Ruaha National Park is one of our favourite wildlife locations anywhere – it is wild and pristine, with quality small...
A safari in Ruaha National Park is special for its raw wilderness, exceptional predator sightings, and low visitor numbers. As Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha offers vast, untouched landscapes of baobabs, rocky escarpments and the life-giving Great Ruaha River. It’s one of Africa’s best places to see lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, guided by some of the continent’s finest naturalists. With just a handful of boutique camps, safaris here feel exclusive, authentic and deeply connected to nature — the perfect destination for travellers seeking true adventure away from the crowds.
Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets and offers an exceptional safari experience on a path far less travelled. Big game is excellent and the birdlife is prolific with over 500 species making for excellent viewing during the wetter months as well.
Alongside open top game drives, the walking is wonderful here, plus night drives and fly camping are all possible.
The best months to visit are traditionally drier months of July, August, and September, but the shoulder months of June and October are also excellent, while the hotter time of January to early March is great value, especially at our more luxurious camps and lodges. Camps tend to close for the wet season from mid March until the end of May each year.
Most visitors arrive into Ruaha National Park by air from Dar es Salaam or Nyerere, alternatively, it is possible to connect with flights directly to the northern parks.
Limited accessibility means low visitor numbers and we would recommend a minimum of 3 nights or longer to gain full reward.
Our favourite place to stay : Ikuka Tented Camp.
Other luxury camps include : Jongomero Camp, Jibali Ridge and Kigelia Camp.
Good lower cost option: Mdonya Old River Camp.
