Ruaha National Park, The ‘other park’ in the Southern circuit is Ruaha, which may be found in the very center of your country, Tanzania. Because of its relative inaccessibility, Ruaha receives a significantly lower number of visitors than Nyerere National Park (which was once known as The Selous), as well as fewer than any other park un the Northern circuit that is comparable. The rewards of traveling this far include a wild landscape with baobab-studded hills and rocky escarpments, as well as an abundance of excellent wildlife.

Ruaha safaris are known for their consistently exciting predator concentrations, as it is home to ten percent of the world’s lion population, contains one of the four cheetah populations in East Africa, and has the third largest wild dog population in the world. The presence of enormous herds of buffalo and elephants, as well as a cross-over of animals from southern and eastern Africa, will accompany this phenomenon.

Ruaha National Park, which is Tanzania’s largest national park, is a more isolated and wilder park than its southern neighbor, Nyerere National Park (The Selous Game Reserve). However, it ultimately has a more diverse and abundant wildlife population, despite the fact that it does not provide boating safaris. This is a wonderful park! Safaris in this region are among the greatest you can get elsewhere in the country, and they offer an excellent value for the money. The natural setting is wild and genuine, and it has been preserved in a reasonably unspoiled state.

Ruaha is a particularly nice complement and contrast to the Nyerere, although it would be a great addition to any Tanzania safari. It is one of the best-kept secrets in Tanzania, and it is also one of the more affordable secrets. The lion viewing in the Mwagusi area is particularly rewarding, and the general concentrations of predators throughout the park are superior to those seen in many of the other parks in the country. Overall, it is an outstanding safari spot that is highly recommended.

Where exactly in Tanzania can one find Ruaha National Park?

To the west of Nyerere, which is a Selous Game Reserve, and to the south of The Serengeti, you will find the expansive and wild park of Ruaha. The fact that it is a geographical area that requires a longer and more expensive trip, which in turn keeps the number of tourists to a minimum, contributes to the destination’s raw and uncommercial atmosphere.

It is a truly remarkable place that is home to an incredible variety of species. The Serengeti and Ruaha are connected by an aircraft that operates on a nearly daily basis. In addition, flights departing from Dar es Salaam and Nyerere are also available.

The Game is located in Ruaha National Park.

Ruaha is home to a wide variety of predators, including a lion, leopard, and cheetah that are of exceptional quality, as well as a wild dog and a hyena. It is the park’s bizarre mixtures of species from east and southern Africa that piques the interest of people who are interested in wildlife and birding. Buffalo and elephant herds can be found throughout the park.

Sable antelope, Grant’s gazelle, greater kudu, and lesser kudu are all examples of animals that are frequently seen in the same region as east African species like zebra, defassa waterbuck, impala, and giraffe. It is not unusual to come across these animals. It is possible to find sable, roan, and hartebeest, as well as over 500 different species of birds, if you put in the effort and go across the park.

Activities Available on the Ruaha Safari

The primary activity is a game drive during the daytime hours at Ruaha Safari. Night safaris are not allowed to take place. Because of the large number of elephants that may be found in Ruaha, some camps have decided to refrain from offering walking safaris. Kichaka is the place to go if you want to focus on walking safaris, although those that do (Ikuka, Jongomero, and Kigelia) have some excellent guides and are able to provide great walking safaris. Jongomero is the only camp that offers fly camping vacations, providing guests with the opportunity to spend exciting evenings outside beneath the stars.

Why you should go on a Ruaha Safari

Ruaha is a traditional dry season park, much to Nyerere (The Selous), which is also a park. The water holes and rivers dry up toward the conclusion of the dry season, which causes the game to concentrate around water. As a result, the game gets progressively better. Because there are places inside the park where wildlife concentrations are strong at any time of the year, traveling to Ruaha outside of the season will almost certainly ensure that you do not encounter any other people while you are on safari. Between the months of December and March, the birdwatching is of extraordinary quality.

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK: WHERE TO STAY When You’re There

With Jongomero leading the way for deluxe accommodations nestled away in the deep south of the park, there are a few of outstanding top-end camps in Ruaha. Ikuka, which is located near to the Mwagusi river and offers some of the greatest game watching, is another option. Both of these camps are located in the same area. The Mwagusi Lodge is the oldest lodge in the park, and when the proprietor, Chris Fox, is in camp, this facility can deliver a safari experience that will knock you sideways. It is one of our old favorites.

Whereas Mdonya Old River is a fantastic alternative for those who are looking for an adventure but have a lower budget, Kwihala Camp and Kigelia Camp are two superb luxury tented camps that are ideal for those who are adventurous. Among the campers in Ruaha, the Ruaha River Lodge is by far the largest and is situated in an excellent location; nonetheless, it does not live up to the standards of the other camps. If you would like a summary of the best places to stay in Ruaha, please click on this link.

Cost of a Safari in Ruaha National Park Tickets

Prices vary greatly depending on the resort that you choose to stay in. When it comes to Ruaha, however, you should be aware that the prices range from approximately $400 per person per night all the way up to $1,500 per person per night. The most effective course of action would be to give us a call so that we can discuss your goals and make a recommendation for a lodge that is a perfect fit for both your style and your budget.

Balloon Safaris, available at Ruaha National Park

If you are looking for a way to get a fresh perspective on the breathtaking scenery of Ruaha while still being able to look for animals, then a balloon safari is the ideal option for you. With the feeling of floating above the never-ending wilderness, you are able to experience a level of peace that is difficult to experience anyplace else.

It is possible that the price of the balloon trip, which is $550 per person, may appear to be extremely high; yet, we would strongly urge that you go through with the experience. You are not going to be sorry that you took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tanzania is not the only country that we are familiar with!

The best thing to do if you want to learn more about Ruaha is to give us a call so that we can have an objective conversation with you. Although we have a strong affinity for Tanzania, we also have a strong affinity for the rest of Africa and have specialists in all of the major safari countries. We would appreciate it if you could send us an email or give us a call if you are still unsure about where you would like to go.