Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, is a hidden gem for those seeking rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. Its landscapes range from baobab-dotted plains to rocky escarpments. Ruaha is renowned for its large predator population, particularly lions and cheetahs, as well as significant elephant herds. The park also boasts over 570 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Its remote location ensures an exclusive and serene safari experience.

When to visit

The dry season from June to October is the prime time, when wildlife gathers along the Great Ruaha River and its sand rivers and the bush thins out for visibility. The green season from December to April is dramatic and good for birds and predators with young, but some tracks become difficult and a number of camps close during the heaviest rains.

Getting there

Ruaha lies in central-southern Tanzania and is remote by design. Most visitors fly in — scheduled light aircraft connect it with Dar es Salaam, Nyerere National Park and, seasonally, Arusha, landing at the Msembe airstrip. Driving from Iringa is possible but long.

What you'll see

Ruaha sits where East African and Southern African species overlap, so it is one of very few parks where you can see both greater and lesser kudu, along with sable and roan antelope. It holds large lion prides, a big elephant population, healthy numbers of endangered African wild dog, plus leopard, cheetah and huge herds of buffalo. With few other vehicles around, sightings feel private.

Good to know

• Was Tanzania's single largest national park until Nyerere National Park was gazetted in 2019; it remains one of the largest, at over 20,000 km².
• Plan three to four nights to justify the fly-in and cover the varied terrain.
• Walking safaris are a highlight and widely available with the camps.
• It combines well with Nyerere National Park for a full southern-circuit trip.