Overview
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote wildlife sanctuaries, renowned for its rugged beauty and untouched wilderness.
Located in the southern circuit, it offers an authentic safari experience away from the crowds, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking a truly wild adventure. Its sweeping landscapes of rolling hills, baobab-dotted plains, and the Great Ruaha River create a stunning setting for game viewing.
Attractions Found
The park is famous for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa and a remarkable diversity of predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
The Great Ruaha River attracts an abundance of wildlife, especially during the dry season, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with over 570 recorded species.
Things to Do
Visitors can enjoy classic game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching.
The park is ideal for off-the-beaten-path exploration, allowing for a more intimate wildlife experience. Night game drives can also be arranged in some areas, offering a glimpse of nocturnal animals.
How to Get There
Ruaha can be reached by scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar to the park’s airstrips. For adventurous travelers, there’s also a long but scenic drive from Iringa, which takes several hours. Many visitors include Ruaha as part of a southern circuit safari combined with Mikumi or Nyerere.
Weather & Climate
Ruaha has a warm and dry climate, with daytime temperatures averaging between 25°C and 35°C. The dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near the river. The wet season (November to May) brings lush vegetation and is excellent for birdwatching.
