Ruaha National Park

About Ruaha National Park

Located in central Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the country’s largest park, spanning over 20,000 square kilometers of rugged wilderness. Its remote beauty, dramatic landscapes, and exceptional wildlife make it a hidden treasure for safari enthusiasts seeking a more exclusive experience.

Highlights

Ruaha is famous for its huge elephant herds, intense predator populations, and striking scenery of rocky hills, baobab forests, and the life-giving Great Ruaha River. The park hosts more than 10,000 elephants and boasts one of the highest concentrations of lions and wild dogs in Africa. Birdwatchers can spot over 570 species, making Ruaha a paradise for nature lovers.

Getting There

Ruaha lies about 625 kilometers (390 miles) southwest of Arusha or a 2.5-hour flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Msembe Airstrip. For adventurous travelers, the park can also be reached via a long but scenic road journey (10–12 hours) through Tanzania’s heartland.

What to Do

Activities include game drives, walking safaris, and night drives that reveal the park’s nocturnal wildlife. Riverbank sundowners, photographic safaris, and cultural visits to nearby villages provide unique insights into Tanzania’s wild and rural soul. Ruaha’s remoteness and raw beauty deliver an authentic safari far from the crowds.