Key facts
| Area | over 20,000 km² |
|---|---|
| Location and distance | Centre of southern Tanzania, 108 km west of Iringa |
| Getting there | Around 2 hours 20 minutes' flight from Dar es Salaam, often as a return flight after a round trip via Nyerere and Mikumi; around 12 hours by road |
| Park fee per person per day | 30 USD, children aged 5 to 15 years 10 USD, under 5 years free, plus 18% VAT. |
| Best months | June to October |
| Typical wildlife | Elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetahs |
| Accommodation | Ruaha River Lodge, Jabali Ridge, Asanja Ruaha, Tandala Tented Camp, Mdonya Old River Camp, Kigelia Ruaha, Mwagusi Safari Camp |
Highlights and wildlife
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and yet comparatively little visited. Dry savannahs, rocky granite hills, acacia woodlands and mighty baobabs alternate across the vast area. In between lie wide plains and dry river valleys that give the park a rugged look. The landscape combines elements of East and southern Africa, which explains the high species diversity. The lifeline of the park is the Great Ruaha River. Along its banks, green corridors form that attract many animals, especially in the dry season. This mix of dry bushland and water-rich zones makes every game drive varied.
Ruaha’s elephant herds are among the largest in East Africa and are regularly seen in the savannah and by the river. Buffalo also occur in large numbers. The park’s lions grow unusually large. Leopards keep to the rocky regions and along the river courses. Cheetahs hunt in the open plains. African wild dogs appear occasionally. In addition, there are giraffes, zebras, impalas, eland, kudu, Grant’s gazelles, waterbuck and warthogs. Hippos and Nile crocodiles live by the river. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, including many birds of prey.
Best time to visit
The best time for Ruaha is the dry season from June to October. In these months, many animals concentrate along the Great Ruaha River and at the remaining waterholes, and animal density is particularly high then. In the rainy season from November to May, the park appears green and expansive. The animals spread out more across the large area, and some roads are hard to get through. Because Ruaha is little visited overall, even in the dry season you encounter only a few other vehicles. This keeps game viewing calm, with no crowding at the sightings.
| Month | Weather | Animals |
|---|---|---|
Dry season | ||
Rainy season, green, roads partly difficult |
Fees and rules
The park fee is 30 USD per person per day. Children aged 5 to 15 pay 10 USD; children under 5 are free. 18% VAT is added on top. Game drives with your guide are at the heart of your days in the park. Drives along the Great Ruaha River are especially rewarding, as many animals gather there. Whether walking safaris are also possible depends on your accommodation. The team in Arusha takes this into account when planning your route.
Getting there and combinations
The park lies 108 km west of Iringa in the centre of southern Tanzania. The fastest way to reach it is by domestic flight: from Dar es Salaam, the flight to an airstrip in the park takes around 2 hours 20 minutes. The flight is often used for the return journey after you have visited Nyerere and Mikumi by road. If you travel entirely by road, allow around 12 hours. Ruaha combines well with other parks in the south. Nyerere National Park adds river and boat safaris to the dry savannah. Udzungwa Mountains National Park adds hikes through the rainforest.
