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Tanzania · National Parks
Ruaha National Park
Baobab-studded wilderness, big lion prides and rare wild dogs, far from the crowds of the north.
Location
Central Tanzania
Park size
About 20,000 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Three to four nights
The park
Tanzania’s remote wilderness
Ruaha is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania, a vast, rugged landscape of baobabs, rocky hills and sand rivers in the centre of the country. The Great Ruaha River is its lifeline, drawing huge herds and predators through the long dry season.
Ruaha sits where eastern and southern African species meet, so you can see greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope alongside elephants, lions and giraffes. It is known for large lion prides and is one of the few places in East Africa with a good chance of seeing African wild dogs. With so few visitors, game drives feel truly wild.
Ruaha suits travellers who have already seen the northern circuit. Combine it with the Serengeti, or finish with beach time in Zanzibar.
Places your guide will show you
Great Ruaha RiverMwagusi RiverMsembeJongomeroBaobab valleysRocky kopjes
Rare sighting
One of East Africa’s wild dog strongholds
Wildlife
Who you will meet
A meeting point of eastern and southern African species, with big predators and few vehicles.
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01
Lion
Ruaha is known for large prides that hunt buffalo and giraffe.
02
Wild dog
Packs range widely, and sightings are a real highlight.
03
Greater kudu
Both greater and lesser kudu live in the park.
04
Giraffe
Common in the acacia and baobab country.
05
Elephant
Ruaha supports one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations.
Experiences
More than game drives
Ruaha is about space, silence and wildlife encounters you will have to yourself.
Game drives
Long drives along the rivers with very few other vehicles.
Walking safaris
Guided walks with armed rangers from selected camps.
Great Ruaha River
Watch elephants and hippos along the river in the dry season.
Remote camps
Stay in small camps deep in the wilderness.
Photography
Baobabs, big skies and dramatic predator scenes.
Off the beaten track
Explore a park few travellers ever reach.
When to visit
The best time for Ruaha
Ruaha is at its best in the dry season, when wildlife gathers along the rivers.
Jan – Mar
Warm and green
Good game viewing, green landscapes and fewer visitors.
Apr – May
Long rains
Lush and quiet, with lower rates and muddy tracks.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Dry season
Animals gather near water, making sightings easy.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers, fresh grass and migrant birds.
Getting there
Reaching the park
By air
Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha land at Msembe airstrip.
By road
A long drive from Dar es Salaam, or about three hours from Iringa town.
Combined routes
Fly between Ruaha, the Serengeti and Zanzibar in one trip.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Riverside camps
Tented camps along the Great Ruaha and Mwagusi rivers.
02
Remote bush camps
Small, seasonal camps in the quieter corners of the park.
03
Iringa
Hotels for travellers arriving by road.
Park entry fees are set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Tanzania safaris to start from
We do not run fixed trips to Ruaha yet, but we can add it to any Tanzania safari. Ask us when you enquire.
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Ruaha FAQs
Where is Ruaha National Park?
In central Tanzania, west of Iringa town, far from the busy northern circuit.
What is Ruaha known for?
Large lion prides, wild dogs, huge elephant numbers, kudu and baobab landscapes.
How do you get to Ruaha?
Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha to the park’s airstrip.
How many days do you need in Ruaha?
Three to four nights, because the park is large and remote.
When is the best time to visit Ruaha?
June to October, when the dry season concentrates wildlife along the rivers.
Can I combine Ruaha with Zanzibar?
Yes. Short flights connect Ruaha with Zanzibar for a safari and beach trip.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Ruaha and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan a safari that includes Ruaha
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Ruaha itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
