Ruaha National Park, located in south-central Tanzania, is the country’s largest national park, covering approximately 20,226 square kilometers—nearly twice the size of Serengeti. Established in 1964, Ruaha is renowned for its wild, unspoiled landscapes, vast savannahs, rocky hills, and the meandering Great Ruaha River. The park offers an authentic African safari experience, attracting adventurers seeking solitude, abundant wildlife, and dramatic scenery.
Ruaha forms the heart of Tanzania’s southern safari circuit, connecting wildlife corridors to the nearby Usangu wetlands and Selous ecosystem, making it an important conservation area.
Ruaha is known for its extraordinary predator populations. It hosts one of the largest lion prides in Africa, making it an excellent location for big cat sightings. The park also protects healthy numbers of leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog. Massive herds of elephants and buffalos roam the plains, while kudu, roan antelope, and sable antelope thrive in the woodlands—species seldom seen in northern parks. With over 570 bird species, Ruaha is a birding paradise, especially along the riverbanks.
Visitors explore Ruaha primarily through guided game drives across its vast ecosystems, from riverbanks to woodlands and highlands. Some lodges offer walking safaris led by expert rangers for those seeking a deeper, on-foot connection with nature. Birdwatching is exceptional throughout the park, and river viewpoints provide unforgettable scenes of elephants, lions, and other wildlife congregating during the dry months.
Ruaha offers a range of intimate accommodation options, including luxury tented camps, classic safari lodges, and eco-friendly bush camps positioned near wildlife-rich areas. Many lodges sit along the Great Ruaha River, where guests often enjoy wildlife sightings directly from camp. Due to its remoteness, most properties operate on a full-board or all-inclusive basis.
Nairobi road, Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa
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