Top Activities in Ruaha National Park | Asilia Africa

The beautiful Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest national parks, famed for its amazing game-sighting opportunities. If you’re visiting Ruaha, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the activities available – enough to satisfy any nature lover. 

Here are the top 10 things to do in Ruaha National Park.

Camping in Ruaha National Park: Top 10 Activities

1. Head Out on a Walking Safari

There’s truly no better way to experience the bush than on foot. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the area, take part in a walking safari with one of Ruaha’s experienced armed guides and local trackers. With a maximum of six per group, these intimate experiences give you a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s wildlife while immersing yourself in their habitat. 

Your senses are heightened and the sights, sounds and scents of the bush come alive. Get up close to the smaller animals, birds and insects of Ruaha and savour this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Speak with your Asilia safari advisor to add an unforgettable walking safari to your itinerary.

Best suited for:

Active travellers 

adventurous travellers

Wildlife enthusiasts

2. Take a Game Drive

A classic game drive will introduce you to the beauty of Ruaha National Park and the animals that call it home. Hop in one of our robust, custom-modified 4×4s and let a highly trained guide take you over the plains, spotting the rich diversity of wildlife in the park as you go.

Game viewing in Ruaha National Park is unrivalled and the scope of wildlife is extraordinary, with 80 animal species including 10% of the world’s lion population.

The density of lion in the park is not only extremely high but prides are unusually large – it’s not uncommon to see numbers of 20 or more. Almost 100 African wild dogs are to be found in the park, as well as black-backed jackals and hyena. Also common in Ruaha are buffalo, zebra, giraffe and of course, the 500+ recorded species of birdlife. In the height of the dry season, you can see elephant dig up water from dry riverbeds using their front feet and trunks.

Best suited for:

First-time safari-goers

Big-cat enthusiasts

3. Enjoy a Photographic Game Drive

Asilia has introduced a specially equipped photographic game vehicle that will set you up to get that one-in-a-million shot. These vehicles feature 360° rotating seats, sandbags and foam camera rests, perfect for photography buffs. 

These state-of-the-art vehicles can accommodate three photographers with one chair per row. Book in advance to enjoy your photographic game drive experience. 

Best suited for:

Photography fans (all levels)

Wildlife enthusiasts

4. Go Birdwatching

Get your binoculars out – Ruaha National Park is a birder’s paradise, with over 500 species of bird waiting to be spotted. You’ll find a colourful mix of northern and southern bird species in the park. A birding safari will give you the chance to view Ruaha’s bustling treetops in a whole new light.

Best suited for:

Avid birders

Photographers

5. Take a Night-time Game Drive

The nocturnal species may be shy, but their curiosity is legendary as is evidenced by our night cam footage. Stay up late and explore the secrets of the park after dark with a special safari night drive.

Carnivores from lion to wild dog become more active in the cooler conditions after the sun sets. You might be lucky enough to see these predators feeding after dark. There is also plenty of nocturnal birdlife to be sighted, from owls to nightjars.

Enjoy a unique game-sighting experience under the East African stars – your guide will tell you facts about the night sky as well as the nocturnal animals you spot. 

Best suited for:

Night owls

Wilidlife enthusiasts

6. Eat Lunch in the Bush

Enjoy a meal in the heart of the bush. Asilia can arrange for you to eat a picnic lunch out in the open lands of Ruaha. Imagine munching on snacks and sipping on a few drinks, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Ruaha wilderness – a tranquil and rewarding experience.

Best suited for:

Couples on safari

Families on safari

7. Drink Sundowners Out on the Plains

Smiles, stories, and ice-cold drinks – what a way to end the day!

After a game drive, you can arrange to stop for a few refreshments right there in the bush. Your guide will set up some of your favourite drinks and snacks to enjoy while chatting about the day’s sights and experiences.

Best suited for:

Couples and honeymooners

Friends

8. Go on a Boating Safari

Ruaha is in southern Tanzania, where there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area from a new perspective – on the water. Best enjoyed from Usangu Expedition Camp, a boating safari, you’ll see crocodile, hippo and waterbirds in their natural habitat, and catch sight of many other animals making their way down to the water to drink.

Best suited for:

First-time safari-goers

Families

Photographers

9. Enjoy a Spa Day

Skip the safari drive and enjoy a change of pace at an Asilia spa. Indulge in a massage or facial treatment and allow yourself to be pampered in a magical bush setting, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the wilderness. 

We recommend scheduling your spa sessions in advance before your arrival, although some same-day appointments are available.

Best suited for:

If you’re wondering where to stay while exploring these Ruaha National Park attractions, the luxurious Jabali Ridge has so much to offer.

Join Us at Jabali Ridge in Ruaha National Park

Hidden away in the beautiful rocky landscape of the park is a hidden gem – Jabali Ridge.

Jabali Ridge has eight private and exclusive suites, with an additional option of Jabali Private House available for small groups or families. Cocooned between boulders, this deluxe lodge will be your home away from home as you discover the sights of Ruaha National Park.

Take a Dip in the Infinity Pool

Set high on a rocky kopje overlooking a landscape dotted with spiky palms and bulbous baobabs, the infinity pool offers an incredible view. You’ll be able to take in the whole landscape, as well as the animals that frequent the area in front of the camp.

Showers With a View

After a hot day out on a game drive, you’ll look forward to a relaxing shower. Showering at Jabali Ridge is made that little bit more special by allowing you to be one with nature, looking out onto the scenery of Ruaha.

Chill Out in Style

After a morning game drive and lunch in the bush, there’s nothing better than an afternoon nap. Enjoy the view from your hammock as you doze off peacefully.

Jabali Private House: It’s All Yours

If you’re wanting to take a break with your family or close friends, be sure to have a look at our Jabali Private House – it may be the perfect place for you to stay! Built around three majestic baobabs, Jabali Private House offers a completely flexible safari, including your own private guide, vehicle and chef.

We would absolutely love to welcome you to Jabali Ridge – and right now if you book any Asilia properties for 7+ consecutive nights, you’ll get all your inter-camp travel free! Make an enquiry with Asilia to start your safari holiday plans.