Ruaha National Park

Central-Southern Tanzania · altitude 750–1,900 m · best time: June–November

Ruaha is the wild heart of southern Tanzania — a rugged landscape of baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River. It holds one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa and an estimated 10% of the world's lions, including unusually large prides. Leopard, cheetah and wild dog are all present. Sitting at a transition zone between East and Southern African ecosystems, Ruaha hosts species found nowhere else on a northern safari, such as greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope. Crowds are minimal and the sense of wilderness is profound.

FAQs

Why is Ruaha National Park special?
Ruaha is Tanzania's largest park and holds about 10% of the world's lion population, plus species like greater kudu, sable and roan rarely seen up north — all with very few other vehicles around.
How do you reach Ruaha?
Ruaha is usually reached by a short flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, often combined with Nyerere on a southern circuit safari.

Related tours