6 daysDar es Salaam
6 Days Safari to Udzungwa Mountain NP, Ruaha NP and Mikumi NP
5.0(16)Free cancellation
from$1,656
Photo: Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRuaha National Park
Southern Tanzania and the coast
Ruaha is one of Africa's largest national parks, about 20,000 square kilometres of baobab country, rocky hills and sand rivers in central Tanzania. It's known for big lion prides, large elephant herds and antelopes such as greater and lesser kudu, and sees only a tiny share of the Serengeti's visitors.
What to see
- Lions: Some of the largest prides in Africa.
- Elephants: Big herds along the Great Ruaha River in the dry season.
- Kudu, sable and roan: Antelopes rarely seen in the northern parks.
- Wild dogs and cheetahs: Seen with luck.
Practical information
| Access | Light aircraft, often via Nyerere; or by road from Iringa |
| Camps | A handful of small tented camps |
| Best months | June to October, when animals crowd the river |
| Pairs with | Nyerere for a full southern safari |
Tip: Allow at least three nights: the flights are long enough that a shorter stay isn't worth it.
When to go
June to October is best, when the Great Ruaha River shrinks to pools and animals gather along it. January to March is hot and green, good for birds and young animals. Many camps close from about April to May.
Who it suits
Experienced safari travellers who want big cats and solitude, and photographers. It's less suited to a first safari or a short trip, as it's remote and flights are costly. Combine it with Nyerere for a classic southern safari. See southern Tanzania safaris.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Ruaha National Park
Every tour here includes Ruaha National Park in its itinerary. Best rated first.
6 days
8 days
8 daysDar es Salaam
8 Days Safari to Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP and Nyerere NP + Isimila Stone Age Site
5.0(14)
from$2,501
5 days
10 days
3 daysCombine it with
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Ruaha National Park: questions
When is the best time to visit Ruaha?
June to October, when animals gather along the Great Ruaha River.
Is Ruaha worth visiting?
Yes, for experienced safari goers who want big cats and elephants without crowds.
How do you get to Ruaha?
Most visitors fly by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Nyerere; driving from Iringa is possible but long.