Southern Circuit · National Park

Ruaha National Park

One of East Africa’s best-kept game-viewing secrets.

June–November (dry season)
approx. 20,200 km²

Ruaha National Park

Type: National Park
Region: Southern Circuit
Area: approx. 20,200 km²
Established: 1964
Best time: June–November (dry season)
Access: Approx. 2 h flight from Dar es Salaam; by road via Iringa

Overview

Wild, remote and vast — riverine forest, savannah and rocky hills along the Great Ruaha River, with big herds and few vehicles.

Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s largest national parks and one of East Africa’s great wilderness areas. Its landscape of miombo woodland, acacia groves, baobabs and granite outcrops meets along the Great Ruaha River, where hippos and crocodiles share the water with elephants that come down to drink.

The park is known for large lion prides, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and antelope, and for wild dogs. Evening game drives here come with some of the best light — and sunsets — in Tanzania.