I had been dreaming of visiting Ruaha National Park for a while. By November last year, I decided I had done enough planning—it was time to make it happen. With EveryDay Mbeya’s help, I set my travel dates for December.
As the trip approached, excitement washed over me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but that only added to the thrill. The thought of seeing the Great Ruaha River weaving through the park gave me goosebumps.
Ruaha is Tanzania’s second-largest national park, after Nyerere National Park (formed by merging the former Selous Game Reserve). It is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and is one of the country’s largest elephant populations.
The park’s vast, untamed wilderness is home to predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the rare African wild dog. Our tour guide says Ruaha is the best place to spot the greater kudu—one of the park’s shyest and most elusive animals. Sure enough, we saw them on both days of our stay.
Ruaha is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 570 bird species thriving across its diverse landscapes. In my not-so-humble opinion, this park is underrated compared to others in Tanzania. The best part? You often feel like you have the entire park to yourself—an experience that’s both rare and incredible.
Activities in Ruaha
Game Drives
Ruaha National Park has some of the best game drives in Tanzania, hands down! I have visited other national parks, but Ruaha stands out because of how easily you can spot wildlife. While the park doesn’t have all of the Big Five, the chances of seeing elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos are very high. Morning and evening game drives are perfect for wildlife viewing.
We watched elephants moving gracefully in family herds and lions lazing after their nighttime hunts.
Bird Watching
I lost count of how many bird species we spotted in just two days! December is a fascinating time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive from Asia and Europe and gather along the Great Ruaha River. The sight of flocks dotting the lush landscape was breathtaking.
Where to Stay
There are hotels and camps near the park, but government-operated accommodation inside the park is an excellent option for budget travellers. It offers cottages and single rooms at affordable rates. We chose a cottage with a fantastic sunrise view—waking up in the wilderness with the golden sun rising over the landscape was a dream come true.
One thing to keep in mind is the heat. Nights can be especially warm, and while the rooms have fans, the power shuts off at 10:30 p.m., making it quite uncomfortable. If you’re sensitive to heat, bringing a battery-powered fan might help.
Best Time to Visit
Ruaha is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for spotting large mammals as they gather around water sources. We visited at the end of December when the park was lush and green—a stunning contrast to the dry season. This period is also perfect for birdwatching, with countless species flocking to the Great Ruaha River and the surrounding wilderness.
Getting There.
Ruaha National Park is located in the central and Southern Highlands parts of Tanzania, covering parts of the Iringa, Mbeya (mostly Mbeya), and Dodoma Regions. Whether by road or air, the journey itself is an adventure, offering scenic views before you even set foot in the park.
Ruaha blew me away! The endless landscapes, incredible wildlife, and peaceful solitude made it an experience I’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a truly immersive safari without the crowds, this is the place to be!
Until next time,
Happy reading,
Jane 🙂