Destination

Ruaha

National Park

Ruaha boasts vast landscapes teeming with wildlife, from the African elephants to predators like cheetah and wild dog.
About Ruaha National Park

anzania’s Ruaha National Park, named after the life-giving Great Ruaha River that snakes along its southeastern border, reigns supreme as the country’s, and East Africa’s, largest national park.

Encompassing a staggering 20,226 square kilometers (7,809 square miles), Ruaha offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. This off-the-beaten-path gem unveils Tanzania’s raw beauty, with golden savannahs dotted by ancient baobab trees transforming into a lush wonderland during the rainy season. Dramatic landscapes unfold before your eyes, featuring rolling hills, granite outcrops, and woodlands teeming with diverse wildlife.

The vibrant tapestry of Ruaha’s ecosystem makes it a haven for safari enthusiasts. Here, Tanzania’s largest elephant population roams freely, while elusive predators like cheetah, lion, and wild dog stalk their prey. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful giraffes and powerful buffalo, or spot a pod of hippos basking in the shallows of the Great Ruaha River.

Ruaha is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 570 species that flit through the acacia woodlands and grasslands. Whether you seek an adrenaline-pumping encounter with a pride of lions or a tranquil birdwatching expedition, Ruaha National Park caters to every safari dream.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

For classic game viewing, the dry season from June to October reigns supreme. he landscape transforms as water becomes scarce, forcing animals to congregate around the life-giving Great Ruaha River and other permanent water sources. This concentration creates a dramatic spectacle, with massive elephant herds, buffalo troops, and zebras all vying for a drink.

Here are some of the best things to do in Ruaha National Park:

Wildlife Safaris. Explore the park on game drives to spot a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

Scenic Landscapes. Marvel at the park’s stunning landscapes, including rugged terrain, baobab-studded hills, and riverine forests.

Visit the Mkata River hippo pools. The Mkata River is a lifeline for Mikumi’s wildlife, and the hippo pools along its banks are a great place to see these massive creatures wallowing in the water.

River Safaris. Enjoy boat safaris along the Great Ruaha River, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse range of birdlife.

Birdwatching. Ruaha is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 570 bird species recorded, offering fantastic opportunities for bird enthusiasts.

Cultural Experiences.  Engage in cultural visits to nearby villages to learn about local tribes and their traditional way of life.

Fun facts about Ruaha National Park

01
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes such as kudus and sable antelopes.
02
Ruaha is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 570 bird species recorded. It attracts migratory birds during the wet season, including the rare and endangered species like the African wild dogs.
03
The landscape of Ruaha is dotted with majestic baobab trees, which are iconic to the park and add to its unique scenery.
04
The park is bordered by the Great Ruaha River, which serves as a lifeline for the wildlife during the dry season. Boat safaris along this river offer excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.