Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania

Ruaha National Park makes up part of the country’s lesser-known Southern Circuit. It lies to the west of the Selous Game Reserve, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest national park in Tanzania and East Africa. The name “Ruaha” originates from the Hehe word “Ruvaha”, which means “river”. The Great Ruaha River provides the perfect habitat for aquatic creatures, including hippos and Nile crocodiles. Its habitats range from rolling hills to open grassland, and from groves of baobabs to dense miombo and acacia woodland. The park forms the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which includes the Ruangwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area.

The Park is particularly famous for its predator sightings. It is home to approximately 10% of the world’s lion population and has the third-largest wild population in all of Africa. This park is also home to several antelope species that you will struggle to see in northern Tanzania, including the roan and sable antelopes, plus the greater and lesser kudu. There are huge elephant and buffalo herds that roam the park as well as a cross-over of the game from Southern and Eastern Africa that help add to the variety.

The park is also a real paradise for bird watchers, with over 500 species, including birds from other parts of the African continent. The most substantial and visible populations are the Black-collared lovebird and ashy starlings. There are also six species of both hornbills and vultures, favorites to see for African bird enthusiasts. 

The best game viewing in this national park is generally from Jun to November.