- Size
- 20,226 km²
- River
- Great Ruaha, 475 km
- From Dar es Salaam
- 625 km · or 2–2.5 hr flight
- Known for
- Lions, elephants, kudu
- Bird species
- 400+
- Airstrip
- Msembe
About Ruaha
Ruaha is wild Tanzania at its most authentic. The Great Ruaha River carves through rocky hills and baobab-studded plains, and in the dry season everything comes to drink.
The park supports one of the country's largest elephant populations and some of Africa's biggest lion prides. Ruaha is also a meeting point of eastern and southern species, so you can see greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope alongside giraffe, cheetah and leopard.
Things to do
Game drives
Follow the riverbanks for lion hunts, elephant herds and rare antelope.
Walking safaris
Track animals on foot with expert rangers.
Birdwatching
More than 400 species, including the racket-tailed roller and pale-billed hornbill.
Cultural visits
Meet Barabaig and Hehe communities who live near the park.
Gallery
Getting there
Charter or scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha land at Msembe airstrip inside the park (2–2.5 hours). By road, it is about 9–10 hours from Dar es Salaam via Iringa, then another 2 hours (128 km) to the gate.
When to go
June to October for the best game viewing and easiest roads. November to April is green and wonderful for birding, though some tracks become difficult.
Combine Ruaha with…
Ready to experience Ruaha?
No obligation, no hidden costs. Tell us what you dream of, and a local expert will design a private itinerary around you.