Ruaha National Park

Tanzania’s Largest National Park and a True Wilderness Experience

Best Time

June – October

Region

Southern Tanzania

Area

20,226 km²

Safari Style

Big Cats & Wild Landscapes

Overview

Discover Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s last truly wild safari destinations. Located in the heart of Southern Tanzania, it offers an authentic wilderness experience with vast open plains, ancient baobab forests, rocky escarpments, and the life-giving Great Ruaha River winding through its spectacular landscapes.

Unlike the busier parks of Northern Tanzania, Ruaha offers an exclusive safari atmosphere where visitors can enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing with very few vehicles. Its remote location and untouched beauty make it a favorite destination for experienced safari travelers seeking privacy, adventure, and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Wildlife & Landscape

Ruaha is renowned for its large lion prides, healthy leopard population, cheetahs, African wild dogs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, greater and lesser kudu, sable antelope, roan antelope, and more than 570 bird species. The Great Ruaha River attracts wildlife throughout the dry season, creating spectacular game viewing opportunities.

Why Visit ?

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path safari with breathtaking scenery, abundant predators, and one of Tanzania’s richest wildlife ecosystems, Ruaha National Park delivers an unforgettable experience far from the crowds while showcasing Africa at its wildest.

Highlights

Tanzania’s Largest National Park
Rare African Wild Dogs
Ancient Baobab Landscapes
Exceptional Lion Population
The Great Ruaha River
Exclusive Off-the-Beaten-Path Safaris

Things to do

Game Drives
Walking Safaris
Bird Watching
Wildlife Photography
Sundowner Experiences
Bush Picnic Adventures

Best Time to Visit

JAN – MAR

The landscape is lush and green following the rains, making it an excellent period for birdwatching, photography, and seeing young wildlife across the park.

APR – MAY

The rainy season transforms Ruaha into a vibrant wilderness. Although some roads may be challenging, visitors enjoy peaceful safaris with very few other vehicles.

JUN – OCT

The dry season offers the park's finest wildlife viewing as animals gather around the Great Ruaha River. This is the ideal time to observe elephants, large lion prides, leopards, and African wild dogs.

NOV – DEC

The short rains bring fresh greenery and excellent birdlife while still providing rewarding wildlife encounters in one of Tanzania's most untouched safari destinations.

Getting There

Ruaha National Park is located in central-southern Tanzania, approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) west of Iringa. While its remote setting is part of its appeal, reaching the park is straightforward with both domestic flight and road transfer options available through Lowen Safaris.

The fastest and most convenient way to visit Ruaha is by scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, or Serengeti to Msembe Airstrip, located inside the park. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and begin your safari immediately, allowing you to maximize your wildlife viewing time.

Travelers who enjoy scenic road journeys can drive from Iringa to the park in approximately two to three hours. Whether arriving by air or road, Lowen Safaris arranges all transportation, accommodation, and safari logistics to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

On the Map

Your Safari in Pictures

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Let’s Plan your Serengeti wonderful safari

Our Tanzania safari specialists will help you design the perfect itinerary based on your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences, and budget.