RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
HIGHLIGHTS
2nd largest national park in tanzania
A paradise for bird enthusiasts
The highest concentration of elephants in East Africa
BEST TIME TO GO
IDEAL WEATHER
The middle of the dry season (June to October) is the ideal time to visit Ruaha National Park Tanzania because, during this time, the wildlife concentrates around the Great Ruaha River. Moreover, since bushes are thin, there are high chances of general viewing of wildlife.
WORST WEATHER
The park experiences short rains in November and December and long from March to May. That is why this time is not a prime time to watch wildlife during the Ruaha National Park safari. In addition, it is not a good time for other outdoor activities in the park. However, you will have the chance to take some good pictures of the animals in the rain and observe untamed nature and lush greenery as far as your eyes can see.
BEST TIME
The best time to visit Ruaha is when the rains are extremely uncommon and game viewing is at its best. If you visit Ruaha during such times, then the chances are you might see many of your favorite African animals.
HIGH SEASON
Since the weather from June to October is cooler and less humid than the rainy seasons, these months are high season in Ruaha. But although the sun shines all day, Ruaha is rarely crowded even during the peak tourist season.
LOW SEASON
March to May is a low season in Ruaha National Park due to the heavy rainfall in the region. Most visitors prefer not to book their trip to Ruaha during this time as there are fewer chances of enjoying the safari experience, and wildlife is also not easy to spot.
ABOUT RUAHA
Ruaha, the largest National Park in Tanzania and East Africa, is another pristine wilderness located in Southern Tanzania, about 130 km from Iringa. The park is not as popular as the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area because it is like a hidden gem yet to be discovered by tourists. Covering an area of about 130,000 sq km, Ruaha is named after the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern border.
The river is not only the source of water for the animals in the dry season but also a focus for game viewing. The park’s habitats include rolling hills, open grasslands, dense miombo and acacia woodlands and baobab trees. The lush green environment is home to an incredible range of wildlife, including over 571 magnificent bird species, East African cheetah and lion, African leopard, spotted hyena, wild dogs, hippopotamus, African buffalo, elands, impala, jackals, and many more.
All these aspects make camping in Ruaha National Park perfect for adventure lovers seeking to escape the crowds and, at the same time, explore untamed Africa.
RUAHA TRIPS
3 Days / 2 Nights Tarangire / Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater
9 Days / 8 Nights Selous / Ruaha / Mikumi
- Selous Game Reserve
- Ruaha National Park
- Mikumi National Park
Contact Us
Noemi Casado, Spain
Suzanne Richard, England
Nathan Burke, USA
Jennifer Riley, USA
John Mathew, USA
FAQ's
Saadani Game Reserve is located on the coast of Tanzania. It lies in the eastern part of the country, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and the Wami River to the south. Its location makes it the only wildlife harbour in Tanzania to border the sea, offering an amazing seething bush meeting with the beach. It also attracts both, local and international tourists, to engage with wildlife adventure along with coastal relaxation.
Saadani Game Reserve is one of the best reserves among Tanzania’s array of wildlife due to its unique combination of savannah, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Its coastal location offers a wide range of activities that are usually not found in any other reserves. You can enjoy traditional game drives to spot amazing African wildlife and get the rare opportunity for boat safaris in the Wami River.
It is essential to take health precautions before visiting Saadani Game Reserve in Tanzania for a safe and memorable trip. The necessary precautions include:
●Vaccinations: Make sure that you are vaccinated with all the basic routine vaccines like polio.
●Malaria Prevention: Saadani is located in a malaria-endemic region, so it’s essential to take malaria prevention medicine and antimalarial medicine.
●Water and Food: Drink only purified water and eat freshly prepared, hot foods. Avoid eating raw foods without peeling and proper washing.
●Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun in high temperatures.
●Medical Supplies: Carry a first aid kit with basic necessities and any medicines required.
Saadani Game Reserve is home to iconic wildlife. It offers tourists a chance to see a rich variety of African species. The wildlife you can see in the reserve are Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Hippos, Crocodiles, Leopards, Antelopes, Warthogs, Birds etc during your visit.
Yes, Saadani Game Reserve offers lodging options within the reserve and provides different options for visitors to choose accommodations according to their preferences and budgets.
The accommodations in Saadani include:
●Saadani Safari Lodge: It offers luxury tents with stunning views of the Wami River and the Indian Ocean.
●Kisampa Bush Retreat: It is located outside the reserve, and offers eco-friendly accommodations in tents and cottages.
●Tanzania Bush Camp: A tented accommodation that provides a classic safari experience with comfortable services.
●Saadani River Lodge: It offers luxurious tents with amazing views of the surrounding wilderness.
The best time of year to visit Saadani depends on your preferences and specifications. Before visiting Saadani, you can consider its seasons and plan accordingly.
