Ruaha National Park

Located in the central to southern region of Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is situated approximately 130km west of Iringa. Encompassing a sprawling area of 20,226km², Ruaha National Park proudly holds the title of being the largest protected area in both Tanzania and East Africa.

The park owes its name to the magnificent Great Ruaha River, which gracefully meanders through the southeastern portion of the park, serving as a magnet for a diverse array of wildlife.

Ruaha plays a vital role as an integral component of the expansive Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem. This remarkable ecosystem spans an impressive area of 45,000km², encompassing not only Ruaha National Park but also the Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area.

The Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem seamlessly blends the finest elements of Southern and East African nature, creating a harmonious tapestry of breathtaking landscapes and captivating wildlife.

In the year 1910, during the era of German colonial rule, the Saba Game Reserve was established, only to be later renamed as the Rungwa Game Reserve by the British colonial authorities in 1946. Finally, in 1964, the southern portion of the reserve was elevated to the esteemed status of a national park, thus becoming Ruaha National Park.

Ruaha boasts an awe-inspiring and diverse topography, featuring expansive savannahs, a vibrant river teeming with a plethora of wildlife, and majestic mountains gracing the southern and western regions. Within this remarkable habitat, one can encounter rare and elusive species, such as wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards.