Ruaha National Park Safari
Ruaha is a wild, remote park in the heart of southern Tanzania, and one of the largest national parks in Africa. The landscape of baobab trees, rocky hills and the Great Ruaha River supports large prides of lions, big elephant herds and rare antelopes such as greater kudu, sable and roan, with very few other vehicles around.
Ruaha is a wild, remote park in the heart of southern Tanzania, and one of the largest national parks in Africa. The landscape of baobab trees, rocky hills and the Great Ruaha River supports large prides of lions, big elephant herds and rare antelopes such as greater kudu, sable and roan, with very few other vehicles around.
We plan Ruaha safaris on request, as a quiet addition to a northern circuit trip or as a separate southern journey. Contact us with your dates for a quote.
Why visit Ruaha
Ruaha is where the northern and southern East African ecosystems meet, so species of both can be seen. The park has some of the highest lion densities in Tanzania, large herds of elephants and buffalo, and wild dogs, cheetahs and leopards. The Great Ruaha River draws wildlife in the dry season, and you can see dozens of animals from a single viewpoint.
Ruaha is rarely crowded. Many lodges are small and are far from the main routes, which gives a feeling of true wilderness. Walking safaris and night drives are possible in selected areas outside the park boundary.
How to get to Ruaha
Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar to an airstrip in the park. The flight takes about an hour and a half from Dar es Salaam. The road from Iringa takes around two hours but is rough. We arrange scheduled or chartered flights and transfers as part of your plan.
Best time to visit
June to October is the dry season, when animals gather along the river and the grass is short. From November to April the park is green and the birdlife is outstanding, but game viewing is harder and some lodges close. We recommend the dry season for a first visit.
Combine Ruaha with other parks
Ruaha pairs well with Nyerere National Park and Mikumi in the south, or with a northern circuit safari for variety. A common combination is five days in the north and three or four days in Ruaha, followed by a beach in Zanzibar. See our northern vs southern circuit guide.
Wildlife of Ruaha
Ruaha has some of the largest lion prides in East Africa, and big elephant herds, with leopards and cheetahs on the plains. Wild dogs den in some years, and greater kudu, sable and roan antelope are rare elsewhere. The Great Ruaha River draws hippos and crocodiles, and the birdlife is rich, with more than 500 species recorded.
Combining Ruaha with a northern safari
Ruaha makes a good second part of a long trip. After a northern circuit safari of five or seven days, fly to Ruaha for three or four nights and see a different landscape and fewer vehicles. We plan the flights through Dar es Salaam or Arusha as part of your itinerary.
A sample 4 day Ruaha safari
Day 1: Fly to Ruaha
A morning flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar, a private transfer to your camp and an afternoon game drive along the river.
Days 2 and 3: Game drives and walks
Morning and afternoon game drives, with an optional walking safari or a bush breakfast, and time to rest in the heat of the day.
Day 4: Return flight
A last early game drive and a flight back to your next destination.
Prices for Ruaha
Ruaha safaris are more expensive than northern day trips because most travellers fly and stay in small camps. Prices depend on the camp and the number of nights. Send us your dates and we will quote the whole trip, including flights and transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ruaha National Park?
In central southern Tanzania, west of Iringa.
How do I get to Ruaha?
Usually by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, or by road from Iringa.
What is the best time to visit Ruaha?
June to October, in the dry season.
Is Ruaha crowded?
No. It is one of the quietest major parks in Tanzania.
Are there rhinos in Ruaha?
No black rhinos are regularly seen in Ruaha. The park is famous for lions, elephants and antelope.
How many nights should I spend in Ruaha?
Three or four nights is a good balance between the cost of flights and time in the park.