Long ago, the first trade routes used by Arab caravans travelled through what is now Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania, and later early European explorers followed the same paths. In the late 1800s, the celebrated Chief Mkwawa of the Hehe people resisted German attacks before eventually fleeing to the rocky outcrops in Ruaha.
Ruaha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa. How big is it? Well— Ruaha covers over 2 million hectares. For context, that’s about thirteen times the size of the Masai Mara in Kenya and two times the size of Jamaica.
My question to you then, is, can you imagine a national park as big as a country? Without any cities or people or anything—just open wilderness, filled with all of Africa’s greatest animals?
Despite its size and beauty, Ruah remains relatively unknown, drawing fewer than 10% of the annual visitor numbers enjoyed by the smaller but hugely popular Serengeti National Park, elsewhere in the country.
Yes, Ruaha is remote and the infrastructure here is less developed. But those who go to the effort of travelling slightly off the beaten track are well rewarded with a truly wild, untouched piece of Africa at her finest and, best of all, very seldom have to share with others.
The name “Ruaha” comes from the Hehe word for “river”. The Great Ruaha River winds through the Great Rift Valley, cutting through the landscape and acting as a lifeline for the park’s wildlife. Along with a few major tributaries, it’s one of the few permanent water sources in the area. This river system is not only central to the park’s ecosystem but also plays a key role in the region’s rich and complex history.
Ruaha National Park is famous for its raw, untamed wilderness. The landscape is a stunning mix of rocky outcrops, vast East African savannahs, and dense Miombo woodlands. But it’s the rivers that truly steal the show, carving their way through dramatic, steep gorges before stretching out to form wide, sandy beaches lined with towering palm trees. Even away from the rivers, the scenery doesn’t disappoint. Rolling hills are scattered with the striking, ancient “upside-down” Baobab trees.
Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s top safari destinations for wildlife, yet it remains a hidden gem, with only about 1% of the country’s visitors making their way there. Unlike the bustling Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or the Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha stays blissfully uncrowded. Even during peak season, the park never feels congested, giving you the feeling that you have this incredible wilderness all to yourself. It’s one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets for a reason.
Ruaha is a true wildlife paradise. It’s an untamed wilderness where you can spot a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the rare African Painted Wolves. But the wildlife doesn’t stop there—giraffes, zebras, greater kudus, roan and sable antelopes, oribi, dik-diks, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and elephants all roam the park. In fact, Ruaha is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania. For bird lovers, the park is equally impressive, with over 570 species making it a birdwatching haven.
One of the top activities in Ruaha National Park is embarking on game drives, giving you the chance to explore the park’s expansive savannahs while spotting a wide variety of wildlife. These drives are done in open-sided vehicles that come equipped with power outlets and fridges, making sure you stay comfortable as you experience the thrill of the bush.
In Ruaha National Park, you can also set off on guided walking safaris, offering a chance to dive into the park’s ecology and discover the fascinating smaller creatures that inhabit the area. As you trek through the wilderness, enjoy the peaceful silence of the bush, completely removed from the noise of vehicles. It’s a truly immersive experience.
For a truly unique experience, why not try a night safari game drive in Ruaha National Park? As darkness falls, you’ll get the chance to see nocturnal animals like leopards, genets, servals, and civets come to life under the cover of night. You might also spot bush babies, honey badgers, mongooses, and a variety of nocturnal birds such as nightjars and owls. It’s an unforgettable way to witness the park’s wild side after sunset.
The answer really depends on how much time you have for your safari in Tanzania.
If you have a few days to explore Ruaha National Park, you can easily add extra adventures to your trip.
Nearby highlights include the forest trails of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, the expansive plains and wildlife of Mikumi National Park, and the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Since most of these parks are located in Tanzania’s southeast, you won’t have to spend too much time traveling by road.
If you’re up for more distant adventures, you could head to parks like Katavi, Gombe Stream, or Mahale Mountains in the west, or venture north to the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire—though these require flights or long drives.
While flights can save time on a longer safari, they are pricey and can push your budget higher, so it’s worth considering the cost and time trade-off.
Ruaha offers a range of safari accommodations, both inside the national park and in the surrounding areas. Whether you’re after luxury suites with top-notch services or more rustic, no-frills experiences in the heart of untouched wilderness, there’s something for every traveler. Here’s a list of some of the top lodges in Ruaha:
The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is from June to October, when the dry season sets in, creating perfect conditions for exceptional wildlife viewing.
During this period, the bush thins out, making it easier to spot animals as they congregate around the few remaining water sources, such as rivers and waterholes.
The temperatures are more bearable, the skies are clear and sunny, and the risk of malaria is reduced due to fewer mosquitoes. It’s truly an ideal time for a safari adventure
The cost of a safari in Ruaha National Park can vary widely depending on the operator, but some tours and packages start at a fairly reasonable US$150 per person per day.
This price typically includes the operator’s fees as well as the national park fees, which are US$35 per adult and US$15 per child per day. The high season in Ruaha runs from June to October, when prices tend to be higher.
If you travel outside these months, you might find a slightly lower price, but it’s unlikely to make a huge difference, and you may face less favorable weather. Additionally, the cost will vary depending on whether you opt for a group safari or a self-drive experience.
We will be happy to answer all your questions about highlights, accommodations and possible travel routes!
Since 2016, Greenway Nature Tours Africa has been offering 4×4 vehicle rentals, safari packages with accommodations, and guided tours for both individual and group travelers throughout East Africa, covering countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The ideal time to visit Tanzania is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months provide the best weather for wildlife safaris, with less rainfall, making travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
