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Tanzania safari destination
Ruaha, Tanzania’s wild and remote heart
Big lion prides, wild dogs and vast landscapes, far from the crowds.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Iringa Region, Tanzania
Park size
About 20,226 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time
June to October
Park overview
A true wilderness safari
Ruaha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania, a rugged landscape of rocky hills, baobabs and seasonal rivers in the south of the country. The Great Ruaha River is its lifeline, drawing elephants, buffalo and predators to its banks during the dry season.
Ruaha is known for its large lion prides and is one of the best places in East Africa to look for African wild dogs. With only a handful of camps across its vast area, it offers a raw, uncrowded safari for travellers who want to get off the beaten track.
- Reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Arusha
- Large lion prides and wild dogs
- Very few visitors and vehicles
Why go
Six reasons to choose Ruaha
For travellers who want wild, remote Africa.
Big lion prides
Ruaha is home to some of the largest lion prides in Africa.
African wild dogs
One of the best places in East Africa to search for them.
The Great Ruaha River
A magnet for wildlife in the dry season.
Baobab landscapes
Rugged hills and giant baobabs create dramatic scenery.
Few other visitors
Enjoy sightings without crowds of vehicles.
Rare antelope
Look for greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope.
Wildlife
Who you will meet in Ruaha
Predators and rare antelope in a vast, untamed park.
Lions
Large prides that often hunt buffalo and giraffe.
Wild dogs
Packs roam widely, so every sighting feels special.
Elephants
Big herds gather along the river in the dry season.
Kudu
Both greater and lesser kudu live in the park.
Buffalo
Large herds move between the river and the woodland.
Giraffes
Browsing among the baobabs and acacias.
When to visit
Ruaha through the year
The dry season is best for wildlife, but every month has its appeal.
Peak season
June to October
Dry season
Wildlife gathers along the river, offering the best game viewing of the year.
Great time
January to March
Green season
Lush scenery, newborn animals and excellent birdwatching.
Quiet season
April to May
Long rains
Heavy rain and many camps closed, so most travellers avoid these months.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
The landscape turns green and migrant birds arrive.
Things to do
More than game drives
Ways to experience Ruaha’s wild side.
Game drives
Explore the river and plains in search of lions and wild dogs.
Walking safaris
Discover the bush on foot with an armed ranger.
River sightings
Watch elephants and buffalo drink at the Great Ruaha River.
Photography
Rugged landscapes and big predators make stunning images.
Fly camping
Spend a night under the stars in a simple bush camp.
Scenic drives
Cross wide valleys and baobab-studded hills.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wilderness.
By road
A long drive from Dar es Salaam or Iringa, so most visitors choose to fly.
By air
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other parks land at airstrips inside Ruaha.
Where to stay
Remote lodges and tented camps along the Great Ruaha River.
Tanzania safaris
Plan a Ruaha safari
Ruaha is usually planned as a tailor-made trip. These Tanzania safaris can be adapted or extended to include it.
- 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 questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Most travellers fly in on light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or other parks.
Three or four nights gives you time to explore and search for wild dogs and big cats.
Yes. Flights connect Ruaha with Arusha and the Serengeti, so a north and south safari is possible.
Ruaha is one of the best places to look for them, but their wide ranges mean sightings are never guaranteed.
Yes, especially for travellers who prefer quieter parks and a wilder experience.
The dry season from June to October offers the best game viewing.
Ready for wild Ruaha?
Tell us your dates and the kind of safari you are dreaming of, and we will design a Ruaha trip around you.
