Lions
Big Lion Prides
Ruaha holds one of Africa's most important lion populations, with large prides that hunt buffalo and even giraffe.
07°40′S 34°55′E Great Ruaha River · 06:40
Where Tanzania Still Feels Wild
Ruaha National Park Safari in Tanzania.
One of Africa's largest 20,000+ km² of wilderness
Plan My Ruaha Safari5-Star Rated · 20+ Years in Southern Tanzania · Private Vehicle & Guide
What is Ruaha National Park known for?
Ruaha National Park, in southern-central Tanzania, is one of the largest national parks in Africa, at over 20,000 km². It is known for one of Africa's most important lion populations, large elephant herds, African wild dogs, cheetahs, greater and lesser kudu, sable antelope, ancient baobabs and more than 500 bird species, all along the Great Ruaha River. It sees very few visitors compared with the north, and most guests fly in from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha. Yera Journeys plans private Ruaha safaris, often combined with Nyerere and Zanzibar.
Why Ruaha
Ruaha. Where Tanzania Still Feels Wild.
Ruaha is big, raw and quiet. Baobab-covered hills roll down to the Great Ruaha River, where elephants dig for water in the sand, lion prides patrol the riverbeds and kudu step out of the thickets. You can drive for an hour and see more lions than vehicles.
This is where East and Southern Africa meet, so you see animals rarely found together, like greater kudu, sable and roan antelope alongside Grant's gazelle and wild dogs. It is a slower, deeper safari for travellers who have seen the famous parks and want something wilder.
Because Ruaha is remote, the camps are small and the guiding is excellent. We plan your days around the river, the predators and the season, and combine Ruaha with Nyerere or Zanzibar so the journey flows easily.
Ruaha
Big lions. Big baobabs. Big silence.
What you get
Six Benefits of a Ruaha Safari With Yera
Solitude
Almost No Other Vehicles
A huge park with few camps, so most sightings are yours alone and you never queue at a lion kill.
Rare wildlife
Kudu, Sable and Wild Dogs
Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, and African wild dogs, which you rarely see in northern Tanzania.
Elephants
Elephants Among Baobabs
Watch large herds dig for water in the dry riverbeds below giant baobab trees.
On foot
Walking Safaris
Explore the bush on foot with an expert guide and an armed ranger, one of the best ways to feel Ruaha.
Fly-in
Easy Fly-In Access
Fly from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha or Nyerere straight to the park, with no long drives.
Areas of Ruaha
Where to Go in Ruaha National Park
Most safaris focus on the river areas. The wider park is remote and wild.
| Area | Best time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Great Ruaha River | June to October | Lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, the heart of the park |
| Mwagusi sand river | June to November | Big prides, leopards, wild dogs, elephants digging for water |
| Baobab hills | All year | Ancient baobabs, kudu, giraffe, wide views |
| Jongomero & the south-west | June to October | Remote bush, sable and roan, total solitude |
| Usangu wetlands | November to April | Birdlife, wetlands, very few visitors |
Wildlife of Ruaha
What You Can See in Ruaha
Predators
- Large lion prides
- Leopards
- Cheetahs on the open plains
- African wild dogs
- Spotted and striped hyenas
Big game
- Large elephant herds
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Zebra and impala
Rare antelope
- Greater and lesser kudu
- Sable antelope
- Roan antelope
- Grant's gazelle
Birds
- More than 500 bird species
- Tanzania endemics like the Ruaha red-billed hornbill
- Raptors and hornbills
- Wetland birds in Usangu
Things to do
Things to Do in Ruaha
Game Drives
Private morning, afternoon and full-day drives along the rivers.
Walking Safaris
Guided bush walks with an armed ranger, half or full day.
Sundowners & Bush Dinners
Drinks on a rocky outcrop and dinner under the stars.
Photography
Big cats, baobabs and dramatic light with few vehicles around.
Where to stay
Ruaha Lodges and Camps
River Lodges
Lodges overlooking the Great Ruaha River, close to the action.
Tented Camps
Small, intimate camps on the sand rivers, with excellent guiding.
Remote Camps
Camps in quieter areas of the park for complete solitude.
Fly Camping
A night under the stars on a walking safari, where camps offer it.
Available in Classic, Signature or Bespoke styles. Facilities and activities vary by camp; we confirm everything in writing.
When to go
Best Time to Visit Ruaha
June to October
Dry season and the best time. Animals gather at the rivers, predators are active and walking is at its best.
November to March
Green season. Lush scenery, newborn animals and the best birding, with fewer guests and lower prices.
April and May
Long rains. Many camps close, so we plan around what is open.
At a glance
Ruaha National Park Facts
| Size | Over 20,000 km², one of Africa's largest national parks |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern-central Tanzania, near Iringa |
| Famous for | Lion prides, elephants, wild dogs, kudu, sable, baobabs |
| Birds | More than 500 species |
| Getting there | Fly in from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha or Nyerere; by road via Iringa |
| Crowds | Very few vehicles |
| Ideal stay | 3 to 4 nights |
| Best time | June to October |
Ruaha safaris
Ruaha Safari Ideas
Combine Ruaha with
Best Places to Add to a Ruaha Safari
Nyerere
Boat safaris and wild dogs, a short flight away.
Zanzibar
White sand and warm sea after the bush.
Mahale & Katavi
Chimpanzees and wild Katavi further west, by air.
Serengeti
Add the north for the migration and the crater.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your Ruaha safari proposal is free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change camps, flights and days before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions travellers ask
Ruaha Safari FAQs
What is Ruaha National Park known for?
Big lion prides, large elephant herds, wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope and baobab landscapes, with very few other vehicles.
Is Ruaha worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a wild, uncrowded safari. Ruaha has excellent predators and rare antelope, and it feels far more remote than the northern parks.
How do you get to Ruaha?
Most guests fly in on light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha or Nyerere. You can also drive via Iringa, which takes most of a day from Dar es Salaam.
When is the best time to visit Ruaha?
June to October, the dry season, when animals gather at the rivers. November to March is good for birds and green scenery. Many camps close in April and May.
How many days do you need in Ruaha?
Three to four nights. Ruaha is large and remote, so a longer stay is worth the journey.
Can you see the Big Five in Ruaha?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Rhinos are not seen in Ruaha, so add the Ngorongoro Crater for all five.
Ruaha or Nyerere?
Ruaha is drier and better for big lion prides, kudu and baobab landscapes. Nyerere has rivers and lakes for boat safaris. They combine well, a short flight apart.
Begin your journey
Let's Plan Your Ruaha Safari
Tell us your dates and dreams. A private proposal reaches you within 24 hours.