Tanzania · Southern Tanzania
Ruaha National Park
Tanzania's largest park, and one of its emptiest.
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Plan a safari to Ruaha National Park
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Ruaha is vast, remote and dominated by the Great Ruaha river, which draws enormous numbers of animals as the dry season bites. It sits at a crossroads of eastern and southern African species, so you see greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan alongside the usual cast.
Vehicle numbers are a fraction of the northern circuit's. If you have already done the Serengeti and want wilderness, this is where we send you.
Why Ruaha National Park is unique
- One of East Africa's largest wild landscapes
- Exceptional lion and wild-dog country
- Baobab valleys along the Great Ruaha River
- Low visitor numbers
Park, conservation & permit fees
Park entry fee
USD 90 per adult / 24 hrs
Children under 12 are charged at 50% in our costing engine.
Indicative non-resident rates; final charges depend on travel dates, age, residency and authority updates. Confirmed fees appear in your itinerary and proforma invoice.
What you can expect to see
- Very large lion prides, some of the biggest recorded in Africa
- African wild dog — one of the continent's strongholds
- Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope
- Elephant in big dry-season aggregations on the river
Things to do
- River-focused game drives
- Walking safaris with an armed guide
- Night drives in the concessions
- Fly-camping for one or two nights
When to go
June – October
Dry season, best game concentrations and wild dog denning earlier in it.
December – March
Green, superb birding, some camps closed.
Getting there
- Light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous.
- Long road drive via Iringa for the budget-minded.
Where to base yourself
- Small camps along the Great Ruaha river
- Combine with Nyerere/Selous for a southern circuit
Planning notes from our team
- Give it three nights minimum — the flying time does not justify two.
Common questions
Northern or southern circuit?
North for the migration and the classic sights, south for wilderness, walking and far fewer people. If you have ten days or more, we combine them.
Why settle for a brochure safari
Plan a Ruaha National Park safari with a team that plans it around you
- Private guide and vehicle
- Named stays and itemised costs
- Availability checked before confirmation
Planning a Ruaha National Park safari?
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How to plan your Ruaha National Park safari
- 1
Tell us the basics
Dates, who is travelling, budget and what you most want to see. Two minutes in the planner or a short message.
- 2
Get a costed itinerary
A day-by-day route with named camps, flights, park fees and a clear total — plus alternatives if dates are tight.
- 3
Refine, then secure
Change anything until it feels right. A 50% deposit holds your camps; nothing is booked until you say so.