Ruaha National Park – Leading Cultural Park
Many guests go to Ruaha just to see wildlife and to avoid the crowds. But Ruaha is more than that. Apart from being the second-largest park in Tanzania, Ruaha is home to a myriad of cultural and historical sites. And this unique feature has earned it a title in the 2025 World Travel Awards Ceremony held in Dar es Salaam. Ruaha topped the list of the nominated national parks, which included Katavi (Tanzania),
Cultural and historical touches of Ruaha
What many visitors focused on, game viewing, is Ruaha’s rich history. You can trace precolonial societies that used stone tools to the colonial era, when the Hehe fought the German forces. Here’s is closer look at the Ruaha’s cultural and historical touches.
Hehe
Ruaha sits on the ancestral lands of the Hehe people. These are one of the famous tribes in the German Colonial era. Led by the legendary Chief Mkwawa, the Hehe fought the German colonial forces to protect their land in the late 19th century.
Visitors usually pay tribute to the rock outcrops where Hehe soldiers hide. The sad ending of their fight is that when their chief saw no chance of winning the war, he took his life instead of surrendering to the German forces.
The Ruins of Isimila
On the outskirts of Ruaha is the Isimila Stone Age site. It’s the best place to dive into Tanzania’s prehistoric life. Here, you’ll find stone tools and artefacts said to be over one million years ago.
Mkwawa Museum
This museum houses the legend of Chief Mkwawa and the ancient Hehe tribe. On a visit to this spot, you’ll learn how brave warriors managed to fight the German armed forces.
Idinda Rock Paintings, Nyanywa Rock Paintings, and Ganga la Mafunyo.
Historic Caravan and Explorer routes
Ruaha lies in the Caravan routes used by Arab traders and European explorers like Burton and Speke. This makes it an interesting place to reflect on ancient exploration and trade.
What else can you see in Ruaha?
Apart from cultural sites, Ruaha has much to offer. We’ve rounded up five unique attractions to see in Ruaha.
- Big elephant herds
Ruaha is the only park in Southern Tanzania with a high concentration of elephants. Seeing a matriarch herd of up to 200 elephants is common here, especially in the baobab-dotted acacia woodlands or along the wooded riverbanks of the Great Ruaha River.
- Good count of African wild dogs
Wild dogs are rare in Northern Tanzania. Ruaha has a good count of these painted hunting dogs. You may encounter them in a pack of 15 to 20 individuals. African wild dogs are the most successful predators. They have 90% success rates in every hunt because they hunt collaboratively – that’s the whole pack participating to bring a prey down.
- Great Ruaha River
This giant river is one of the reasons why you should visit Ruaha National Park. Here, you can paddle around on this wide river and come across hippos, crocodiles, and many river birds. This journey gives you a unique way to view animals, vegetation, and spectacular landscapes.
- Baobabs
Dubbed as “trees of life,” baobabs are common in the plains and woodlands of Ruaha. They usually produce succulent fruit in the dry season. Some locals treat the old, giant baobab as a sacred place of worship. You can join them in a special tribute to their spirits.
- Diverse wildlife
Every game drive always promises views of plains animals like wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and lions. Woodlands are home to buffalo, giraffes, impalas, dik-diks, etc. Along the riverine forests, you might see primates like colobus monkeys and baboons.
How to get to Ruaha National Park
By air
Fly from Dar es Salaam or Arusha into one of its airstrips, which are Msembe or Jongomero. Then, drive to your accommodation.
By road
You can drive from Dar es Salaam (625 km) to Ruaha. The drive takes 10-11 hours. However, we recommend a drive-in combo safari with the neighboring Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve).
The best time to visit Ruaha
Ruaha is good during the dry season (June-October). The green season is very challenging due to the remoteness of the park. Some roads might not be accessible.
Where to stay in Ruaha National Park?
Despite being remote, Ruaha has plenty of lodging options. It depends on the level of comfort you want and your budget.
Luxury accommodations include Jabali Ridge, Kigelia Ruaha Camp, Asanja Ruaha, Usangu Expedition Camp, Ikuka Safari Camp, Mwagusi Safari Camp, and Kokoko Camp.
Budget options include Ruaha Bandas, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, Ruaha River Lodge, and Tandala Tented Camp.
Final word
As Ruaha celebrates its win, you can explore its fascinating cultural and historical sites to discover how peculiar they are. At Achieve Global Safaris, we offer safaris and tours to this iconic destination that suit every pocket. We’ll do our best to match your budget and experience with the best lodges. Plus, our expert guide will be by your side.
