Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest national park in all of East Africa and is steadily growing in popularity. Ruaha National Park surpasses Serengeti National Park by including adjacent buffer zones such as the Usangu, Kizigo, Muhesi and Rungwa Game Reserves.
Located in the southern part, Ruaha National Park offers visitors original, wild and impressive landscapes with spectacular animal observations. The heart of the Ruaha National Park in the center of Tanzania is the Great Ruaha River, where wild animals concentrate during the dry season and allow sensational animal observations. Ruaha National Park is known for large herds of elephants and for its population of the impressive greater and lesser kudu antelope species, which is unique in East Africa. Other special features of the Ruaha National Park are the packs of wild dogs, sable and roan antelopes as well as lions and leopards can be found here and has one of the most species-rich bird worlds. The fault zone of the Ruaha Rift Valley runs straight through the park, dividing the Ruaha National Park into two parts.
The extraordinary Ruaha National Park with its biodiversity allows the few visitors a private safari experience in the raw beauty of the park. Getting to the park is long but easy and can be done by vehicle from Arusha, Kondoa via Dodoma and the picturesque town of Iringa or from Dar es Salaam (615km). For guests in a hurry, Ruaha National Park is easily accessible by plane to Msembe Airstrip from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale National Park and Julius Nyerere National Park. It is also possible to take a shortcut from the Southern Highlands to Ruaha if you have stayed in Mufindi beforehand.
The Ruaha National Park can be visited at any time of the year and has its own charm and fascination at any travel time due to the unique landscape. However, the best time for game viewing is during the dry season, June to December, when wildlife congregates along the Ruaha River and you can also view wildlife interacting on the riverbanks from the comfort of Ruaha River Lodge,
The tasteful Ruaha River Lodge is operated by the well-known Fox Safari Group, which runs various lodges and camps in cooperation with the neighboring communities in Tanzania. The Ruaha River Lodge is located 12 km from the park entrance and is beautifully situated on the Ruaha River. The magnificent valley of the Ruaha River forms the backdrop for impressive wildlife viewing, with the wonderful Ruaha River Lodge enthroned at the bend in the river.
The lodge with its exceptional location has 24 comfortable bungalows (bandas) built of natural stone and wood with their own veranda directly on the Great Ruaha River with a view of elephants, hippos and crocodiles and is perfect for wildlife observation on the riverbank.
During your stay you will enjoy the sound of the wild Ruaha River and other amenities of the tasteful and well-equipped accommodation with two panorama restaurants. The spacious chalets with a breathtaking view from the veranda have a spacious interior with a seating area, desk and two single beds or double beds. A nice feature of the chalets is the dreamlike bathroom with a double sink and a large shower as well as wooden decorations that have been incorporated into natural stone formations.
On a central hill are also large family bungalows with grandiose views of the magnificent scenery of Ruaha National Park. You will be escorted out of the chalets and main houses by a Maasai warrior for close proximity to wildlife and safety.
The beautiful Ruaha River Lodge consists of two areas on the extensive grounds. The main building stretches along the riverbank with an excellent panoramic restaurant and well-stocked bar and relaxation areas with heavy leather armchairs and comfortable sofas. The adjacent open fire pit is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on the Ruaha River with a chilled gin and tonic or a glass of wine.
The restaurant serves an excellent à la carte breakfast and for lunch and dinner there is a varied buffet or set menu to choose from. The entire team at Ruaha River Lodge will delight you with its professional and friendly staff offering exceptional service.
The second section of Ruaha River Lodge is spectacularly situated on and beautifully built on a large kopjes (granite rock) and allows for stunning river views from the terrace at the bend in the river, where lunch and dinner alternate in the second panoramic restaurant is served. Certainly one of the best places for a sundowner and to relax with a good book in the comfortably furnished lounge after an exciting safari.
Of course, all meals can be taken on your private veranda of your excellent chalet. Ruaha River Lodge offers many other activities to its guests from walking safaris to bush breakfasts.
The charming Ruaha River Lodge, with its unique location right on the Ruaha River, offers visitors sensational wildlife observation in a private atmosphere in African safari style in the extraordinary Ruaha National Park with its original, wild and impressive landscape and with its unique animal populations that can only be found there.
