​Overview – Ruaha NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Ruaha is now Tanzania's second largest national park (after Nyerere NP) and offers excellent wildlife viewing. It is particularly good for spotting predators, including very large prides of lion and the endangered wild dog. Elephants and a variety of antelope species are another big draw to the park. It also has outstanding wilderness appeal, with limited exclusive, luxury camps available.

Best Time To Go June to October
High Season June to October (Ruaha rarely experiences crowds)
Size 20,220km² / 7,807mi²
Altitude 721-1,863m / 2,365-6,112ft

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

Ruaha NP Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

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.

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.

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.

Want To Visit Ruaha NP?

Ruaha NP Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Philip Briggs  –  
South Africa ZA

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

The Connoisseur’s Choice
5/5

Many seasoned East African safari-goers regard Ruaha to be the most rewarding of all East African game reserves, and while I’d rate it slightly below the Serengeti for overall game viewing, it is certainly one of the region’s very...

Full Review

Latest User Review
Dr Douglas Ansley  –  
United Kingdom UK
Reviewed: Nov 5, 2022
5/5

Even better than Nyerere but no more stars available!

Full Review