Name: Ruaha National Park
Address: Tanzania

Overview

Ruaha is more remote and much wilder than the Selous Game reserve, additionally in the south of the country. There are three primary regions for safari travellers to explore. The Ruaha River region is the most stunning with Mdonya forests and the Mbage-Mwagusi circuit. Ngalambulwa Mountain is the tallest point in the park reaching a summit of 5,250 feet (1,600 m). The biggest collection of elephants is situated here in Ruaha compared to elsewhere in Tanzania. Also, there is just about an assurance that safari-goers will see Great Kudu in view of their populace. Ruaha is additionally a bird lover's heaven with more than 570 types of birds found inside the park. The park offers hides and tree houses which are arranged in places that give magnificent perspectives on the watering spots most visited by wildlife.

High Season

June to October

Best Time to Go

June to October

Pros & Cons

The dry season is the best time to visit for the wildlife viewing experience
Guided walks are available
High numbers of predators including lion, leopard, cheetah
Wild dogs are most commonly sighted, third-largest in the world
Herbivores species such as eland, giraffe, roan antelope, spiral-horned kudu and warthogs can be spotted easily
Very exclusive and it doesn't get crowded
Balloon safaris from mid-June to October

Animals are dispersed during the Wet season
Relatively remote and there are very few budget options
Most lodges are closed from March to May

Map in Tanzania

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Gallery Images

Explore the stunning beauty of Ruaha National Park through our curated collection of photographs showcasing its landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders.

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Wildlife & Animals

The park has a huge elephant population that has kept on thriving regardless of the danger of poaching. Until now, around 10,000 elephants are dwelling within its boundaries. Roughly 20,000 zebras call the Ruaha National Park home. The park is also overflowing with herbivores species like eland, giraffe, roan pronghorn, twisting horned kudu and warthogs. Ruaha National Park is home to a variety of other mammals including large pride of lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras and giraffes and a variety of reptiles including crocodiles, agama lizards and both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

Wildlife Highlights

Wild dogs are the key attraction point in Ruaha National park which consists the third-largest population in the world. Ruaha is likewise home to the largest population of more prominent kudu in East Africa. Other rare impala species that can be seen here include lesser kudu, roan and sable gazelle.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit for Wildlife experiences is in the Dry Season from June to October. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. The male greater kudu is generally noticeable in June, the breeding season. The best time to see wild dogs are during their denning season, from June to August.

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Birds

Ruaha is an optimal location for bird lovers and is home to 570 bird species. This number can be increased during the wet season which is from November to April. Some extraordinary spots could incorporate kingfishers, bee-eaters, raptors, pale-billed hornbills and racquet-tailed rollers. This is likewise home to the uncommon Eleonora's Falcon during December and January.

Best Time for Birding

Ruaha can be visited year-round for birding, but at its best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present, and many resident birds are in breeding plumage. This makes it the best time for bird watching. The best time to watch wildlife is during the Dry season, which is from June to October.

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Best Time to Visit – Ruaha National Park

High Season

June to October

Low Season

Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas

Best Weather

Typically during dry months; check local patterns

Worst Weather

Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area