Iringa Region, southern Tanzania · Tanzania
Tanzania's largest park, a rugged baobab wilderness of lions, kudu and elephants with few visitors.
Ruaha is Tanzania's largest national park and one of the least visited. The landscape is rugged, with rolling bush, baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River, which brings life to the dry country.
The park sits where southern and eastern African ecosystems meet, so it holds antelope that are hard to find in the north, such as greater kudu, sable and roan, along with large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and big elephant herds. In the dry season, animals concentrate along the river, giving great viewing from the camps.
There are few camps and fewer vehicles, so the feel is remote and private. Most visitors fly in from Dar es Salaam or the Serengeti circuit. The remoteness and cost make it a destination for repeat safari-goers, but it rewards the effort.
Why visit
Ruaha is wildlife without the crowds.
Some of the largest in Africa.
Kudu, sable and roan.
A distinctive landscape.
Near-private game drives.
Concentrated wildlife in the dry season.
Main attractions
The river and the bush are the main sights.
The park's lifeline, with elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
Tip Visit in the dry season.
The main hub with lodges.
Tip Start your drives here.
Landscapes dotted with giant trees.
Tip Photograph at sunset.
A seasonal river where animals dig for water.
Tip Look for elephants.
Rare antelope in the woodland.
Tip Take a specialist guide.
Led by a ranger.
Tip Ask your camp.
Things to do
Expect long bush days and few other people.
Early game drives.
Tip Be patient.
Look for kudu and sable.
Tip Bring a guidebook.
With an armed ranger.
Tip Wear neutral colours.
Where permitted.
Tip See leopards and genets.
Sleep in the bush.
Tip Special arrangement.
From the camp deck.
Tip Evening sundowners.
Local food
Food is camp-prepared and simple.
Maize porridge.
Where to try it Camp meals.
Nyama choma style.
Where to try it Camp dinners.
Flatbread.
Where to try it Breakfast.
Spiced rice.
Where to try it Lunch.
Camp baked.
Where to try it Morning.
Accommodation
Stay in small camps near the river.
Transport
Most visitors fly in.
Vehicles and walking.
When to go
The dry season concentrates wildlife around the river.
Dry, with animals around the river.
Short rains.
Green, quiet.
Long rains, many camps closed.
Worth planning around: April and May, when roads are difficult.
Itinerary
A remote safari.
Flight
River and bush
Last drive
Travel tips
Remote parks need preparation.
FAQ
Fewer vehicles and wild country.
Different, quieter.
Yes but rough.
June to October.
With a ranger.
Three to four days.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Ruaha National Park, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Morogoro and Lindi regions, southern Tanzania, Tanzania
A huge southern park with the Rufiji River, boat and walking safaris, African wild dogs and fewer visitors than the northern circuit.
Don't miss Drifting down the Rufiji River past hippos and crocodiles at dusk.
Explore Destination — Nyerere National Park (Selous)Mara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed park of 14,750 square kilometres, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, big cats, balloon safaris and classic acacia-dotted savannah.
Don't miss Watching a river crossing or a lion pride at sunrise from an open safari vehicle.
Explore Destination — Serengeti National ParkManyara Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Two compact parks on the northern circuit, famous for dry-season elephants, baobab landscapes, birdlife and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Don't miss Watching elephant herds feed beneath ancient baobab trees in the dry season.
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