Ruaha National Park: Beginners’ Guide (Facts, Budget & Lodging)
Ruaha National Park: After merging its boundaries with Ruaha in 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve became Tanzania’s largest national park, encompassing over 20,000 km². Because there are not many camps in the park despite its vastness, Ruaha has earned a reputation as Tanzania’s best-kept secret for seeing wildlife. Ruaha stands out from other reserves because of its untamed and unconstrained atmosphere, which is why frequent East African safari visitors choose it.
Renowned for being one of Tanzania’s best-kept secret safari locations, it offers relaxed, uncrowded game viewing. This fly-in location provides luxurious accommodations and first-rate hospitality at stunning riverbank lodges and tented camps, along with off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Ruaha, which is situated where the savannahs of East Africa and Southern Africa converge, boasts an equally diverse array of fauna. With the greatest elephant herds in East Africa and a stellar predatory reputation, Ruaha gets its name and vitality from the Great Ruaha River, which runs through the region permanently. There are healthy populations of all the big cats, including the critically endangered wild dog and spotted hyena, as well as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Ruaha Safari: The Things to Do A daytime wildlife drive on the Ruaha Safari is the primary activity. Safaris at night are not allowed. Owing to Ruaha’s large elephant population, some camps have decided not to provide walking safaris. Those that do—Kwihala, Jongomero, and Kigelia—have some excellent guides and can provide great walking safari experiences. The only camp that offers fly camping excursions with thrilling stargazing evenings is Jongomero.
When to Visit Ruaha Safari Ruaha: similar to Selous, is a traditional dry-season park. As the rivers and water holes dry up and the game centers around water toward the end of the dry season, the game becomes increasingly better. Similar to the Selous, visiting Ruaha outside of peak times almost guarantees that you will not see any other safari visitors, and there are areas of the park with excellent year-round wildlife concentrations. December through March is a great time to go birdwatching.
Ruaha Safari Villa
- A three-bedroom resort, accommodating six guests, provides comforts including private pools, along with amenities such as dining tables and internet access.
- Bathrooms with showers and hair dryers
- Available in all rooms: WiFi
- Available in some public areas: Internet access
Destination: Dar es Salaam, Iringa Region
Asanja Ruaha
- Asanja Ruaha offers an all-inclusive experience with full-board facilities, a fire pit, and laundry services. Guests have access to complimentary WiFi in public areas.
Other amenities include:
- An outdoor pool
- Free self-parking and valet parking
- Barbecue grills
Destination: Ruaha National Park, Iringa Region
Ruaha Safari Villa
- A three-bedroom resort, Sleeps 6 offers comforts such as private pools, in addition to amenities like dining tables and internet access.
- Bathrooms with showers and hair dryers
- Available in all rooms: WiFi
- Available in some public areas: Internet access
Destination: Dar es Salaam, Iringa Region
Mabata Makali Luxury Tented Camp
- Guests are treated to an array of on-site amenities, including a lively bar, a vibrant volleyball court, and the adventure of guided walking safaris. Additionally, our property boasts a 24-hour front desk, ensuring assistance is always at hand.
Other amenities include:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Breakfast
Destination: Ruaha National Park, Iringa Region
