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Arusha
Tanzania and Zanzibar: a bush and beach adventure
Some combinations just work
If, like us, you are forever looking for the next truly wild destination, Ruaha might just be the place to end your search. You won’t find hordes of tourists here (in fact, there aren’t many camps, either!) but what you will find are vast herds of buffalo, the largest population of elephant in any Tanzanian national park, numerous leopard and 10 percent of the world’s lion population, making for the perfect Tanzania safari trip. The dramatic landscape represents both the eastern and southern biomes of the continent and spiky palm trees jostle for space with squat baobabs while vast savannahs contrast with dense miombo forests. This is Africa at its breathtakingly beautiful best.
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Ruaha’s dramatic terrain is famous for predators and home to good numbers of lion, leopard and wild dog. Large herds of elephant and buffalo are common and there are plenty of antelope around too. The best way to see them all is on a game drive, and 4x4 safaris depart in the early morning and afternoon. You’ll cover vast swathes of land to find the best sightings – and there are few other vehicles to disturb you. In some places, night drives can be done and offer a thrilling chance to spot nocturnal predators and night-time escapades. Ruaha is one of the best destinations in Tanzania for a walking safari. Guides here are exceptionally well-trained and will lead you on gentle strolls to sniff out smaller flora and fauna, and longer, big-game expeditions. Walking safaris take place in the cooler morning temperatures, although afternoon walks may be possible. And if you’ve got any time left, hot air balloon safaris can be found at a select few lodges – just be prepared for the early morning wake-up!
Wet Season
Temperatures are relatively high, with peak rainfall for the year occurring.
The green season is in full swing, with vegetation lush and in bloom, signalling a time of plenty for all.
Wildlife is spread across the park during this time, making game viewing a little more challenging but that much more rewarding.
The birthing season is always a highlight, with plenty of delicate newborns and high predator excitement.
With such a low density of accommodation, you are guaranteed an intimate safari at Ruaha.
The migratory birds have returned in full breeding plumage, providing the best birding in Tanzania.
Wet Season
Temperatures have cooled, but are still quite high with rainfall expected over this period.
The green season is in full swing, with vegetation lush and in bloom, signalling a time of plenty for all.
Wildlife is spread across the park during this time, making game viewing a little more challenging but that much more rewarding.
The birthing season is always a highlight, with plenty of delicate newborns and high predator excitement.
With such a low density of accommodation, you are guaranteed an intimate safari at Ruaha.
The migratory birds have returned in full breeding plumage, providing the best birding in Tanzania.
Wet Season
Temperatures have cooled, but are still relatively high, with rainfall expected over this period.
The green season is in full swing, with vegetation lush and in bloom, signalling a time of plenty for all.
Wildlife is spread across the park during this time of plenty, making game viewing a little more challenging but that much more rewarding.
The migratory birds have returned in full breeding plumage, providing the best birding in Tanzania.
With such a low density of accommodation, you are guaranteed an intimate safari at Ruaha.
Towards the end of the rainy season some of the roads might become impassable.
Wet Season
Although still warm, the lowest temperatures are experienced in April, with rainfall dropping to just a handful of days across the month.
Wildlife is spread across the park during this time of plenty, making game viewing a little more challenging but that much more rewarding.
Migratory birds begin their journey North in April.
With such a low density of accommodation, you are guaranteed an intimate safari at Ruaha.
Be aware, many accommodations close down during this month, more to have a break than lack of desirability.
Dry Season
Although still warm, the lower temperatures are experienced with rainfall dropping to just a handful of days across the month.
The end of the green season has arrived, signalling birds to migrate, vegetation to thin and wildlife to cluster around the water sources once more.
Dwindling water sources cause animals to congregate along the Ruaha River, improving your chances of spotting wildlife.
Tourist numbers in the park rise slightly but at no point does Ruaha ever feel crowded.
Dry Season
Temperatures begin to heat up with low humidity and little to no rainfall expected.
Perfect game viewing conditions, as the dry season sets in, vegetation will begin to dry out and recede, improving chances of spotting wildlife.
Dwindling water sources cause animals to congregate along the Ruaha River, improving your chances of spotting wildlife.
Tourist numbers in the park rise slightly but at no point does Ruaha ever feel crowded.
Best time of year to see the wild dogs of Ruaha, this is their denning period, meaning pups are a possibility.
Mosquito and insect numbers are low, providing a carefree safari.
Dry Season
Temperatures are high with low humidity, with little to no rainfall expected.
Game viewing conditions are perfect by this point in the dry season, vegetation dries out and recedes, improving chances of spotting wildlife.
This is considered peak season, although crowding in this park is rare at any time of year.
Best time of year to see the wild dogs of Ruaha, this is their denning period, meaning pups are a possibility.
Mosquito and insect numbers are low, providing a carefree safari.
The lack of rain can lead to a lot of dust in the air, providing wonderful sunsets but difficult photographic conditions.
Dry Season
Temperatures are high with low humidity, with little to no rainfall expected.
Game viewing conditions are perfect by this point in the dry season, vegetation dries out and recedes, improving chances of spotting wildlife.
The lack of rain can lead to a lot of dust in the air, providing wonderful sunsets but difficult photographic conditions.
With the longest sunshine hours of the year, take advantage of the ideal time to get out on foot and explore the region, should you have the opportunity.
This is considered peak season, although crowding in this park is rare at any time of year.
Best time of year to see the wild dogs of Ruaha, this is their denning period, meaning pups are a possibility.
Dry Season
Temperatures are high, with low humidity and little to no rain expected.
Game viewing conditions are perfect by this point in the dry season, vegetation dries out and recedes, improving chances of spotting wildlife.
The lack of rain can lead to a lot of dust in the air, providing wonderful sunsets but difficult photographic conditions.
With the longest sunshine hours of the year, take advantage of the ideal time to get out on foot and explore the region, should you have the opportunity.
This is considered peak season, although crowding in this park is rare at any time of year.
Mosquito and insect numbers are low, providing a carefree safari.
Dry Season
Temperatures are high with low humidity, with little to no rainfall expected.
Game viewing conditions are perfect by this point in the dry season, vegetation dries out and recedes, improving chances of spotting wildlife.
The lack of rain can lead to a lot of dust in the air, providing wonderful sunsets but difficult photographic conditions.
With the longest sunshine hours of the year, take advantage of the ideal time to get out on foot and explore the region, should you have the opportunity.
This is considered peak season, although crowding in this park is rare at any time of year.
Mosquito and insect numbers are low, providing a carefree safari.
Wet Season
Temperatures are high and humid until the arrival of the first rains, ending the dry season.
Vegetation bursts forth with renewed life, changing from browns and khakis to a lush green, with the arrival of the seasonal rains.
A drop in humidity, lack of dust and high hours of sunlight, make for great photographic conditions.
The migratory birds have returned in full breeding plumage, providing the best birding in Tanzania.
With such a low density of accommodation, you are guaranteed an intimate safari at Ruaha.
The start of the wet season can see a spike in the number of mosquitoes, so have that insect repellent at the ready.
Wet Season
The wet season has arrived, temperatures are still high with consistent afternoon showers.
Vegetation bursts forth with renewed life, changing from browns and khakis to a lush green, with the arrival of the first rains.
The birthing season is always a highlight, with plenty of delicate newborns and high predator excitement.
The migratory birds have returned in full breeding plumage, providing the best birding in Tanzania.
With such a low density of accommodation, you are guaranteed an intimate safari at Ruaha.
The start of the wet season can see a spike in the number of mosquitoes, so have that insect repellent at the ready.
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