Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s largest national parks and one of its least visited. It lies in the south-centre of the country, where East African and southern African landscapes meet. The result is a park with a huge range of wildlife, strong predator populations and very few vehicles. Guests who come here often say it feels like a safari used to feel.
Ruaha at a glance
| Size | more than 20,000 km² |
| Location | South-central Tanzania |
| Best known for | Lions, wild dogs, elephants, kudu, wilderness |
| Best time | June to October |
| Getting there | Light aircraft, about 1.5–2 hours from Dar es Salaam |
| Recommended stay | 3–4 nights |
The Great Ruaha River
The river is the lifeline of the park. In the dry season it shrinks to pools and sandbanks, and animals gather along its length to drink. Lions rest on the sand, elephants dig for water, and crocodiles and hippos crowd into the remaining pools. Most game drives follow the river and its sand rivers.
Wildlife in Ruaha
- Lions: large prides are a highlight of the park.
- African wild dogs: one of the better places in Tanzania to find them.
- Leopards and cheetahs: both present.
- Elephants: in good numbers, often along the river.
- Antelopes: greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan, which are rare in the north.
- Birds: several hundred species, including southern and East African birds.
Ruaha compared with the north
| Ruaha | Northern circuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles at sightings | Few | More, especially in peak season |
| Migration | No | Yes, in the Serengeti |
| Walking safaris | Widely offered | Limited |
| Access | Mostly by air | By road or air |
| Landscape | Baobabs, rivers, rocky hills | Open plains, crater, lakes |
Best time to visit
June to October is the main season. The bush thins, water is scarce and animals concentrate near the river. October is very hot. From November, rains bring green landscapes and migrant birds, but animals spread out and some camps close during the heaviest rain from around March to May.
Activities
- Game drives along the river and sand rivers.
- Walking safaris with an armed ranger and guide.
- Fly camping and sleep-outs at some camps.
- Birdwatching, especially in the green season.
Getting there
Scheduled light-aircraft flights connect Ruaha with Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha and Nyerere National Park. Driving from Iringa is possible, but the full road journey from Dar es Salaam is long.
Where to stay
Ruaha has a small number of camps, most of them intimate and set along the river. Choosing a camp in the right part of the park makes a difference, especially in the dry season.
How to plan a Ruaha safari
Ruaha works on its own for guests who have already seen the north, or as part of a southern circuit with Nyerere. Our Ruaha Fly-In focuses on one park in depth. Nyerere & Ruaha combines river safaris in Nyerere with Ruaha’s predators. Both finish easily on Zanzibar. For seasons across the country, read the best time for a safari in Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions
It is different. Ruaha is quieter and wilder, with fewer vehicles and strong predator sightings. The Serengeti has the migration and more varied accommodation.
Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar to an airstrip in the park. Driving is possible but takes a long day.
June to October, during the dry season, when animals gather along the Great Ruaha River.
