Ruaha National Park is a hidden gem, nestled in Tanzania’s remote southern circuit alongside Selous, Katavi, and Mahale. As Tanzania’s largest park, it attracts far fewer visitors yearly than the Serengeti, making it a genuinely exclusive getaway.

The park’s rugged terrain features open savannahs, lush acacia forests, and dry riverbeds adorned with palm trees alongside its striking red soil and iconic baobab trees. The diverse wildlife here is remarkable—a paradise for predators with leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and a staggering 10 percent of the world’s lion population.

The lions have adapted to hunting formidable prey such as giraffes and buffalo. Ruaha is also home to large herds of buffalo and elephants and 570 bird species. For the avid safari enthusiast, there’s a chance to spot rare antelope like roan, sable, and lesser and greater kudu. Visitors can immerse themselves in a unique safari experience through game drives, night excursions, walking safaris, and fly camping.

The ideal time to visit Ruaha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. The months from June to September offer warm days and cool nights, creating the perfect conditions for walking safaris. October and November bring hot, dry weather, with wildlife congregating around water sources.

Temperatures soar through March, which may prove uncomfortable for many travelers. The park bursts into life after the heavy rains in December—accompanied by humidity. Seasonal rivers begin to flow, plants bloom, the calving season kicks off, and migratory birds return. Note that camps are closed during April and May, aligning with closures in other parks within the Southwest Circuit.

Ruaha is easily accessible thanks to regular, reasonably priced flights from Dar es Salaam. It pairs beautifully with a visit to Selous for a proper remote safari experience or with the Serengeti (via direct flight), crafting the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.