Ruaha National Park

Overview

Tanzania’s best-kept safari secret lies in its wild and rugged heart—Ruaha National Park. As the largest national park in Tanzania, covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha remains blissfully untamed and far from the tourist crowds. Located in the country’s southern circuit, it offers a raw and authentic safari experience, where vast landscapes stretch uninterrupted and wildlife roams free in impressive numbers.

Ruaha’s terrain is a dramatic blend of rocky hills, baobab-studded plains, dry riverbeds, and the life-giving Great Ruaha River. Its remote character and size allow visitors to explore a truly wild Africa, where game drives can go hours without another vehicle in sight. The park is especially known for its exceptional predator populations, huge elephant herds, and some of the rarest antelope species in East Africa. For travelers who value seclusion, beauty, and thrilling wildlife encounters, Ruaha is a safari dream realized.

Park Highlights

Remote wilderness: Ruaha offers unspoiled safari landscapes, ideal for those seeking solitude and an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Large elephant herds: Home to one of East Africa’s biggest elephant populations, often seen in groups of 50 or more.
Predator paradise: Boasts the highest concentration of lions in Tanzania, along with leopards, cheetahs, and endangered African wild dogs.
Rare antelope sightings: Spot roan antelope, sable antelope, greater kudu, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest—species rarely seen in northern parks.
Diverse habitats: From rolling hills to miombo woodlands, acacia plains, and riverine gorges, the park is ecologically rich and visually stunning.
Low visitor numbers: Enjoy private wildlife encounters with minimal vehicle traffic even during peak seasons.

Activities in Ruaha

Game drives: Day and evening drives provide exceptional opportunities to track predators and witness dramatic hunting scenes.
Walking safaris: Guided walks with armed rangers offer intimate bush experiences, revealing tracks, birds, and smaller wildlife.
Birdwatching: Over 570 species make Ruaha a birder’s paradise, especially during the green season.
Riverbank exploration: Follow the Great Ruaha River to watch elephants, hippos, and crocodiles gather, especially in the dry months.
Photographic safaris: The mix of terrain, dramatic skies, and predator-prey activity creates outstanding photographic conditions.

Best Time to Visit

Ruaha is a year-round park, but wildlife experiences differ by season:

June to October (Dry Season): Prime time for game viewing. Animals gather along rivers and waterholes, and visibility improves as vegetation thins.
November to April (Green Season): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and vibrant birdlife. Ideal for photographers and birders, though game can be more spread out.
May: A transition month with fewer crowds and good wildlife sightings as the dry season begins.

Due to its remoteness, Ruaha is often reached via small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar, making it ideal for fly-in safaris and pairing with other southern circuit parks like Nyerere.