Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park has an incredibly diverse landscape. One of the most outstanding geographical features is the Great Ruaha River, which is the life source for the wildlife in the park.

Ruaha National Park has a high diversity of plants and animals; including elephants, buffalos, antelopes and some of rare and endangered species like the African wild dog. There is a considerable population of crocodiles and other reptiles; such as snakes and monitor lizards.

Natural springs occur throughout the park, which act as dry season refuges for wildlife in search of water.

There are only a few safari lodges in Ruaha National Park, all of which offer drives, while some offer guided walks as well as fly camping, which are exciting activities appealing to the more adventurous guest.

Jongomero Camp is positioned along the banks of the Jongomero River which flows strongly in the rains, but is usually just sand during the dry season, however, elephants frequently wander past in the dry riverbed. The 8 canvas tented rooms are raised up on wooden platforms, and have great views across the river.

Kigelia is a small, discreet camp secluded in a grove of Sausage trees. It operates in a socially and environmentally responsible way, placing a minimal footprint in these precious areas of natural beauty. The 6 luxury tents are spread out along the riverbank and constructed of the same cream canvas as the communal areas, which seem to disappear into the bush.

Mdonya River Camp is a traditional safari camp with basic facilities and the emphasis here is on offering the best in safari basics and a superb experience rather than the luxuries around it. Traditional tented accommodation; with no electricity add to the authenticity and true bush-feel of this camp and large verandas offer spectacular views.

How to Get There

Safaris in Tanzania begin at Arusha, which is situated close to the northern safari locations.

Sun Safaris will fly guests to Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is the primary receiving airport in Tanzania. This airport is only a few kilometres away from Arusha airport, which is the safari node of the country and where most light air transfers take off from.

Once guests have landed at Kilimanjaro, they will connect with a road transfer that will take them to Arusha airport. Depending on timing of guests' itinerary, they might spend a night in Arusha before heading off on a scheduled flight to an airstrip or airport nearer their safari destination.

Ruaha is located fairly centre of Tanzania, but falls into the southern safari circuit, alongside Selous and Mikumi Reserves. Guests would take a chartered flight from Arusha to a local airstrip at Ruaha, and then a road transfer to the lodge.

Ruaha National Park Game Viewing and Activities

Ruaha National Park is home to an enormous variety of animals, plants and birds with an estimated 20 000 elephants in the park. The birding is spectacular with a recorded 530 different species of birds, which is almost half of all bird species found in Tanzania.

The park has one of the biggest counts of large mammal species compared to any other park, as well as having the second largest population of wild dog in Africa. The park's wildlife includes elephant, huge herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, eland, hippo, crocodile, lion and leopard. Sable antelope can sometimes be seen in the Miombo areas and in the springs in the Western part of the park. Roan antelope are also sometimes seen in the eastern area of the park.

In Ruaha, guests can enjoy superb walking safaris with an armed guides from one of the lodges and gain huge insight into the ecology of the area. Classic game drives take place on a daily basis and guests will find there are not many other visitors in the park at one time.