Tanzania’s Wild Heart of Safari

Ruaha National Park offers one of the most authentic and untamed safari experiences in East Africa. The adventure begins the moment your plane touches down, giraffes trot gracefully along the airstrip, zebras parade in the distance, and elephants stand like sentinels beneath towering baobab trees. Home to over 10,000 elephants, Ruaha boasts the largest population of these giants in any East African national park.

.

Vast Wilderness and Rugged Beauty

Second only to Katavi in its sense of unspoiled wilderness yet far more accessible, Ruaha spans a huge swath of semi-arid bushland in central Tanzania. Its lifeline is the Great Ruaha River, which surges with floodwaters in the rainy season, then shrinks to scattered pools in the dry months. These water sources draw wildlife from across the park, creating unforgettable game-viewing opportunities.

.

Predators and Big Game

The park is a haven for predators. Lions roam in prides of 20 or more, cheetahs stalk the open plains, and leopards hide in the shady riverine thickets. Spotted and striped hyenas patrol the grasslands, while the highly endangered African wild dog hunts in conspicuous packs.

During the dry season, herds of impala, waterbuck, and other antelope venture to the rivers and risk ambush from these skilled hunters. Ruaha also holds one of East Africa’s highest antelope diversities, from Grant’s gazelle and lesser kudu at the southern edge of their range to sable and roan antelope from the southern miombo belt, plus a thriving population of greater kudu, the park’s emblem.

.

Birdlife Paradise

With over 450 recorded bird species, Ruaha is a birdwatcher’s dream. Its position between eastern and southern habitats means you’ll find an unusual mix, from southern species like the crested barbet to central Tanzanian endemics like the yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling.

.

Why Visit Ruaha National Park

• Largest elephant population in East Africa
• Exceptional predator sightings, including lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog
• Rare mix of East and Southern African wildlife
• Birdwatching hotspot with over 450 species
• Expansive, uncrowded landscapes

Whether you’re tracking lions along the Great Ruaha River, spotting rare antelope in the miombo woodlands, or marvelling at vast herds of elephants under ancient baobabs, Ruaha National Park is a safari destination that captures the raw spirit of Africa.