Ruaha for a first safari

Ruaha works for a first safari with some planning.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Ruaha for a first safari?

• 3–4 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and hippos.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 4 days. 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.

Activities that fit

game drives and walking safaris.

When to go

The best period overall is August to October.

Dry season; wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River, and October is very hot.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Ruaha guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.