Ruaha National Park
Big rivers, big herds of elephant and some of Africa's largest lion prides, with very few other vehicles.
- Elephants
- Lion prides
- Greater and lesser kudu
- Wild dog
- Walking safaris
- Baobab country
Our view
Ruaha is the park I suggest to people who have already done the Serengeti and want something that feels wilder. It is huge, it is remote, and on most days you can drive for an hour without seeing another vehicle.
The Great Ruaha River is the heart of the park. In the dry season, from June to October, the sand rivers that feed it dry out, and the animals are drawn to the remaining water. That is when the game viewing is at its best: elephants digging for water in the riverbeds, large lion prides working the river line, and a good chance of leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
Ruaha sits where East and Southern Africa meet, so you see species from both: greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope alongside Grant's gazelle, and a landscape of baobabs, rocky outcrops and open miombo woodland that looks quite unlike the northern parks.
It also suits people who want to walk. Most camps offer walks with an armed ranger, and in the more remote parts of the park there are walking and fly-camping stays for those who want to spend a night out under canvas.
Areas within the park
Great Ruaha and Mwagusi rivers
The core of the park, where most camps sit. The river line holds the bulk of the game in the dry season, with the highest numbers of lion and elephant.
Jongomero and the south-west
Further from the airstrips and much quieter, with a few small camps and long drives along the Jongomero sand river.
Usangu wetlands
The western part of the park, added in 2008. Wetlands and open plains, explored on expedition-style and walking stays from a handful of seasonal camps.
When to go
Some camps stay open in April and May; others close from late March to early June. Ask if you are travelling then.
Where to stay
Ruaha, Tanzania
Expeditionary Walking Camp Ruaha
Rates on request
Ruaha, Tanzania
Ikuka Camp
$780 – $1,050
Ruaha, Tanzania
Jabali Ridge
$880 – $1,660
Ruaha, Tanzania
Kigelia Ruaha
$815 – $875
Ruaha
Kokoko Camp
From $1,850
Ruaha, Tanzania
Usangu Expedition Camp
From $860
Safaris that go here
10 Days Naboisho, Eastern Serengeti and Ruaha
Nairobi › Naboisho › Eastern Serengeti › Ruaha
From US$17,654 pp · 2026 rate
A flying safari across Kenya and Tanzania, staying in a private conservancy, a remote corner of the Serengeti and Ruaha, Tanzania's great southern wilderness
10 Nights Usangu, Ruaha and Nyerere
Dar es Salaam › Usangu › Ruaha › Nyerere
From US$10,500 pp · 2026 rate
A flying safari through Tanzania's wild south, with a different way of exploring at every camp: night drives and boating in the Usangu wetlands, walking from a private camp in…
Southern Tanzania’s Nyerere and Ruaha Circuit
Dar es Salaam › Nyerere › Ruaha
2027 rates on request
A flying safari in Southern Tanzania visiting Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, staying in high-quality permanent camps
Kenya and Tanzania Safari
Masai Mara › Naboisho › Southern Serengeti › Ruaha › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
A flying safari combining Kenya’s Mara with Northern and Southern Tanzania, finishing on Zanzibar Island. The best of the Serengeti / Mara ecosystem with Ruaha, staying in classic tented camps…
Tanzania North to South
Tarangire › Ngorongoro › Eastern Serengeti › Ruaha
2027 rates on request
A flying safari combining Northern and Southern Tanzania visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Eastern Serengeti and Ruaha National Parks, staying in high-quality permanent camps
10 Night Serengeti and Southern Tanzania
Arusha › Central Serengeti › Ruaha › Nyerere
2027 rates on request
11 day safari to Serengeti, Ruaha and Nyerere This high-end 11 day safari combines northern Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park with Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks in the south of the…
Combine with
Questions
How do I get to Ruaha?
Most visitors fly in on scheduled light aircraft that connect Ruaha with Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Nyerere and the other southern and western parks. Driving is possible but takes most of a day from Dar es Salaam.
When is the best time to visit Ruaha?
June to October, the dry season, when wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River. January to March is green and beautiful, with fewer visitors and lower rates, but the game is more spread out.
How many nights should I spend in Ruaha?
Three to four nights is a good minimum because of the size of the park and the time it takes to fly in. Add two or three more if you want to walk or spend time in the Usangu wetlands.
Can I go on a walking safari in Ruaha?
Yes. Most camps offer walks with an armed ranger, and some specialise in longer walking safaris and fly camping.
Can Ruaha be combined with the Serengeti?
Yes. Scheduled flights connect Ruaha with Arusha and the northern parks, so a trip can start in the north and end in the south, or the other way round.
Plan a safari to Ruaha
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.