africa is full of prime birding locations, whether you are content with the occasional sighting from your vehicle or prefer to set off on a twitching mission. Select your best pair of binoculars, pack your zoom lens and meet with a guide who shares your passion. Whether on foot or in a 4×4, the pace slows on a birding safari and opens up a world of details. Find yourself parked quietly beside a popular waterhole to watch who comes and goes or crouched in the undergrowth waiting for that telling flutter of movement.
Our birding destinations
Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania are both ideal locations for spotting across-section of East African birds and Southern African migrants. In the depths of Rubondo Island’s forests or Ngorongoro’s montane woodlands, keen birders can spot hundreds of different species. Asilia’s reach even extends to the birding havens of Uganda and Rwanda and along the lush Swahili coastline.
Be prepared
With the wide range of habitats just waiting to be explored on an East African safari holiday, avid birders must be prepared for every terrain and climate. Dusty plains, humid forests, muddy paths and long hikes may stand between you and the final bird on your checklist. Pack light and comfortable clothing with warm and waterproof options. Neutral colours are best for blending in, while sturdy hiking boots will never go amiss when clambering over rocks and fallen trees to spot that rare winged beauty.
A walking safari offers a different kind of adventure for your holiday. Turn in early the night before, with your boots at the foot of the bed and backpack checklist at the ready. Early morning wake-up is served with a cup of hot coffee and a spoonful of excitement for the day ahead.
A walking safari is one of the top things to do in Africa. It allows you to soak up the sounds, smells and the colours of the bush in a way that a game drive does not. No more roar of the engine to drown out the sound of the wind shaking the canopies overhead or the hoof thump from a territorial male impala. A secret language of signals shared between you and your guide, as he gestures the way across the openings and navigates through thickets and woodlands, teaches you the wonders of communication in the wild.
On a guided walk, you are free to stop and inspect tracks left behind by a male lion as he makes his way back to his pride or scuff marks left by a dove having momentarily enjoyed a dust bath. Your guide may lead you to closer encounters with elephant taking a snooze or drinking at a watering hole, or on a challenging trek to a kopjie’s peak to discover what lies beyond it.
Take a break mid-walk, laying out a blanket to spend some time sharing a cup of tea and a muffin as your guide shares stories of their life as a walking guide. Know that when you step back onto your car for your afternoon game drive that you will head out more informed and versed in the hidden tricks and illusions of nature.
Walking safaris are not only for the ultimate hiker, but depending on your fitness, your guide can choose the best suited terrain for you to enjoy. Travellers up for the challenge can take the rocky uphill paths or for those who simply wish to stretch out their limbs, enjoy a slower-paced walk with a few stops to admire the trees and the birds. Whatever your walking interest, then each Asilia experience is tailormade just for you.
Night drives offer a thrilling new way to experience the bush. Under the cover of dark, the savannah changes and a whole new world of nocturnal creatures appears.
Enjoy a night game drive with one of Asilia’s expert guides. As your eyes adjust to the lack of light, your safari guide will use a spotlight to pick out lurking animals that roam in the night. Look out for the beam reflecting off the eyes of wildlife like porcupines, striped hyena or one of the elusive smaller cats.
Many predators that spend the daylight resting come out in the dark of night. The sleek genet searches for dinner, competing with serval and African wildcat while the fearless honey badger also sets out to hunt its next meal. The leopard rules the territory, stealthily stalking and ambushing unsuspecting antelope. The lion wakes from its day spent napping in the sun and night birds come to life, swooping acrobatically and making use of reflective markings to confuse prey.
The night does not only belong to the hunter though. Elephants enjoy the cool, interrupting their constant grazing with sleep, nudging each other awake when danger appears.
And of course, there is the spectacular night sky overhead. With Asilia’s vehicles’ uniquely designed roll-back roofs, guests enjoy a clear view of the stars. Your guide will point out the constellations of the southern hemisphere and teach you how to find celestial bearings. If headed out during the full moon, its bright light affords an unparalleled view of the savannah.
Expert Says
Many seasoned East African safari-goers regard Ruaha to be the most rewarding of all East African game reserves, and while I’d rate it slightly below the Serengeti for overall game viewing, it is certainly one of the region’s very finest reserves, especially for those who place a higher premium on wilderness vibe than on wall-to-wall wildlife. Ruaha is also the second-largest national park in Tanzania (after Nyerere), a 20,226km2/7,809mi2 tract of rugged and remote semi-arid bush whose wild quality is embodied by the spectral baobab trees that stud the boulder-strewn slopes.
When is the best time to Visit Ruaha Natonal Park
Ruaha National Park is accessible all year round, with most visitors arriving to adventurously tour East Africa in the dry season from June to October, when game congregates around water sources and is easy to spot wildlife in the dry, golden landscape. Sandy river beds focus spectacular concentrations of diverse mammals: buffalo and elephants by the hundred, baboons and antelopes by the dozen, lions by tens and smaller mammals by ones and twos.
he dry season is also the most popular time to safari in the wilds of Tanzania, when sun shines all day and rain is rare. The weather is cooler and less humid than in the rains, and mosquitoes are less in evidence.
Although this is peak season, you will rarely see another jeep as the few available camps and lodges are widely spaced, and Ruaha is still largely undiscovered, a secret gem to be jealously guarded by the few who know and appreciate the joys of isolation in an unspoiled paradise. An outback expedition in Ruaha may be dusty and dry in this season, but a cooling drink and a bush shower or a dip in a swimming pool back at camp is all the more welcome.
Where to stay in Ruaha National Park
There are a couple of great top end camps in Ruaha, with Jongomero leading the way for luxurious accommodation tucked away in the far south of the park, then there is Ikuka with exceptional views from the escarpment and close to the Mwagusi river offering some of the best game viewing.
