When is the best time to visit Ruaha?

June to October, in the dry season, is best for wildlife, when animals concentrate around the Great Ruaha River; November to April is greener and excellent for birding and scenery but some tracks become harder to travel.

How big is Ruaha National Park?

After its 2008 expansion, Ruaha covers roughly 20,226 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in Tanzania and one of the biggest in Africa.

How do I reach Iringa and Ruaha?

Iringa is reached by road or bus from Dar es Salaam (via Mikumi) or by flights to Nduli Airport (IRI); Ruaha is usually accessed by light aircraft to its airstrips or by 4x4 transfer from Iringa town.

Who was Chief Mkwawa?

Mkwawa was the Hehe leader who fiercely resisted German colonial rule in the 1890s from his capital at Kalenga near Iringa; his returned skull is displayed at the Kalenga museum today.

Destination guide

Iringa & Ruaha

A breezy highland town and gateway to Ruaha, Tanzania's largest national park, land of baobabs, big cats and huge elephant herds.

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Iringa Regional Referral Hospital

Hospital

Iringa town

the main public referral hospital for the region

View details & directions

Aga Khan / Ilula Lutheran facilities

Clinic

Iringa region

additional health facilities serving the highlands

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Pharmacies

Pharmacy

Iringa town

pharmacies for medicines and basic supplies

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Ruaha ranger posts / airstrip clinics

Clinic

Ruaha National Park

basic first aid only; serious cases evacuated to Iringa or Dar by air

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Police

Iringa

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Iringa town has a regional referral hospital for routine and emergency care, but Ruaha National Park is remote with only basic first-aid facilities, so serious cases require evacuation to Iringa or Dar es Salaam, often by air. Carry comprehensive travel-medical insurance that includes emergency air-evacuation cover, and check whether your lodge or operator includes AMREF Flying Doctors membership. Dial 112 for emergencies and 114/115 for an ambulance.

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