Ruaha Safari Tanzania
Ruaha Safari, Game Drives into Ruaha National Park, Accommodation, Safari Fees, Mdonya Old River Camp; Ruaha River Lodge – Safari Itinerary, Best Time for Ruaha Safari Tanzania
Ruaha National Park, named after its lifeblood Ruaha River is probably the most arid of National Parks in Tanzania. It is the most southerly stretch of the Masai Steppes lying 128 km west of the central Tanzania town of Iringa. It spans an area of 12,950 sq km, which makes it Tanzania’s second largest national park and its biggest elephant sanctuary.
Dubbed Tanzania’s best kept secret, scores of safari tourists who want to experience the nature’s wild beauty come here from across the globe. The desire of seeing freely roaming wildlife in their natural habitat is what regards Ruaha as one of the wildest and best game viewing destinations in Africa.
Ruaha Safari Lion
Home to numerous crocodiles and hippo, the grand Ruaha River draws several thirsty waterbuck, leopard, buffalo, reedbuck, wild dogs, lion and hyena to its banks. Plain animals such as zebra, greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, impala and giraffe are found on the plains stretching from the rivers edge. Apart from the thrilling wildlife, this Park is also known for its diverse avifauna. Over 456 rare species of birds have been identified to date with new species discovered every year.
5-DAY RUAHA SAFARI ITINERARY
Day One
Set off from Dar es Salaam for a local flight to Ruaha. On arrival transfer to the camp Lunch and afternoon game drive follows. Overnight at Mdonya Old River Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day Two
After breakfast, go for a full day tour in the park with picnic lunch. The whole day will be spent in the park viewing the amazing wildlife. During the tour, visitors also get an opportunity to see some of the rarest species of resident birds such as
Ruaha Zebra
hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, etc as well as the Eurasian migrating birds. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight at Mdonya Old River Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day Three
After breakfast, depart with picnic lunch for a full day tour in the park. The whole day will be spent in the park viewing the amazing wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight: Mdonya Old River Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day Four
After breakfast head off with picnic lunch for another full day tour in the park particularly to Ruaha River to spot the sun bathing giant crocodiles and hippo. This is the real magic of Ruaha. Return for dinner and overnight at Mdonya Old River Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day Five
Set out for a sun rise game drive into the jungles of the park before the animals go into hiding. Return to the camp for breakfast. Transfer to the airport for a return flight to Dar es Salaam.
Hamerkop
Fees: 2300$ @ person
Best Time for the Safari
The dry season running between June and October is the best time for wildlife safaris in Ruaha National Park. This is when the wildlife congregates along the bank of River Ruaha to quench. For bird enthusiasts, January to May is the best time to visit this park for bird and butterfly collectors; otherwise October to November is warmer and recommended if a bird safari is not on the agenda. In wet season months of March to April and October to November the bird population peaks.
ACCOMMODATION
Mdonya Old River Camp
Nestled in the middle of Ruaha National Park, next to the Mdonya Waterfalls, Mdonya Old River Camp is a small but great adventure camp. The Camp was designed to replicate the impression and makeup of the famous Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire which equally staying here a truly exciting moment. It lies in a two-hour game drive distance from the airstrip. It has 11 twin or double tents with two of these convertible to family units, all with en-suite out door facilities. The dining and lounge tents are under sycamore fig trees overlooking the river. As the sun sets, the camp is soothingly lit up by a host of candles and hurricane lamps that give the soft furnishings and setting a true, old world charm which is reminiscent of the Africa of old. Most game drives into the park start from here.
