Ruaha (Tanzania) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ruaha | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 20,226 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | August to October | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ruaha | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in April
- you hope to see hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs and sable antelope
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in July and December to March
- you want night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see wildebeest, oryx and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ruaha or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ruaha is stronger in April. Tarangire is stronger in July and December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Ruaha: August to October. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals) · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.