How to get to Ruaha National Park
Even though Ruaha National Park is one of the few places left where nature’s ancient rules and seasonal cycles have been more or less unaltered, the Ruaha is fairly easy to access. The most convenient option is to fly from Dar es Salaam to either Msembe or Jongomero airstrips.
It is also possible to book an overland safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle from Daresalaam, Morogoro, or Iringa and Mbeya to Ruaha National Park and visit one or two other parks along the way.
Of course, it’s also possible to combine these options; book a one-way Ruaha overland safari and fly back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. There are both scheduled and chartered flights into the park mainly from Arusha, Dodoma, Kigoma, and Dar-es-salaam or Zanzibar.
More information about airlines to Ruaha
Safari to Ruaha normally commences in the capital Dar es Salaam as the point of entry in the country is Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Usually, you will be picked up from the airport by our team who will take care of all your additional transportation including the domestic flights as per your arrangements.
The easiest way to arrive at Ruaha National Park is using a charter or a scheduled flight that will land at the Jongomero or Msembe (ICAO CODE- HTMR) airstrip in the park.
Flights depart from Dar es Salaam except if you are going to the park as part of the southern circuit safari.
If so, then the flights will depart from the Selous airstrip. Also in Arusha town which is the hub for the northern safari circuit, you will get chartered flights to the Southern highland of Tanzania
We always assist you in making reservations for these chartered flights as part of your safari package. We make reservations for your Domestic flights with any of these domestic carriers such as Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Regional Air, ZanAir, Safari Air Link, Auric Air, or Coastal Aviation.
However, expect the price to be a little bit higher for chartered airlines compared with scheduled airlines. The advantage of booking with tour companies is we are able to secure the wholesale price compared with the racks rate which always tends to be higher hence adding the cost to your vacation budget.
Getting to Ruaha National Park by road
Ruaha drive-in safaris.
The most popular way to travel to Ruaha National Park by road is by booking a drive-in safari. In general, the drive-in safaris start from either Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, or Iringa.
It will take approximately a 130 km drive from Iringa town, 558 km from Morogoro to Ruaha, and 625km from Dar es Salaam city. An overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites en route is usually part of your safari itinerary.
Ruaha self-drive safaris.
Although not recommended, the Ruaha National Park is accessible when traveling by (rental) vehicle. Please keep in mind that careful planning is necessary when driving by yourself through the Ruaha National Park. A 4x4WD vehicle is required to be able to access all roads throughout the year. Petrol is sold at Ruaha Mbuyuni – Kilolo Iringa
Accommodations in Ruaha National Park
Once it comes to accommodation we have the best suggestions for safari camps in Ruaha National Park and outside of the park. Something to learn about overnight stay within the park you will be subjected to overnight fees commonly known as the concession fees. So if you feel you want to save some you better opt to overnight outside the park but very near to the gate entrance. Despite that, we have the best collection of mid-range and luxurious camps with the park. We invite you to take a look for more details. Enjoy the ride with us!