Established
1964
Size
20,226 km²
Elevation
750–1,900 m
Ecosystem
Miombo Woodland, Semi-Arid Savanna
Best Time
June – November
Entry Fee
$30 per adult/day
About Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest national park and arguably East Africa's best-kept wildlife secret. Covering a staggering 20,226 km² of rugged, untamed wilderness, Ruaha receives fewer visitors in an entire year than the Serengeti sees in a single month. The park sits at the transition zone between East and Southern African ecosystems, creating a unique species overlap. Ruaha boasts Tanzania's largest lion population (estimated at 10% of all Africa's lions), significant elephant herds, and one of the healthiest wild dog populations on the continent.
What Makes It Special
Tanzania's largest national park
10% of Africa's lions
Wild dog stronghold
East-Southern Africa species overlap
Virtually no crowds
Wildlife & Species
Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Best wildlife viewing
JulAugSepOct
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds, good value
JunNov
Green Season
Lush landscapes, birding
DecJanFebMarAprMay
Where to Stay
Jongomero Camp
Ultra-LuxuryRemote luxury tented camp on the Jongomero River, consistently rated one of Tanzania's finest.
From $900/night / night
Kwihala Camp
LuxuryAuthentic eight-tent bush camp with exceptional walking safari guides.
From $700/night / night
Ruaha River Lodge
Mid-RangeStone-and-thatch lodge perched above the Great Ruaha River with 24 bandas.
From $300/night / night
Safari Packages
5-Day Ruaha Wilderness Safari
Explore Tanzania's wildest frontier with Big Five and rare species
7-Day Southern Tanzania: Ruaha & Nyerere
Two vast parks with zero crowds and incredible predator viewing