Southern Circuit

Ruaha National Park

Overview

Ruaha National Park, located in the heart of Tanzania, is one of East Africa’s best-kept secrets and a prime destination for an unforgettable safari experience. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometers, it is Tanzania’s largest national park, offering an expansive and pristine wilderness. Due to its relative inaccessibility, it gets far fewer tourists than the any comparable park in the Northern circuit. The Great Ruaha River flows through the park and is the most important river in the park.

Ruaha has a huge population of African elephants. Some consider it to be the most concentrated population in Africa! There are perhaps more elephants in the National Park than in any other East African park. Great mammals like kudu, sable, and roan antelopes, which are unique to this national park, can also be found there. Additionally, around 10% of all lions in Africa call this place home! Giraffes, cheetahs, and leopards are among the other creatures to see here.

Wildlife Highlights

What is the travel time to Ruaha?
  • Flights from Arusha, Selous, Zanzibar, Katavi, Mikumi, Iringa, Kigoma and Dar Es Salaam
  • Can be reached by car on a dirt road from Iringa (130 km)
  • Ruaha to Mikumi: 5-6 hrs drive
  • Ruaha to Udzungwa: 5-6 hrs drive
  • Ruaha – Selous: best to fly

All year long, the route to Ruaha is passable. The rain forest pattern of Ruaha National Park is bimodal; the long season lasts from April to May, while the short rainfall season starts in November (February is the greatest time to see birds!). The dry season at the national park lasts from June to October.

Spend at least 2 days here. Although it’s a long drive, the park is well worth the extra time!

Almost all accommodations in Ruaha are high end but we recommend:

  • Mdonya Old River Camp (Midrange)
  • Jongomero (Luxury)
  • Asanja Ruaha (Luxury+)