Ruaha National Park

Why should you visit?

Ruaha National Park is the new safari frontier. Untamable, untouched, unconstrained Africa. One of the largest parks on the continent, it is also one of the least visited. Only a handful of visitors are here at a given time since its location lies between the popular Northern Tanzania and the South Africa destinations. This location straddles two distinct vegetation zones and results in multiple ecosystems and bounteous wildlife.

What can you see here?

Ruaha has an abundance of predators, and a particularly healthy lion population—it is not uncommon to see a pride with twenty or more! The rugged terrain of Ruaha is perfect for leopards and they are seen regularly. Both the greater and lesser kudu can be seen here, as well as the magnificent eland, sable, roan antelopes and bat eared foxes. Hyena and jackals are common camp visitors and their cries are often heard after dark.

What does a sample itinerary look like?

Here are a couple of itinerary ideas:

1. Northern Tanzania + Ruaha National Park

Northern Tanzania has its highlights – the ancient Ngorongoro Crater and seeing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park are not to be missed. How about combining a classic Northern Tanzania safari with a few days of true wilderness in Ruaha? Ruaha is for exploring! In addition to doing game drives during the day, you can go for guided bush walks and night game drives. These activities are not permitted in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, for example.

2. Ruaha National Park + Selous Game Reserve

Already been to the North? It’s time you visit Tanzania’s secluded South. Why not combine Ruaha with the Selous? Go for boat safaris along the Rufiji River in the Selous and spot nocturnal animals in Ruaha. The best of both worlds. You can fly from Ruaha to the Selous, spending at least 3 nights in each to truly enjoy the experience. Then, depart from Dar es Salaam or end with few days at the beach in Zanzibar.