Ruaha National Park
Tanzania’s Wild Giant
If you’re looking for a safari that feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary, Ruaha National Park is your ticket. Covering over 20,226 km², it’s Tanzania’s second-largest national park and a haven for predators (with a large lion population), elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species. The Great Ruaha River cuts through the park, turning the surrounding savannah into a magnet for wildlife — and giving photographers endless opportunities for jaw-dropping shots.
Ruaha is still off the main tourist radar, which means you’re far from crowded game drives. The landscape is a dramatic mix of rolling hills, baobab-dotted plains, and miombo woodland, offering the kind of safari vistas that make you feel like the first person to ever set foot here.
Travel Tips
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Take your time and let the park reveal itself. Multi-day safaris are ideal here — you’ll find quiet corners where the only sound is the river and the calls of the wild.
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If you want to capture dramatic wildlife photos without crowds, Ruaha is unbeatable.
What to Do
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Game drives: Morning and evening drives reveal elephants, lions, leopards, and the occasional wild dog.
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Walking safaris: Explore hidden corners of Ruaha with an experienced guide.
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Photography safaris: The light over the baobabs and river creates epic opportunities at sunrise and sunset.
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Birdwatching: Over 570 species call Ruaha home, making it a dream destination for bird lovers.
When to Visit
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Wet season (November–May): Lush scenery, newborn wildlife, and abundant birdlife — but some areas may be harder to access. This is our favorite time because of the park’s beauty.
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Dry season (June–October): Animals gather near water sources along the Great Ruaha River, making sightings easier.
How to Get to Ruaha National Park
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By air: Fly to Ruaha airstrip (1h) from Dar es Salaam or with a short layover from Zanzibar or Arusha.
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By road: It’s a long drive from major cities, so most visitors prefer flying in and combining a multi-day stay.