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Ruaha NP
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time To Visit
Weather & Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time
Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
- Live Location
- View Photos
- Open Map
Best Time To Go
June to October offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
High Season
June to October, but Ruaha remains refreshingly uncrowded.
Size
20,220 km² / 7,807 mi²
Altitude
721-1,863 m / 2,365-6,112 ft
Ruaha National Park is a premier destination for predator sightings, renowned for its formidable lion pride and thriving wild dog packs. Here, you can witness the raw power of lions defending their territories and experience the thrill of spotting elusive wild dogs, especially during their denning season. The park’s rich ecosystem also boasts impressive elephant herds and a diverse array of antelope species, making Ruaha an unparalleled wildlife spectacle. This untamed wilderness offers a captivating and authentic safari experience, where every encounter with nature is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Ruaha National Park’s landscape is a masterpiece of nature. The Great Ruaha River carves its way through sandy tributaries, giving life to the rugged terrain. Beyond the riverbanks, a mosaic of miombo woodlands, sweeping savannahs, ancient baobabs, and striking rocky outcrops unfolds. This breathtaking scenery embodies the raw, untamed spirit of Ruaha, offering a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
Ruaha National Park, nestled near the equator, enjoys a consistently inviting climate. The Dry season, from May to October, brings the park’s most temperate days, with gentle warmth averaging 27°C (81°F). When the Wet season arrives from November to April, brief showers infuse the air with refreshing humidity, revitalising the lush landscape. This harmonious blend of sun and rain creates a vibrant, ever-changing environment, making Ruaha an awe-inspiring destination year-round.
For an unforgettable safari, visit Ruaha during the Dry season (May to October). This period offers comfortable temperatures and heightened wildlife activity, with animals gathering around the Great Ruaha River, making for exceptional sightings. The Wet season (November to April) transforms the park into a lush, vibrant paradise, but intense heat, humidity, and challenging road conditions come with it. Each season offers a unique experience, whether you seek the ease of wildlife viewing or the raw beauty of Ruaha’s untamed wilderness.
Ruaha National Park is a true wilderness, celebrated for its vast elephant herds and remarkable wildlife encounters. Aside from rhinos, nearly every iconic safari animal roams freely here. Towering lion pride, sometimes over 20 strong, patrol the land, and even the mighty buffalo is not beyond their reach. Ruaha offers a raw, awe-inspiring safari experience where the untamed beauty of nature takes centre stage.
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- Common
- Occasional
- Rare
- None
- Occasional
- Occasional
- Occasional
- Occasional
- Abundant
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Rare
- None
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Ruaha National Park is a haven for wild dogs, offering one of the best chances to witness these fascinating pack animals in their natural environment. The park is also home to East Africa’s largest population of greater kudu and rare antelope species like the lesser kudu, roan, and sable antelope. Ruaha’s unmatched biodiversity makes every encounter a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
For an unparalleled wildlife experience, visit Ruaha National Park from June to October. As the Dry season peaks, the landscape opens up, revealing wildlife gathered along the Great Ruaha River. June offers a special treat, with male greater kudu showcasing themselves during the breeding season. Wild dogs are also more visible during their denning season from June to August. This is when Ruaha’s wild beauty truly shines, offering a unique and awe-inspiring safari adventure.
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Notable Birds in Ruaha NP
Ruaha National Park offers exceptional bird watching year-round, but the experience is truly awe-inspiring from November to April. During this time, Palearctic and intra-African migrants fill the skies, and resident species, adorned in their vibrant breeding plumage, are actively nesting. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Dry season from June to October is ideal, offering the best opportunities for spotting game in the park’s open landscapes. Each season brings its own unique magic to Ruaha, making every visit unforgettable.
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
From June to October, Ruaha National Park unveils its hidden wonders. As the Dry season deepens, the bush recedes, revealing a rich tapestry of wildlife gathering around the Great Ruaha River. This is the moment when nature’s drama unfolds, offering unmatched opportunities to witness Ruaha’s diverse and awe-inspiring fauna in their most captivating setting.
