Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is the largest national park in the country. The park was established in 1964 covering about 13,000 km2. In 2008, the Usanga game reserve and other important wetlands were added to the park increasing its size to 20,226 km2. Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is in the middle of the country, approximately 130 kilometers west of Iringa.
The park is named after the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is a focal point for game viewing. Ruaha National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including over 571 species of birds, some of which are migrants from within and outside Africa.
The park experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, with short rains from November to February and long rains from March to April. The dry season occurs between June and October, which is the best time to carry out activities in the park.
Location
Ruaha National Park was originally established in 1910 as Saba Game reserve. The name changed to Rungwa game reserve in 1946 until when it was named the park in 1964.
Ruaha National Park is located in the southern Tanzania, West of Iringa and Selous game reserve. It is 130 kms south of Serengeti National Park.
Climate
The park experiences hot and dry weather with little to no rainfall. The warm months are October to March, with the coolest months being June to August.
Temperature can go up to 35℃ and the vegetation in the park always becomes dry. The afternoon thunderstorm is common during the day though it is unusual for the rain to last for the whole day.
Activities in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
Walking safaris and birding
Walking safaris is one of the interesting activities in the park. This gives you the deeper feeling and understanding of the park.
Do not worry about security since armed rangers, local trackers with a maximum of 6 people per group will accompany you. Spot the different plants species, animals and the bird species up close as you learn more about them.
Get your binoculars ready since the park is a birder’s paradise. Spot over 500 different species of birds during the walking safari.
Game drive
Morning, afternoon and evening game drive at the park have different experiences and worth enjoying. Spot number of prides, over 100 African dogs are found in the park, black backed jackals, Zebras, giraffe and hyenas among the others. Enjoy the drive as you spot a number of animals in the park.
Night game drive enables one to spot the nocturnal species. Some of them might be shy since they are used to nightlife and no one seeing them.
Boat cruise
Go on a boating safari. Ruaha River offers a lot of opportunity such as boat cruise in the river where one is position to see crocodiles, school of hippos, buffaloes and elephants along the riverbank among other large numbers of water birds in their natural habitat.
Drink sundowners in the wilderness
After the game drive, you can have a stopover in the bush for a refreshment. Your guide will set up some of your favorite drinks and snacks for you to enjoy.
Memorize the journey and the whole experience that you have had so far. It a good moment listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the fresh air.
Besides Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, one can visit Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation area, enjoy the beach life in Dar es salaam among other amazing attractions.
Accommodation
The park has accommodation of all types. You can sleep in the place according to your budget. Other accommodations offers swimming opportunities that enables one to relax from the hot sunshine.
Others have the spar treat in the way that a tourist is able to relax and enjoy their stay at the destination.
Though remember that all the accommodation have an amazing experience with different nature encounter. Some accommodations offer walking safaris, boat cruise among others.
How to get to Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
Either you can use the road or air to get into the park, the means you use will determine how faster you will get into the park.
By air
Take chartered or scheduled flights from Dar as salaam, Dodoma, Arusha or kigoma to Msembe airstrip or jongomero airstrip in Ruaha.
By road
Others can prefer to use by road starting from Dar es salaam Julius Nyerere airport and take about 10-12 hours drive to the park. The transport means gives one different and amazing experiences during the trip.
Feel free to book your adventure using a reputable tour company like Beyond sight safaris, where every trip is a story.
