Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest protected areas, covering about 20,226 sq km of remote wilderness in the country’s south-central region. Established in 1964 and substantially expanded in 2008 with the addition of the Usangu Game Reserve and surrounding wetlands, Ruaha remains one of Africa’s least-visited major parks despite its scale and wildlife.
The park at a glance
- About 20,226 sq km, established in 1964 and expanded in 2008
- Named for the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is the main focus for game viewing
- Over 571 recorded bird species
- Only around 21,000 visitors recorded in a recent year, reflecting its remoteness
Wildlife along the Great Ruaha River
The Great Ruaha River draws large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and a range of antelope species, including several kudu species not commonly found together elsewhere in Tanzania. Ruaha’s elephant population has faced significant pressure from poaching in past years, falling substantially from an estimated 34,000 in 2009, and ongoing protection efforts remain a priority for the park’s management. Cheetah, leopard, wild dog and hyena are all present, making Ruaha a strong destination for predator sightings away from crowds.
A remote destination
Ruaha’s distance from Tanzania’s northern circuit, reached via a dirt road from Iringa town or by light aircraft to one of its airstrips, keeps visitor numbers low even by southern Tanzania standards. For travelers willing to make the drive out, this translates into some of the least crowded game viewing left in East Africa.
Things to do
- Game drives along the Great Ruaha River for elephant, buffalo and predators
- Birdwatching across the park’s varied habitats
- Walking safaris with armed rangers in designated areas
- Combining a visit with Nyerere National Park for a fuller southern Tanzania circuit
Practical information
- Reached by a dirt road from Iringa, about 130 km, or by scheduled flights to Ruaha’s airstrips
- Best visited in the dry seasons from June to October and January to February
- Limited infrastructure makes booking through an experienced operator especially useful here
Ruaha offers scale and genuine remoteness for travelers who want to go beyond Tanzania’s better-known parks. Offmap Safaris can combine it with Nyerere National Park for a southern Tanzania circuit. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.