Bandas and simple camps
TANAPA run bandas and simple tented camps near the park headquarters, plus lodges outside the gate. A good choice for travellers coming by road from Iringa.
Near the park headquarters and main gate
Southern Circuit · Tanzania
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha park is 20,226 km² of baobab-studded hills, sand rivers and miombo woodland in the heart of Tanzania, where large lion prides hunt buffalo along the Great Ruaha River. One of the largest national parks in Africa, and one of the least crowded, with only a handful of camps across its vast wilderness.
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June to November, the dry season
20,226 km², Southern Circuit
1.5 to 3 hr by air from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar
Lions, elephants, greater and lesser kudu
Ruaha: Big Cats and Big Park in Tanzania's Wild Heart
Ruaha National Park lies in south-central Tanzania, west of the town of Iringa. It was gazetted in 1964, and after an expansion in 2008 it covers 20,226 km², making it the second largest national park in Tanzania after Nyerere. It takes its name from the Great Ruaha River, which runs along its eastern side and is the lifeline for its wildlife in the dry season. Ruaha sits where the landscapes of East and southern Africa meet, which gives it an unusual mix of species. Greater and lesser kudu live side by side, sable and roan antelope move through the miombo woodland, and Grant's gazelle graze the open plains. Elephants gather in large numbers along the river, and more than 570 bird species have been recorded.
The park is best known for its predators. The wider Ruaha landscape is thought to hold around one in ten of Africa's remaining lions, and prides of 20 or more are not unusual. Leopard are common, cheetah hunt on the open plains in the north, and Ruaha is one of the places in Tanzania to see African wild dog, which roam huge territories but are almost hardly guaranteed to see. What makes Ruaha special is the feeling of space. With only a few camps across an area the size of a small country, you rarely share a sighting, and walking safaris and fly camping take you further still. Most guests fly in, and many combine Ruaha with boat safaris in Nyerere National Park or a few days on Mafia Island or the Zanzibar coast.
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Things to Do in Ruaha
Ruaha is a park for people who want to feel the wilderness as well as see it. Game drives follow the rivers and sand banks where wildlife gathers, while walks and fly camping let you slow down and experience the bush on foot.
Game drives along the Great RuahaThe river and its sand-river tributaries are the focus in the dry season, drawing elephant, buffalo, giraffe and the predators that hunt them, with very few other vehicles around.
Lions and other predatorsBig prides, leopard in the riverine trees and cheetah on the open northern plains make Ruaha one of Tanzania's best predator parks. With luck, you may also find wild dog on the move.
Walking safarisGuided walks with an armed ranger are one of Ruaha's great strengths, from a morning stroll out of camp to longer walks along the sand rivers.
Fly campingA night or two at a simple camp away from the main lodge, sleeping under a mosquito net beneath the stars. Offered by a few camps in the dry season.
Kudu and rare antelopeRuaha is one of the few parks where you can see greater and lesser kudu on the same drive, along with sable and roan antelope in the miombo woodland.
BirdwatchingMore than 570 species, including the Ruaha red-billed hornbill, found only in this part of Tanzania, plus eagles, vultures and rollers. Best from November to April.
The Best Time to Visit Ruaha, Season by Season
Southern Tanzania has one long rainy season rather than two, which makes Ruaha's year simple: a long dry season that is superb for wildlife, and a green season that brings birds, flowers and lower prices.
June to October: dry season. Water shrinks to the Great Ruaha River and a few pools in the sand rivers, and wildlife concentrates around them. The best game viewing of the year, with warm days and cool nights.
November: the heat before the rains The hottest, driest weeks, when predator action around the last water can be exceptional. The first storms usually arrive late in the month
December to March: green season. Rain, lush growth and newborn animals. Birdlife is at its best and there are very few other visitors, though wildlife is more spread out.
April and May: the heaviest rains. Several camps close and some roads become impossible to pass due to mud. The park is at its most remote.
Ruaha is a strong alternative to the northern parks in July and August, when the north is at its busiest and Ruaha's rivers are drawing wildlife in. For rainfall by month, see our Tanzania weather guide. Let us know whatever your dates are, we match Ruaha to the season that suits you. →
Where to Stay in Ruaha
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Tented camps on the river
Comfortable permanent tented camps overlooking the Great Ruaha or its sand rivers, with en-suite tents, excellent guiding and walks straight from camp.
Central Ruaha
Remote luxury camps
Small, exclusive camps in remote corners of the park, with spacious tents, private decks, fly camping and the feeling of having the wilderness to yourself.
Remote river areas of the park
Ruaha Safaris, Tailored to You
Start with one of these safaris that include Ruaha, then work with our local expert to change the pace, the camps and the length.
Ruaha Questions We Get Most Often
How do I get to Ruaha National Park?Most visitors fly. Light-aircraft flights link Ruaha with Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar and Nyerere, landing at airstrips inside the park. By road, the park is about 130 km from Iringa, and a long day's drive from Dar es Salaam.
What is the best time to visit Ruaha?June to October for the best wildlife viewing, when animals gather along the Great Ruaha River. November is hot but excellent for predators. December to March is green and good for birds, and many camps close in April and May.
Is Ruaha good for seeing lions?It is one of the best parks in Africa for them. The wider Ruaha landscape is thought to hold around one in ten of Africa's lions, and large prides are seen regularly, often hunting buffalo and even giraffe.
Is Ruaha crowded?No. It is one of the least visited major parks in Tanzania, with only a small number of camps for its size. Outside the busiest months, you may see only a handful of other vehicles all day.