Ruaha National Park

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 days safari in Uganda and Tanzania

10-days Northern Circuit Route to Kilimanjaro

African Safari Tours Tanzania here is about elephants, lions, and wild dogs. Ruaha has one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. You will see herds of over a hundred animals along the river. The lions here climb trees, sprawled across baobab branches. Leopards are common. You have a good chance of seeing one at dusk. Ruaha is one of the best places to see the endangered African wild dog. Large herds of buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and greater kudu roam the hills. Hippos and crocodiles pack the river. The best time for wildlife is the dry season from June to October. Early morning and late afternoon drives are best. Bring binoculars.

Birders will love Ruaha. The park has over 570 bird species. The river attracts fish eagles, herons, storks, and kingfishers. Baobab trees are home to hornbills and barbets. Open woodlands have lilac breasted rollers. Look for the rare Eleonora's falcon and the endemic Ruaha red billed hornbill. The best time for birding is the wet season from November to April. Early morning is best. Bring good binoculars.

The dry season from June to October is best for wildlife. Animals gather around water. Vegetation is thinner. This is also best for walking safaris. The wet season from November to April is best for birding. For most travelers, the sweet spot is June through October. Bird lovers should come in January or February.

Ruaha is hot and dry for most of the year. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Nights drop to 15°C to 20°C. The dry season from June to October has no rain and clear skies. The wet season from November to April brings afternoon showers. Wear light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring insect repellent.

Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to one of the park's airstrips. The flight takes about two hours. You can also drive from Iringa town, about three to four hours. A 4x4 vehicle is essential. Most travelers choose to fly. It saves time.

Ruaha is safe but very remote. The nearest hospital is in Iringa, hours away. Stay inside your vehicle unless your guide says otherwise. Do not approach elephants, lions, or hippos. Malaria is a high risk. Bring insect repellent, sleep under a mosquito net, and take malaria pills. Drink bottled water. Wear sunscreen.

Accommodation ranges from luxury to basic. Jongomero Camp and Ruaha River Lodge are excellent. For mid range, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge is good. For budget travelers, there are basic public campsites inside the park. Bring your own tent, food, and water. Book well in advance for the dry season.

When you book African Safari Tours Tanzania with us at Dav Safaris, we offer reliable, well organized trips to Ruaha National Park. Our local guides know the park inside and out. They know where the wild dogs den, where the lions climb trees, and where the elephants gather along the river. We handle everything including flights, park fees, guides, accommodation, and all meals. You just show up with your camera and your sense of adventure. Our itineraries are flexible. Want to focus on wild dogs? We can do that. Want to combine Ruaha with Nyerere or Zanzibar? We can arrange it. We support local communities by hiring Tanzanian guides and using locally owned camps. For a safe, stress free, unforgettable African Safari Tours Tanzania experience, we are the best choice. You focus on the wilderness and the wildlife. We handle everything else.