Best Time
June to October (Unparalleled wildlife encounters)
High Season
June to October (Ruaha remains uncrowded)
Low Season
April and May (Secluded and quiet, with many lodges closed from March through May)
Best Weather
June to October (Clear skies and rare rainfall)
Worst Weather
December to March (Tropical rains at their peak)
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Ruaha National Park experiences a consistently hot and arid climate, with slight temperature variation year-round. The warmest months stretch from October to March, while June to August brings a cooler breeze. The Dry season, from May to October, is marked by clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it the perfect time for wildlife viewing. The Wet season takes over from November to April, with afternoon thunderstorms adding drama to the landscape, though full-day rains are rare.
- From May to September, Ruaha National Park is bathed in endless blue skies, with rain becoming a distant memory. The land gradually transforms into a dry, dusty expanse, where every detail of the wild comes into sharp focus. Daytime temperatures hover around 26°C/79°F, while the nights bring a refreshing coolness at 14°C/57°F.
- As October approaches, the heat intensifies, with temperatures rising to 29°C/84°F, marking the end of the Dry season and the anticipation of the rains to come.
- Ruaha National Park comes alive during the Wet season, where the air is thick with humidity, and the landscape thrives. Daytime temperatures hover around 29°C/84°F, with nights offering a cooler 17°C/63°F.
- November and December: The rains begin, usually in dramatic afternoon showers, with temperatures often soaring past 38°C/100°F before the skies open.
- January to March: Afternoon rains persist, though they rarely linger all day. Expect warm days around 29°C/84°F and crisp mornings at 16°C/61°F.
- April: As the rains taper off, the park transitions out of its lush state, with temperatures easing to 28°C/82°F during the day and 16°C/61°F at night.
- Live Location
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Safaris to Ruaha National Park often begin in Dar es Salaam, with Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) as the gateway or from the enchanting island of Zanzibar via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). We handle every detail from the moment you arrive, from airport pickup to seamless transfers, whether by air or along the rugged roads.
The overland journey from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha is an adventure in itself. It spans 600km/373 mi and takes at least 11 hours* through a landscape that shifts from cityscape to wilderness. For those seeking a pause, a stopover at Mikumi National Park—320km/200 mi from Ruaha and about 6 hours* from Dar—offers a welcome break amid stunning scenery.
- Main Park Location
Explore a world of possibilities with Skyscanner. Discover the best airlines and unbeatable fares to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Start your journey now.
The quickest path to Ruaha National Park is by scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, touching down directly on one of the park’s remote airstrips. We arrange these flights as part of your journey, ensuring a smooth transition into the wild. For those exploring the Southern safari circuit, a network of flights seamlessly connects the parks, while travellers from the Northern circuit can easily reach Ruaha via flights from Arusha. This is your gateway to the heart of Tanzania’s untamed beauty.
Among the distinguished airlines offering these services are:
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Please refer to our FAQ—Tanzania pages for detailed information regarding passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Ruaha National Park is a haven of security, with crime being virtually non-existent within Tanzania’s parks and reserves. Safety concerns are generally confined to urban areas, where standard precautions are advisable. See the ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ section below for detailed guidance. On an organised tour, your guide will ensure your well-being, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the safari experience.
For a safe journey to Ruaha, consider taking antimalarial medication as a precaution. Enhance your protection by applying DEET-based mosquito repellent and wearing long trousers and closed shoes in the evenings. Before you embark on your adventure, consult with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic to ensure you’re up-to-date on necessary vaccinations.
Wildlife viewing is a safe and awe-inspiring experience when you follow the park’s guidelines and your guide’s expert advice. For added peace of mind, explore our ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below, crafted to ensure your adventure is as secure as it is unforgettable.
Discover Ruaha Safari Tours
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 4 places
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 3 places
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 3 places