●Dry Season: Dry season occurs from June to October. It is considered the best time to visit Saadani. The weather is dry with clear skies and minimal rainfall, also ideal for viewing wildlife.
●Wet Season: Wet season occurs from November to May, it brings higher temperatures and occasional rainfall, and also provides lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. You can view amazing wildlife during this time and new rains attract the arrival of migratory birds.
Yes, there are cultural experiences which are available in and around Saadani Game Reserve. They give tourists an amazing opportunity to learn about the local communities and their traditions. Cultural experiences include:
●You can visit local villages and interact with people, learn about their customs and traditions.
●Some of the tour operators organize cultural performances like traditional dances and music which feature local artists and performers.
●You can participate in crafted workshops and learn classic skills like beadwork, and basket weaving from locals.
●You can visit local community development projects and learn how they impact the community.
●You can go on cultural tours and explore historical sites.
●You can participate in cooking exhibitions and learn to make traditional dishes using locally available ingredients.
In Saadani Game Reserve, self-driving is not a good option. You are advised to explore the reserve with the assistance of a guided tour operator. At Reality Tours and Safaris, you can get the best guides. They can help you with the following matters:
●As you are new to the place, our guides know how to traverse safely with the diverse landscapes.
●Driving in the reserve without a guide may increase the risk of being attacked by dangerous animals and also might not be safe for you as you are not experienced in wildlife encounters. Our guide will ensure your safety while on the tour.
●Our guided tours will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the reserve’s ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts from experts.
Along with traditional game drives, Saadani Game Reserve provides different kinds of activities for tourists to enjoy and explore the reserve. Some of the reserve activities are: Walking safaris, Boat safaris, Birdwatching, Cultural experiences, Beach activities, and Fishing. All these activities offer you to experience adventure and feel relaxed in the reserve’s amusing beauty.
Walking safaris are not generally offered in Saadani Game Reserve due to safety policies and the presence of large and dangerous wildlife. Anyhow, some of the tour operators provide bush walks or nature hikes in safety areas within the reserve along with experienced guides and armed rangers for your safety. These guides usually focus on exploring nature on foot. You can learn about tracks, signs, behaviour of animals and the unique ecosystems of Saadani in walking safaris.
Yes, It is safe to visit Saadani Game Reserve. But, you should be aware of a few risks and take precautions in wildlife encounters, health and medical concerns, safety during travelling, security, and respect for local customs and cultural sensitivities. You just need to book your Saadani Game Reserve tour with Reality Tours and Safaris. By following the instructions of our experienced guides, maintaining the safety regulations, and taking specific precautions, you can be safe and enjoy the Saadani Game Reserve.
Yes, Saadani Game Reserve offers an amazing birdwatching opportunity for tourists. With over 400 bird species recorded in the reserve, you can enjoy a wide variety of avian life. Some of the bird species in Saadani include:
●Waterbirds: Saadani is close to the Indian Ocean and the Wami River, it makes an ideal habitat for waterbirds like herons, egrets, storks, pelicans, and many more.
●Raptors: The reserve is home to raptors such as African fish eagles, martial eagles, African harrier-hawks, species of kites and falcons.
●Forest birds: It provides a habitat for forest birds like hornbills, barbets, turacos, and sunbirds.
●Savannah birds: You can spot species like ostriches, secretary birds, bustards, and rollers.
●Coastal birds: You can see shorebirds like plovers, sandpipers, terns, gulls and seabirds like tropicbirds.
●Migratory birds: You can watch a variety of migratory species based on the time of year.
Guided birdwatching tours in Saadani are available at Reality Tours and Safaris, where our skilled guides help you identify bird species and make you understand their behaviour and habitat.
Yes, camping is allowed in Saadani Game Reserve. It offers you an adventurous safari experience and makes you indulge in nature’s beauty. The reserve provides specific camping areas where you can set up tents and feel the natural surroundings. The camping may provide basic necessities depending on your budget, you can plan your camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary items that comfort you. It’s essential to follow all camping rules and regulations, and guidelines given by the reserve management to secure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
Saadani Game Reserve provides a wide range of facilities to accommodate visitors and upgrade their safari experience. The facilities depend upon the tour package or accommodation type you choose, some facilities that are available are lodges and camps, restaurants and dining, guided activities, visitor centres, vehicle hiring, safety and security, and environmental conservation. These facilities and services give you an amazing and comfortable safari experience in Saadani Game Reserve. It allows you to delve into Tanzania’s natural beauty with memorable moments.
Yes, it is possible to book tours or accommodations online for Saadani Game Reserve through Reality Tours and Safaris. Reality Tours and Safaris is one of the famed travelling companies that is offering the best packages for tours and accommodations in Saadani Game Reserve. Our website is highly user-friendly and you can browse different tour packages from our website. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Saadani Game Reserve tour with Reality Tours and Safaris and enjoy your trip.