Why Go on a Ruaha National Park Safari

Enquire

An Exclusive Safari Experience

Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania is named after the Hehe word for ‘river’. The Great Ruaha River runs through this conservation area and is vital for the animals and communities outside its boundaries.

The second-largest national park in Tanzania, Ruaha is a vast expanse of wilderness and home to many wildlife species. Due to its low visitor numbers, a safari here feels secluded and exclusive. During the dry season, the savannahs are golden and dotted with baobab trees, while misty hills stretch across the horizon. The annual rains bring lush green grasslands and nudge the ancient baobabs to bloom. Ruaha also provides a unique crossover habitat, housing wildlife species from both southern and east Africa, creating a unique game viewing destination.

A family of elephants walk along a dry riverbed, Ruaha, Tanzania

A herd of elephants follows ancient paths across Ruaha’s wide, sandy riverbeds.

A single giraffe walks in front of a large baobab tree in Ruaha National Park

Iconic baobabs stand tall across Ruaha’s rugged landscape, symbols of ancient wilderness.

Enjoy dinner under a tangerine sky with the sounds of Ruaha all around you.

A mother elephant and her baby playing in the mud - Ruaha, Tanzania

A tender moment as a mother elephant cools off with her calf in the shallows.

Zebra leaping in the air over a small puddle in Ruaha

A zebra bounds across dry terrain, kicking up dust in Ruaha’s wild heart.

A pair of lionesses rest in the sand in Ruaha, Tanzania

Lions lounge on the warm sand, conserving energy for the cool evening hunt.

Guests walking with their guide in Ruaha National Park, trees in the background

Experience Ruaha on foot with expert guides revealing secrets of the dry season bush.

Top 6 Reasons To Go On a Ruaha Safari

Remote And Scenic Landscapes
Ruaha is known for offering a rugged wilderness experience. Its dramatic terrain features rolling hills, large baobab trees, and the Great Ruaha River. This unspoiled natural beauty provides a backdrop for diverse wildlife and spectacular birdwatching safaris, making it a hidden gem in Tanzania, and capable of providing a true wilderness experience for those seeking off-the-beaten track adventure.

Wildlife
Ruaha is a wildlife haven, hosting one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations. Its vast landscapes are home to cheetah, lion, leopard, and endangered African wild dog. The park also supports a rich variety of birds, with over 570 species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Game Drives
Our expert guides will lead you on a safari game drive adventure through the Ruaha wilderness in search of magnificent herbivores, predators, and the diverse array of plains game that inhabit the park. Our game-drive vehicles are open-sided and equipped with power points and fridges, ensuring comfort during your time in the bush.

Walking Safaris
With an experienced and friendly guide, learn about ecology and the smaller fascinating creatures that make up this ecosystem on a walking safari. While surrounded by nature, revel in the silence of the bush, blissfully away from vehicle noise. Ruaha offers some of the best walking safaris in Africa, especially in September and October.

Night Drives
Experience another perspective of Ruaha by taking a night safari drive. As the sun sets, you can witness the emergence of nocturnal creatures such as leopard, genet, serval, and civet who come out to hunt. Additionally, you may encounter bush babies, honey badger, mongoose and nocturnal birds like nightjars and owls.

Boating Safaris
The Usangu wetland area boasts intricate waterways that swell and contract with the rainy season, making a boating safari a must. Birds and elephant herds frequent the waterways; this adventure is best enjoyed from June to August, before the waterways become too shallow.