About Ruaha National Park

What's Ruaha: Ruaha word derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows through the Rift Valley on the eastern part of the Park, creating spectacular gorges. The name ‘Ruaha’ originates from the Hehe word ‘Ruvaha’ which means ‘river’. Flowing into the Rufiji River. Gazetted in 1964, and with an area today of 20,0226 square km, Ruaha National Park is the largest park in the whole of Tanzania and East Africa.

Ruaha National Park: is the largest national park in Tanzania, and it has a truly wild atmosphere that all of our guests love. Relatively untouched, it’s a wilder and more remote park than its southern neighbor Selous Game Reserve and ultimately has the better wildlife, albeit without boating safaris. Safaris here offer superb value for money and some of the best you will find in the country

Size and location: Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of about 20,226 square kilometers (7,809 square miles). It is situated in the southern part of the country, in the heart of the East African safari circuit.

Landscape and biodiversity: The park is known for its rugged and dramatic landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and the Great Ruaha River that cuts through the park. It is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and more than 570 bird species.

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, Burchell's zebras, African buffaloes, hippos, impalas, greater kudus, sable antelopes, roan antelopes, Grant's gazelles, hartebeests, waterbucks, bushbucks, topis, warthogs, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, baboons, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, rock hyraxes, African fish eagles, martial eagles, lappet-faced vultures, bateleurs, secretary birds, marabou storks, African grey hornbills, lilac-breasted rollers, African pygmy falcons, yellow-collared lovebirds, white-headed lapwings, Fischer's lovebirds, Rüppell's griffon vultures, ground hornbills, and many more. Ruaha National Park offers a captivating wildlife experience with its diverse range of species, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Conservation Significance: Ruaha National Park plays a vital role in the conservation of Tanzania's wildlife and ecosystems. It is part of the larger Ruaha-Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which extends over 45,000 square kilometers (17,400 square miles) and supports a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Safari Experiences: The park offers exceptional safari experiences, allowing visitors to explore its vast wilderness and encounter wildlife up close. Game drives are the primary activity, allowing travelers to observe the park's diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Walking safaris, birdwatching, and night drives are also available, providing unique opportunities to explore the park's ecosystem.

Accessibility: The park can be reached by road or air. It is located approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Iringa town. The nearest airstrip is Msembe Airstrip, located within the park, which receives scheduled flights from major Tanzanian cities like Dar es Salaam.

Conservation Challenges: Like many protected areas, Ruaha National Park faces various conservation challenges. These include poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts. Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching measures, community involvement, and sustainable tourism practices to protect the park's biodiversity.