Ruaha National Park: Tanzania’s Wild, Remote Big Cat Safari

From the capital, Dar es Salaam, fly south for two-and-a-half hours. Ducking your head as you disembark the light aircraft (bush taxi), you’ll find a pristine land of giant baobab trees, rolling hills and golden plains.

Though Ruaha is one of the largest national parks in the country, it’s visited by only a handful of very lucky, “enthusiastic” visitors who have heard tales of this not-so-tiny secret.

Biodiverse beauty

This area is an important stronghold for elephants in East Africa. Impressive herds can be found hydrating and cooling off along the banks of the Great Ruaha River. The water also attracts impalas and waterbucks – which, in turn, pull in the predators. The area hosts about a tenth of the world’s lions, competing with leopards and wild dogs.

There are nearly 600 bird species to ID. If that gets you hot under your bino straps, travel in the lush, rainy months of November to April – the holiday season for migrant birds from all over the world.

An explorer’s delight

Despite the richness of wildlife, you’ll find one particular species in blissfully short supply. Homo sapiens are more commonly found in other parks, where they can gather in large numbers. Their most observed behaviour is known as a ‘paparazzi frenzy’, usually focused on other large mammals. It can result in intense agitation for all concerned.

That’s a million miles from what you might experience in Ruaha. Sightings are often just for you. Be that watching a 20-strong pride of lions waking up ahead of a night of hunting. Sitting next to a wild dog den, watching the puppies spilling out to play. Or desperately fighting off a violent sneeze while skirting a herd of buffalos on a walking safari.

The Usangu wetlands

Sip a frosty beer by the flickering campfire, the dark wildness of the Usangu wetlands rolling out for miles around your remote six-tent expedition camp.

Lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs patrol this marshy land, preying on roan antelopes, kudus and impalas. The wetlands are new to tourism, so wildlife is precisely that – wild – and more camera-shy than show-off counterparts in more well-established areas. The real thrill is in exploring a place so utterly remote and untamed. And you can earn some serious bragging rights by being one of the first to visit the Usanga wetlands.

Birdlife is prolific. Twitchers, keep your binos close to hand because a Pel’s fishing owl could swoop past at any moment (non-birders – trust us when we say that’s a cool sighting).

What you'll see Ruaha Gallery

a herd of Buffalo drink from the Ruaha River

Lioness and her cub walking in Ruaha National Park.

On a game drive in Ruaha game reserve, a vehicle driving through the water photographed from another vehicle

Impala drinking from a pool of water in rthe dry season at Ruaha National park

Sunset through the dust in Ruaha National park

two elephants interacting in front of a large Tree in Tarangire the land of the giants

three baobabs in a row at Ruaha National park

Lovely scene with Gazelles and giraffe in the foreground at Ruaha national Park

A lone giraffe bows down before a baobab tree in Ruaha National park

Photo of a vehicle on a game drive in Ruaha national Park eith Palm trees in the background

A sunset image of Ruaha National Park in the dry season at Ruaha National Park

Game drive encounters two elephants rubbing up against a large termite mound in Ruaha National Park

a bauffalo herd grazing with breathtaking scenery of Ruaha National Park

Image of a vehical on a game drive with a herd of buffalo in the plains at Ruaha National Park

Image of the guide in the front seat with setting sun in the background at Ruaha

Image of guests enjoying a sunset walkig safari in Ruaha National Park

Frequently asked Questions

1. What makes Ruaha National Park different from Serengeti or Tarangire?

Ruaha is Tanzania’s wild card — vast, untamed, and blissfully uncrowded. Ruaha offers a more private and intimate safari experience with fewer visitors and an incredible sense of wilderness. Compared to Tarangire, which is smaller and known for its baobabs and elephants, Ruaha takes everything up a notch: bigger landscapes, larger elephant herds, more predators, and an untouched feeling you won’t find elsewhere.

2. What wildlife can I see in Ruaha, and is it a Big Five destination?

Yes — Ruaha is Big Five territory, but that’s just the start! Ruaha is home to one of East Africa’s largest elephant populations, often seen in enormous herds. Ruaha’s predator density is among the highest in Africa, making it a dream destination for big-game enthusiasts and photographers alike. Around 10% of the world’s lions live here — making it one of the absolute best places to see them, alongside leopards, cheetahs, and thriving wild dog packs. Of course, there’s plains game too — Kudu, sable, roan antelope, giraffes, and zebras roam freely. Nearly 600 bird species can be found, too, from lilac-breasted rollers to the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.

3. When is the best time to visit Ruaha for game viewing?

Dry season (June to October) offers peak wildlife viewing. Animals crowd around the Great Ruaha River, grass thins out, and predator action is at its best.

4. Is Ruaha National Park suitable for first-time safari-goers?

Yes — if you’re looking for a wilder, more immersive introduction to safari. Ruaha is quieter and less commercial than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, making it ideal for travellers who want space, exclusivity, and variety without the vehicle traffic. However, first-timers should know that Ruaha is more off the beaten track.

5. How do I get to Ruaha National Park from Dar es Salaam or Arusha?

From Dar es Salaam, the quickest option would be a 2.5-hour flight to Ruaha’s airstrip. From Arusha, you can fly via Dar or opt for a direct scheduled flight (around 4 hours), depending on the route.

6. Is Ruaha a good option for honeymooners or romantic safaris?

Yes! It’s perfect for couples who like a more off-the-beaten-path romantic experience. Think private riverside sundowners, starlit dinners, and secluded tented camps where it’s just you, the wilderness, and the occasional lion roar in the distance. The remote setting and crowd-free exclusivity make Ruaha a dream for honeymooners who want something beyond the mainstream.

7. Can I do walking safaris in Ruaha?

Yes, they’re a highlight here! Walking safaris get you up close with Ruaha’s incredible biodiversity, from ancient baobabs to hidden wildlife tracks.

8. How many days should I spend in Ruaha for a complete experience?

We recommend a minimum of 2 nights, but we definitely suggest extending your stay if you want to spend unhurried time with Ruaha’s predator populations and explore remote areas like the Usangu Wetlands. With its sheer size and diversity, Ruaha rewards travellers who linger a little longer.