The shining river after which the park is named, winds through the eastern section, fringed by tall trees: Acacia albida, Tamarind and Wild figs, as well as the majestic Baobab, almost a signature of Ruaha. The valley of the Great Ruaha River is thought to be an extension of the Great Rift Valley and the Ruaha flows along the Park's entire eastern boundary through rugged gorges and open plains.

A rich diversity of animal and plant life is sheltered by the Park: Ruaha is a hauntingly beautiful and wild landscape of miombo forest, rolling woodlands, hills, rivers and plains and possesses a great variety of wildlife, including lion, leopard, cheetah, hunting dog, warthog, giraffe, zebra, huge herds of buffalo and large concentrations of elephant. It is the only East Africa Park where it is possible to see the greater and lesser kudu, as well as sable and roan antelopes. Whilst rhinos are rarely seen today, the elephant population has more than doubled in the last dozen years, not least due to steady eradication of poaching, but involving the village communities around the park in a largely successful joint effort that has become an example.

The diversity of bird life in Ruaha, more than any other East African park, is extraordinary; its geographical location meaning that it is visited by both northern and southern migrants. These include the Red-billed Wood Hoopoe, Violet-crested Turaco, Racquet-tailed Roller, Red-billed Firefinch, Dickinson's Kestrel and Pel's Fishing Owl. Some 480 species of bird have been sighted within the Park and the first third of the year, during the wet months, is appreciated as the most interesting for birders.

When to visit:
Ruaha is interesting all year round and there are climatic variations, not least owing to global warning and the El Nino phenomenon. However June to October is the 'Yellow season'; when game is most visible because the grass is shorter and the animals come to the Great Ruaha River to drink. November and December are hot, and the short rains make the climate more humid, though these certainly do not preclude a visit. January and February are predominantly hot and dry but again a good time to visit. March and April are wet and movement around the park can be a little more difficult and May is usually very wet and is the time when most camps will be closed.

Getting There:
By Air: Coastal Aviation have a thrice weekly scheduled air service departing Arusha Tues, Fri and Sun at 08.00 arriving at 11.40. There are three flights per week departing Dar es Salaam to Ruaha via Selous on Mon, Thurs and Sat departing 08.00 arriving 11.30. Both flights cost $300p.p.
The flight from Dar-Selous-Ruaha connects two of Africa's last true wilderness preserves giving the opportunity to combine the best wildlife destinations in southern Tanzania.

By road:
Driving time from Dar es Salaam is roughly 9 hours depending on weather conditions. Private car services can be arranged from Dar and there is also a private road service connecting lodges in Mikumi with Ruaha.
Iringa is the gateway to Ruaha.

By train: Makambako is on the TAZARA railway line and it is possible to get a bus from here to Iringa then on to Ruaha but organizing transfers can be problematic as the park is remote and independent travellers using train or coach to Iringa will still need to contact one of the few lodges in Ruaha for transfers.

Where to Stay:

Authentic Tanzania operates our own tented safaris from both private and public campsites in Ruaha N.P.

There are currently 4 quality lodges in Ruaha offering all inclusive packages ranging from around $200-$300 p.p./night. Ruaha River Lodge and Mwagusi Safari Camp are the longest established camps in Ruaha. Old Mdonya River Camp and Jongomero and newer options.
A cheaper alternative is the government bandas near the ranger post which are more suitable for those on a budget and with own transport.
There are also 2 new lodges just outside the boundary.

Park fees: $20p.p.