A closer look at Ruaha National Park

A closer look at Ruaha National Park.

Few parks in Africa can boast the lion numbers that Ruaha National Park delivers. If lions are at the top of your safari agenda, or if you simply want an off -the -beaten- track experience, then Ruaha is for you.

As a safari destination, Tanzania offers a wealth of natural beauty and exciting wildlife. Almost a third of the country has been set aside as national parks, conservation area, game reserves and controlled areas. These areas are crucial in protection the countries wildlife and conserving the natural habitat biodiversity. One of the most remarkable of these protected areas, is Ruaha National Park.

One of the largest national parks in Tanzania, Ruaha offers a vast, diverse, and seasonal landscape that dramatically transforms between the dry and wet seasons. Grassy plains shift from golden to green, barren baobabs produce leaves and flowers, and dry sandy riverbeds run fast and deep towards the Great Ruaha River. Migrant birds follow the change in season, while the behaviour of wildlife reflects the changes in availability of access to water. With only a handful of safari camps in an area larger than the Serengeti, Ruaha offers the discerning traveller a sense of exclusivity amongst some of Tanzania’a finest game viewing.

The scope of wildlife in Ruaha is extraordinary with 80 animal species, a checklist of over 550 recorded bird species, and 10% of the world’s lion population calling this region home. Lion prides swell up to numbers of 25 adults, bringing down large game such as buffalo and giraffe. The exclusive African wild dog can be found here, and black-backed jackal and hyena both have strong populations too. Also commonly seen in the area are buffalo, zebra, giraffe, greater and lesser kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck and impala.

Asilia has four properties in Ruaha National Park with a unique appeal to each of them. Kwihala is a small frontier-style camp which provides exceptional access to Ruaha’s huge populations of big cats, buffalo and elephants. With just six tents, Kwihala is intimate, and the superb staff deliver extremely personalised service.

Jabali Ridge has 8 elegant suites that are hidden among the rocky boulders that cocoon the property and are accessed by a raised wooden walkway. Each suite is open sided to maximise the stunning views, with louvered floor to ceiling shutters for privacy. The main area includes a beautiful stone infinity pool, spa and plenty of places to laze.

Jabali Private House is a sophisticated three-bedroom retreat in one of Africa’s wildest national Parks, Jabali Private House offers the utmost privacy and exclusivity. Just 200 metres from Jabali Ridge, the private house is built around three majestic baobabs, and is the ultimate base for a family or group of friends.

Usangu Expedition Camp was opened in June 2022 and is set on the outskirts of the Usangu floodplains. The unique camp is located deep in the remote southern corner of Ruaha National Park. Here, adventurous guests are immersed in a conversation driven experience with a variety of included activities such as walking safaris.