Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s second largest park and one of its wildest. Only the area around the Great Ruaha River has been developed for tourism. Because of its remote location even this sees relatively few visitors, thus preserving a massive chunk of raw African wilderness in a totally unspoilt state. Activities centre on the river, which during the dry season is very low, with the remaining rock pools swarming with huge crocodiles and grunting Hippos fighting for space.
The park protects a wide variety of habitats because it is an important transition zone where eastern and southern species of flora and fauna overlap. In all, some 1,650 plant species and over 450 bird species have been recorded within the park itself. The birdlife is amazing here and includes Ibises, herons, stilts and kingfishers whilst owls are regularly sighted. The varying habitats of the park are home to nearly all species of eagle including the Martial, Black, Long-crested, Snake and of course Bateleur. Shrikes, weavers, Blue Waxbills, fire-finches, Quelea and both Pale-billed and Von der Decken’s Hornbill are found in the dry bushland.
Ruaha is a very special park. It is particularly noted for large numbers of greater kudu – probably more than anywhere else in Tanzania as well as lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope. You can visit Ruaha all year round, even in the rainy season the park is particularly stunning with huge numbers of migrating birds from both hemispheres. The southwest area of Tanzania where Ruaha is located has the lowest rainfall in Tanzania. June to November is driest with the focus of wildlife viewing around the river courses and permanent waterholes. Ruaha’s rugged bush is the real Africa, teeming with game and empty of tourists.
Lodges in Ruaha
Sister property to Selous Safari Camp, Jongomero Camp has retained its feeling of luxury without losing its feelings of remoteness. Situated in the south of Ruaha National Park, well away from any other camp, the property offers a superbly wild experience for its guests. The camp is based on the edge of the Jongomero River Read More
Located on the banks of the Ifuguru Sand River in Ruaha National Park, Kigelia Camp is a small and exclusive camp set in a grove of sausage trees near to the Mwagusi and Great Ruaha Rivers. The camp owners are very aware of the fragile ecosystem surrounding much of Ruaha and the camp genuinely blends Read More
This mobile camp offers luxury and remoteness in equal measure. Being mobile it can reposition itself mid way during the season, meaning that guests are sure to be in the best possible place to watch the game! There are some wonderful sunsets and sunrises in this part of Tanzania. Kwihala Camp has only 6 tents, which Read More
A traditional, simple style of camp, Mdonya Old River Camp is situated in the heart of Ruaha National Park, in an acacia woodland. There are just 11 walk-in style tents, each of which are large, spacious and have ensuite facilities with a flushing toilet. Whilst there is no electricity in the tents, there are plenty Read More
Mwagusi Tented Camp is a small exclusive tented camp overlooking a popular watering hole in the riverbed of the Mwagusi Sand River. The camp is very rustic in feel. The 14 bandas are spacious and are built with a larger thatch and reed roof. This gives each banda an open sided veranda at the front Read More
Situated on the edge of the river, the Ruaha River Lodge is a relaxed and friendly lodge. Built around a rocky outcrop, it is ideally situated for guests to view the game that come to drink at the waters edge. It is a perfect choice for those guests wanting a relaxed place to stay at Read More
