Ruaha National Park Facts
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Ruaha National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest and wildest parks, covering about 20,226 square kilometres of baobab-studded hills, miombo woodland and river valleys in the south-central interior. Established in 1964, it is famous for big elephant herds, large lion prides, African wild dogs and antelope rarely seen in the north, all in a remote setting with few vehicles.
Ruaha National Park: Key Facts
The essentials for planning a private, tailor-made visit.
Size
About 20,226 km², one of Tanzania’s largest national parks.
Established
1964, managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
Location
South-central Tanzania, west of the town of Iringa.
Lifeline
The Great Ruaha River draws wildlife in the dry season.
Big game
Large elephant herds, big lion prides and leopard.
Rare species
African wild dog, greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope.
Landscape
Baobab hills, miombo woodland and sand rivers.
Best time
June to October for dry-season game viewing.
Best Ruaha Safari Packages by Season
Hand-picked southern circuit itineraries featuring Ruaha National Park, tailored privately by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.
6-Day Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari
A six-day fly-in safari linking Nyerere's Rufiji River boat safaris with Ruaha's vast wilderness.
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11-Day Best Of Southern Tanzania Safari
An eleven-day journey through Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha's finest southern-circuit wildlife.
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7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
A seven-day circuit through Nyerere, Mikumi, and the Udzungwa Mountains' rainforest and wildlife.
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7-Day Tanzania off the Beaten Track Safari
A seven-day safari exploring quieter parks away from the crowds.
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8-Day Authentic Tanzania Safari Tours
An authentic eight-day safari experience across classic Tanzania destinations.
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8-Day Remarkable Tanzania Safari
An eight-day journey across Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife areas.
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7-Day Tanzania Budget Camping Safari
A budget-friendly seven-day camping safari without compromising on wildlife.
View Package →11-Day Tanzania Safari for solo travelers
An eleven-day itinerary designed specifically for solo safari travelers.
View Package →Ruaha Safari Planning Guides
Ruaha National Park Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Ruaha National Park?
Ruaha National Park covers about 20,226 square kilometres, making it one of the largest national parks in Tanzania. Only a small part around the Great Ruaha River is regularly visited, so game drives feel remote and uncrowded even in the busiest months.
When was Ruaha National Park established?
Ruaha became a national park in 1964 and is managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). Its boundaries were later expanded to include more of the surrounding wilderness, creating today’s vast protected area in south-central Tanzania.
What animals is Ruaha known for?
Ruaha is known for large elephant herds, big lion prides, leopard and one of the most important populations of African wild dogs. It is also one of the best parks in Tanzania for greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, which are rare on the northern circuit.
Is Ruaha good for a first safari?
Ruaha suits travellers who want a wild, uncrowded experience. Many first-time visitors start in the north, while return travellers love Ruaha’s remoteness. It also combines well with Nyerere National Park or Zanzibar on a private southern circuit itinerary.
Plan Further: Ruaha National Park Guides & Resources
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