Ruaha National Park is the second largest park not only in Tanzania but also in the whole of East Africa, covering around 13,000 sq km in area. If you have heard the recent announcement to convert part of Selous Game Reserve into Nyerere National Park. Moreover, it is the furthest park from Dar es Salaam city, around 625 km away. It is at the center of Tanzania. The nearest town to this park is called Iringa, which is a distance of around 130 km.

The name Ruaha is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which is at the heart of the park. Also, the Ruaha River flows from the southeast portion of the park and therefore, it is an ideal area for game viewing. The national park consists of a larger ecosystem of Rungwa Game Reserve, Usangu Game Reserve, and some other protected areas.

The park is a bird paradise with over 570 bird species, some of which are migrating birds arriving from within and outside Africa. Additionally, it has the highest concentration of elephants in the whole of East Africa. The Elephants here are the largest found in any other park or reserve in Tanzania.

Other animals that are likely to be viewed are Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Zebras, Impalas, Giraffes, wild dogs, and many types of antelopes such as Sable, Kudu, and Roans. Furthermore, Ruaha National Park also harbors multiple reptiles and amphibians such as crocodiles, snakes (poisonous and non-poisonous), monitor lizards, agama lizards, and frogs. There are more than 1,650 species of plants that are inhabiting the national park.

Since it is the furthest park from Dar es Salaam, it is combined with Mikumi National Park to reduce long-distance driving.

5 Nights / 6 Days to Ruaha National Park & Mikumi National Park

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park

Pickup from DSM city center and proceed to Mikumi National Park with picnic lunch.

Afternoon, game drive of the park

Dinner and overnight (L,D)

The journey will see you leaving behind Dar es Salaam and the humid, low-lying coastal belt. The highway crosses the hills of the coastal hinterland. The road then dips down onto scrub–covered plains. Tall termite hills are seen along the roadside together with the local Masai-like tribe, selling beaded necklaces and belts. You then pass the sisal plantations and begin to get glimpses of the beautiful Uluguru Mountains that soar above the plains and the town of Morogoro toward Mikumi National Park

Day 2: Mikumi National Park – Ruaha National Park

Pickup from your camp/ lodge and proceed to Ruaha National Park with a picnic lunch

Dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

The roads climb the Kitonga hills which are part of the Udzungwa Mountains. The road then follows the Great Ruaha River and then climbs the Great Rift Escarpment and then past Iringa town and onto Ruaha National Park

Day 3: Game Viewing in Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, full day game drive in Ruaha National Park with picnic lunch,

Dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

Covering 13,000 square kilometers. Its name comes from the Ruaha River. It is built overlooking the Great Ruaha River and it blends into its natural surroundings to enable visitors to feel themselves part of the wild.

Day 4: Game Viewing in Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, full day game drive in Ruaha National Park with a picnic lunch,

Dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ruaha National Park – Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, drive with your picnic lunch to Mikumi National Park. Relax at your camp.

Dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

Day 6: Mikumi National Park – Dar es Salaam

Morning game drive in Mikumi National Park. With a picnic lunch, drive back to Dar es Salaam (B,L)

With 3,230 square kilometers coverage Mikumi National Park is a well-known park in Tanzania. The park is well-known for its population of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, elands, greater Kudu, wildebeest, roan, and sable antelope. Predators include tree-climbing lions (which are in large numbers), leopards, wild hunting dogs, and black-backed jackals. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded here including Eurasian migrants such as red-billed oxpecker, marabou stork, and lilac-breasted roller.

END OF TOUR