Ruaha National Park

Pros & Cons

• Top wildlife viewing in the Dry season
• Guided walks available
• Superb for spotting predators, including big prides of lion
• One of the best places in East Africa to encounter wild dog
• Unusual antelope species such as greater kudu, roan and sable
• Very exclusive and it doesn't get crowded
• Balloon safaris from mid-June to October
• Relatively remote and there are very few budget options
• Animals are scattered during the Wet season
• Most lodges are closed from March to May

Wildlife

All big cats are regularly seen, and wild dog are the star attraction. They are especially easy to find when denning. Several antelope species that are rare or absent in northern Tanzania, such as greater and lesser kudu, roan and sable antelope, are often encountered.

• More about Ruaha's wildlife

Scenery

The main feature of the park is the Great Ruaha River, which attracts loads of animals in the Dry season. The dominant vegetation is brachystegia (miombo) woodland, and some areas are dotted with the impressive baobab tree.

Weather & Climate

Due to Ruaha being near the equator, temperatures don't change much from month to month. The area is at its coolest during the Dry season (May to October), which doesn't say much when the average afternoon temperature is around 27°C/81°F. The Wet season (November to April) piles on the heat and the humidity, with the rainfall at its heaviest early in this period.

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Best Time To Visit

The heat is less intense in the Dry season (May to October), though plenty of dust is kicked up as you move around the park. This is also when the resident animals are more often glimpsed, unable to hide in the sun-withered bush. Safaris can get uncomfortably steamy in the wetter months, and some roads may be inaccessible at this time.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Ruaha NP?

• Ruaha Safaris & Tours
  • Ruaha Budget Safaris
• Tour Operators for Ruaha