Mwagusi is the oldest lodge in the park, and when the owner Chris Fox is in camp, this place can provide a safari experience to knock you sideways, one of our old favourites. Kwihala Camp and Kigelia Camp are two excellent adventurous luxury tented camps whereas Mdonya Old River is a great option for the adventurous with less of a budget.
Ruaha River Lodge is by far the largest of camps in Ruaha in a superb location, though is not up to the standard of the others. For a summary of Best Places to stay in Ruaha please follow this link
How to get to Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is a big and wild park located west of the Selous Game Reserve and south of Serengeti National Park, it is a really an amazing destination with its unbelievable Wildlife but its geographical location is a long distance from the big towns in Tanzania.
One way on getting park is by using road transport in a comfortable vehicle from Iringa or Dar – Es Salaam which is 130km drive from Iringa town and 625km from Dar-Es-salaam, driving from Dar es Salaam can be quite challenging as the roads are bumpy and dusty as well as tiresome as it is a very long distance and takes about 10 hours’ drive on the road.
The easiest way on getting to the park is by Air, there are daily chartered flights with coastal aviation and safari Air link serving mainly from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Kigoma that land onto the park’s airstrips which are Msembe Airstrip at Msembe (park central station) and Jongomero Airstrip close to the Jongomero Ranger Post.
Ruaha FAQ's
anzanians and East Africans visiting Ruaha national park are charged park fees of 5000 Tanzania shillings for visitors above 16 years while children aged between 5 and 15 years will be charged park fees of 2000 Tanzania shillings excluding the 18% tax.
Ruaha National Park is renowned for its excellent wildlife-sighting opportunities. Combined with the low numbers of visitors, this makes it a spectacular destination. The wider Ruaha area hosts 10% of the world’s lion population and has been a Lion Conservation Unit since 2005.
Yes, most foreigners need a Tanzanian visa to visit the country. US, Canadian, British and most European citizens can simply obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. The cost is $100 for US passport holders and $50 for others. US citizens do get a longer visa, however.
If you’re a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy if you can obtain a visa upon arrival – of if you even need one. Certain African nationals, for instance, can enter Tanzania without a visa.
Please also note that you need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after your departure date.
The nearest airport to Ruaha national park is Julius Nyerere International Airport. Most safari goers opt to go via air and the two main airstrips are Msembe and Jongomero which is located inside the park itself. Daily flights operate out of Dar Es Salaam, Arusha, and the Selous with Coastal Aviation.
YES! AND BELOW IS THE TIME TABLE/SCHEDULE OF FLIGHT BETWEEN SERENGETI AND RUAHA NATIONAL PARK:
NEW SERENGETI to RUAHA CONNECTION:
| Seronera to Ruaha flights | |
| Days of operations | Mon ‚ Thur |
| Minimum pax policy | Minimum 4 passengers |
| Airstrip in Serengeri | Seronera |
| Flight number | UI633 |
| Seat cost | As per STO |
| Remarks | For other airstrips in Serengeti‚ a connecting flight to Seronera will be booked |
| Timings: | 11:00 SEU – RUH 13:00 |
| 13:30 RUH – IRI 13:50 | |
| 14:20 IRI – DAR 15:50 | |
| Seronera to Ruaha flights | |
| Days of operations | Tue ‚ Wed ‚ Fri ‚ Sat ‚ Sun |
| Minimum pax policy | Minimum 6 passengers |
| Airstrip in Serengeri | Seronera |
| Flight number | UI613 ‚ UI614 ‚ UI175 |
| Seat cost | As per STO |
| Remarks | Will be booked on scheduled flights SERONERA – DAR ES SALAAM – RUAHA |
| Timings: | 11:00 SEU – DAR 15:10 |
| 15:30 DAR – IRI 17:00 | |
| 17:20 IRI – RUH 17:40 | |
How to Get to Ruaha National Park should be a question to every traveler because the national park is relatively far in the remote areas of Tanzania which is part of the reasons why a few visitors go to this park, however, the park’s inaccessibility has given it an advantage of remaining untouched with fascinating best-kept adventures and thus still reasonably accessible. There are different ways on how to get to this park but the easiest id by using Air Transport. Ruaha National Park is a big and wild park located west of the Selous Game Reserve and south of Serengeti National Park, it is a really an amazing destination with its unbelievable Wildlife but its geographical location is a long distance from the big towns in Tanzania.
One way on getting park is by using road transport in a comfortable vehicle from Iringa or Dar – Es Salaam which is 130km drive from Iringa town and 625km from Dar-Es-salaam, driving from Dar es Salaam can be quite challenging as the roads are bumpy and dusty as well as tiresome as it is a very long distance and takes about 10 hours’ drive on the road. The easiest way on getting to the park is by Air, there are daily chartered flights with coastal aviation and safari Air link serving mainly from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Kigoma that land onto the park’s airstrips which are Msembe Airstrip at Msembe (park central station) and Jongomero Airstrip close to the Jongomero Ranger Post.
There is also a new flight offered by coastal aviation connecting the Serengeti National Park and Ruaha National Park, in case you are adjoining safaris in different National Parks, there are flights connecting all the national parks in the southern circuit safaris and in this case these flights usually leave from Mikumi National Park or the Selous. From Arusha you can get flights to the Northern circuit that can as well connect to Ruaha National Park.
Your tour operator can book your domestic charter flights as part of your tour package to make your adventure safari fun and remarkably memorable.
Prices very much depend on which lodge you stay at. For Ruaha though, you are looking at prices starting from around $400 per person per night all the way up to $1,500 per person per night. The best thing to do is to give us a call & we can discuss your plans and recommend a lodge which perfectly suits your style and budget.