Ruaha is a vast park of over 20,000 km² in south-central Tanzania. It is remote and uncrowded, and its flora and fauna mix East and Southern African species.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 20,226 km²
- Best time
- August to October
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Ruaha
- One of Tanzania's largest parks, with low visitor numbers
- Greater and lesser kudu; Ruaha is the southern limit of lesser kudu
- Large lion and elephant populations
- Guided walking safaris
- The Great Ruaha River
Best time to visit Ruaha
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Ruaha is August to October.
Dry season; wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River, and October is very hot.
A single rainy season peaking January-March; some camps close and some tracks become difficult.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 18–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 18–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 17–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| July | 13–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 14–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| September | 16–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 18–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 19–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| December | 18–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Ruaha includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, hyenas, kudu, sable antelope, eland, gazelles and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Most visitors fly by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or other parks to airstrips inside Ruaha; the road route via Iringa town is long.
Trips to Ruaha
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Ruaha for families
- Ruaha for a honeymoon
- Ruaha for photographers
- Ruaha for a first safari
- Ruaha on a budget
- Ruaha for luxury travel
Compare with
- Ruaha vs Nyerere
- Ruaha vs Serengeti
- Ruaha vs Tarangire
- Ruaha vs Lake Manyara
- Ruaha vs Ngorongoro
- Ruaha vs Akagera
Travelling to Ruaha from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ruaha?
Generally August to October. Dry season; wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River, and October is very hot.
How many days do I need in Ruaha?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Ruaha?
Most visitors fly by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or other parks to airstrips inside Ruaha; the road route via Iringa town is long.
Is there malaria in Ruaha?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.