Overview
Ruaha is one of Africa’s largest parks and sees few visitors. The Great Ruaha River draws elephants, buffalo and predators in the dry season, and walking safaris add a sense of true wilderness.
Ruaha is a big, wild park in central Tanzania, built around the Great Ruaha River. It sits where eastern and southern African habitats meet, so you can see both greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope alongside the classic big game.
Ruaha is known for large lion prides and is one of the best places in Tanzania to look for African wild dogs. With few camps over a vast area, game drives feel private.
Highlights
- Large lion prides
- African wild dogs
- Baobab landscapes
- Very few other visitors
Things to do here
Wildlife to look for
- Lion
- African wild dog
- Elephant
- Greater kudu
- Sable antelope
Good to know
Best time to visit
June – October
Getting there
Usually by light aircraft from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Where to stay
Remote tented camps and lodges along the Great Ruaha River.
How long to stay
3–4 nights
Key facts
- Size
- About 20,000 km², one of Tanzania’s largest national parks
- River
- The Great Ruaha River
- Access
- Usually by light aircraft
Seasons
Dry season (June – October)
The best time: animals gather at the river and dry riverbeds.
Green season (November – May)
Lush and beautiful with excellent birds; some camps close in the heaviest rains.
Practical tips
- Combine with Nyerere for a southern safari, or fly in from Zanzibar.
Questions about Ruaha National Park
June – October.
Itineraries visiting Ruaha National Park
More places nearby
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