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Tanzania safari destination
Ruaha National Park
A vast, wild park in southern Tanzania, rich in big cats, elephants and rare antelope. Plan Ruaha safari tours with a local East African team.
Location
Southern Tanzania
Size
About 20,000 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Big cats and wilderness
Tanzania’s great southern wilderness
Ruaha National Park covers around 20,000 square kilometres of central southern Tanzania, making it one of the largest national parks in East Africa. The Great Ruaha River runs along its eastern side, and the landscape mixes baobab-studded hills, rocky outcrops and wide open woodland.
Ruaha sits where the wildlife of East and southern Africa meet, so it holds species rarely seen together. Large prides of lions, leopards and cheetahs share the park with greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, and one of Tanzania’s most important populations of African wild dogs. Elephants gather in big numbers along the river in the dry season.
Because it is remote, Ruaha receives a small fraction of the visitors seen on the northern circuit, and game drives often feel completely private. Ruaha safari tours suit travellers who have already seen the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara and want a wilder experience.
Why a Ruaha safari is worth the journey
Six reasons experienced safari travellers rate Ruaha so highly.
Big cat country
Large lion prides, plus leopard and cheetah on the open plains.
Wild dogs
One of the best places in Tanzania to see endangered African wild dogs.
Rare antelope
Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan in one park.
Great Ruaha River
A dry season lifeline that draws elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
Few vehicles
A remote park where you often have sightings to yourself.
Baobab landscapes
Rocky hills and giant baobabs make every drive scenic.
When to visit Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is best in the dry season, when wildlife concentrates along the river.
June to October
Dry season
Animals gather at the river and predator sightings are excellent.
- Peak season rates
November to December
Short rains
Green shoots and migrant birds, with good wildlife viewing.
- Good value rates
January to March
Wet season
Lush scenery and excellent birding. Some areas are harder to reach.
- Great for birding
April to May
Long rains
Heavy rain and many camps closed.
- Many camps closed
Wildlife you can expect to see in Ruaha
Ruaha’s mix of East and southern African species makes it unique. Giraffe, zebra, buffalo and hippo are common too.
- Big cat
Leopard
Leopards rest in trees along the river and the rocky hills.
- River woodland
- Best at dawn and dusk
- Big Five
Elephant
Large herds gather along the Great Ruaha River in the dry season.
- Great Ruaha River
- Best June to October
Things to do in Ruaha
Ruaha is all about long, quiet days in the wilderness.
Guided game drives
Explore the river and the plains in search of lions, leopards and wild dogs.
Walking safaris
Walk with an armed ranger to learn about tracks, plants and smaller wildlife.
River viewpoints
Watch elephants and hippos at the Great Ruaha River in the dry season.
Baobab landscapes
Photograph giant baobabs on the rocky hills at sunset.
Birdwatching
Spot hundreds of species, from hornbills to raptors.
Planning your Ruaha safari
Practical details to help you plan a trip to this remote park.
Getting to Ruaha
- By air: light aircraft fly from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar to airstrips in the park.
- By road: about 130 km from Iringa, around 3 hours on gravel roads.
- Combined trips: Ruaha pairs well with other southern Tanzania parks or a Zanzibar beach stay.
Where to stay
- Inside the park: lodges and tented camps along the river.
- Remote camps: small camps in quieter areas for a more private safari.
- Iringa: hotels in town for travellers arriving by road.
Good to know
- Remote location: allow extra travel time and plan flights in advance.
- Tsetse flies: avoid dark blue and black clothing and use insect repellent.
- Health: Ruaha is a malaria area, so speak to your doctor about prevention.
Ruaha safari questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Looking for a Ruaha safari? Send us your dates and our team will reply.
Do you offer Ruaha safari tours?
Yes. We arrange tailor-made Ruaha safari tours, usually with flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, and can combine them with Zanzibar or northern Tanzania.
Where is Ruaha National Park?
Ruaha lies in central southern Tanzania, about 130 km from the town of Iringa.
What is Ruaha known for?
It is known for large lion prides, African wild dogs, big elephant herds and rare antelope such as kudu and sable.
When is the best time to visit Ruaha?
June to October, the dry season, when wildlife gathers along the Great Ruaha River.
How many days do you need in Ruaha?
Three to four nights is ideal, as the park is large and remote.
Is Ruaha better than the Serengeti?
They are different. The Serengeti has the Great Migration and more visitors, while Ruaha offers wilderness, rare species and far fewer vehicles.
Start planning your Ruaha safari
Tell us your dates and interests, and our team will plan a Ruaha safari with flights and camps that fit.
