National Park · Southern Tanzania
Ruaha National Park
Tanzania's second-largest national park, and a designated Lion Conservation Unit since 2005.
How to get there
By scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha; the overland route is long.
What to find
One of Africa's largest lion populations, and a true off-the-beaten-path safari with few other vehicles.
Overview
Ruaha National Park covers about 20,000 km² of rugged, dry landscape in southern Tanzania, making it the country's second-largest national park after Nyerere. The Great Ruaha River runs along its eastern side.
Ruaha is famous for big predators. The wider Ruaha landscape holds one of the largest lion populations in Africa, along with leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs. It's also one of the few places where greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope can be seen in one park.
Highlights
- Big lion prides and excellent predator viewing
- Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope
- Elephants along the Great Ruaha River
- Baobab-studded landscapes and very few vehicles
Things to do
Game drives
Along the river and sand rivers.
Walking safaris
Guided walks with armed rangers.
Fly-camping
Offered by some camps.
Best time to visit
June to October, when animals gather along the river. Many camps close in the long rains (around April and May).
Getting there
By scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Zanzibar. The road trip via Iringa is long.
Where to stay
Riverside lodges and tented camps.
Ruaha
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Tanzania →
Good to know
- Combine with Nyerere National Park for a complete southern circuit.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.