Rungwa Game Reserve

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 days safari in Uganda and Tanzania

10-days Northern Circuit Route to Kilimanjaro

Tanzania Safaris here is about raw, untamed wilderness and diverse wildlife. On Tanzania Safaris at Rungwa, you come for the lions. The reserve has been designated a Lion Conservation Unit since 2005, recognizing its importance for protecting these big cats. You have a good chance of seeing them, especially around the Mpera River valley where game concentrates during the dry season. On Tanzania Safaris, you will also see large herds of African buffalo, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Elephants roam the miombo woodlands, though they are shyer here than in the northern parks. The reserve is famous for its antelopes. You can see the magnificent sable antelope with its curved horns, the greater kudu with its spiral horns, and the eland, the largest antelope in Africa . Other species include Lichtenstein's hartebeest, impala, zebra, giraffe, and bushpig. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the rivers. On Tanzania Safaris, the best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season from June to October, when animals gather around the permanent water sources in the Mpera River valley.

Tanzania Safaris birders will find Rungwa a hidden paradise. The reserve has recorded over 111 bird species, according to eBird data, and likely many more in this underexplored wilderness . On Tanzania Safaris here, the miombo woodlands are home to special birds like the spotted crested barbet, the rufous-tailed weaver, and the pale-billed hornbill. The rocky hills hold families of bare-faced go-away-birds. On Tanzania Safaris, look for the striking martial eagle, one of the largest eagles in Africa, soaring over the valleys. The rivers attract African fish eagles, hamerkops, and various herons. The grasslands and open areas are home to ostriches, kori bustards, and secretary birds. On Tanzania Safaris, you can also see the lilac-breasted roller, the gorgeous bird of the savannah, and the racket-tailed roller, a colorful species with distinct tail feathers. The best time for birding on Tanzania Safaris is the wet season from November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive.

Tanzania Safaris during the dry season from June to October is best for wildlife viewing. On Tanzania Safaris, the animals gather around the Mpera River valley, which becomes the only reliable water source in the reserve . The vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot lions, elephants, and antelopes. The dry season also offers the most comfortable weather for driving, with clear skies and little rain. On Tanzania Safaris, the wet season from November to April brings green landscapes and the best birding, but the animals disperse across the vast reserve, making sightings much harder. Some roads can become impassable after heavy rains. The wettest months are March and April. For most travelers, the sweet spot on Tanzania Safaris is July through October. The animals are concentrated, the weather is dry, and you have the best chance of seeing the diverse wildlife.

Tanzania Safaris weather here is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. On Tanzania Safaris, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C year round. The warmest months are October to March. Nights are cooler, dropping to around 14°C to 18°C between June and August. The dry season runs from June to October, with very little rain, clear blue skies, and warm days. This is the best time for game viewing on Tanzania Safaris. The wet season runs from November to May, with the heaviest rains in March and April . During the wet season, the miombo woodlands turn lush and green, and the birding is excellent. On Tanzania Safaris, the biggest weather challenge is not cold but heat during midday and dust during the dry season. The sun is strong year round, so wear a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Mosquitoes are present year round but are less common in the dry season. Bring insect repellent on Tanzania Safaris.

Tanzania Safaris travelers reach Rungwa by road, as there are no commercial airstrips serving the reserve. On Tanzania Safaris, the reserve is located in Singida Region, near the town of Itigi . It is about 250 kilometers west of Dodoma, the capital city. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours on rough, unpaved roads. A 4x4 vehicle is absolutely essential. From Iringa, the drive is about 4 to 5 hours. On Tanzania Safaris, it is also possible to drive from Ruaha National Park or the Selous Game Reserve as part of a longer wilderness itinerary. The reserve is remote, and fuel stations are rare, so fill up before entering. On Tanzania Safaris, your tour operator will arrange all transport. Most visitors combine Rungwa with a trip to Ruaha National Park, which is part of the same ecosystem and has more developed infrastructure . The nearest commercial airport is in Iringa or Dodoma, from where you would drive the rest of the way.

Tanzania Safaris are generally safe, but Rungwa is remote, so you need to take extra precautions. On Tanzania Safaris, the main dangers are the wildlife and the environment. The reserve is wild, and animals are not accustomed to vehicles. Stay inside your vehicle during game drives unless your guide says otherwise. Never approach elephants, lions, or buffalo on foot. Malaria is a high risk on Tanzania Safaris because Rungwa is a tropical area with rivers and water sources where mosquitoes breed. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Wear long sleeves in the evening. Sleep under a mosquito net. Consult your doctor about malaria pills. The reserve is very remote, so medical facilities are far away. The nearest hospital is in Itigi or Dodoma. Have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation. On Tanzania Safaris, it is essential to go with a professional tour operator who knows the area.

Tanzania Safaris accommodation in Rungwa is extremely basic. There are no permanent lodges inside the reserve. On Tanzania Safaris, accommodation is limited to campsites. The Mpera River Valley is the prime game viewing area, and the game becomes accessible through mobile tented camping . You must bring your own tent, food, water, and camping gear. Some tour operators offer mobile safaris with full camping setups including a chef and camping equipment. On Tanzania Safaris, these are the best option for visiting Rungwa. The campsites are wild, with no facilities, no electricity, and no running water. You must be self-sufficient. For those seeking more comfort, the best strategy is to stay in Ruaha National Park, which has excellent lodges and tented camps, and then do a day trip into Rungwa (the reserves share an ecosystem) . Some of the camps near Rungwa include simple options like Rungwa Hill Camp.

Tanzania Safaris with Dav Safaris offers reliable guided trips to Rungwa Game Reserve. Their expert guides know the remote tracks, the best water sources for wildlife viewing, and the safest camping spots. On Tanzania Safaris with Dav Safaris, they handle everything including transport from Dodoma or Iringa, 4x4 vehicle, camping equipment, food, water, and a professional guide. You just show up with your camera and binoculars. Our itineraries are flexible on Tanzania Safaris. Want to focus on lions and big cats? Our can do that. Want to combine Rungwa with Ruaha National Park for a comprehensive southern Tanzania wilderness experience? Our can arrange it. Dav Safaris also supports local communities by hiring Tanzanian guides and practicing low impact tourism. For a safe, stress free, unforgettable Tanzania Safaris experience to one of the wildest and least visited places in Africa, Dav Safaris is the best choice.