"Protecting some 20,220km2 of miombo and acacia woodland interspersed with boulder-strewn ridges, sandy fig-lined watercourses and stands of ancient baobabs, Ruaha is the largest national park in Tanzania, and one of the most biodiverse. It is particularly rewarding when it comes to big cats and other large carnivores, but it also known for its dense elephant population and excellent birdlife, and probably boasts the most varied antelope fauna in East Africa. ”
- Philip Briggs
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is the favourite of many regular East African safari goers, both for its compelling wilderness atmosphere and for its reliable superb game viewing.
It protects a rather harsh tract of semi-arid savannah swathed with miombo woodland and studded by the bulbous silhouettes of ancient baobabs. This climatic austerity is alleviated by the Great Ruaha River, which is the only source of perennial water in the vicinity, and forms the focal point of most of the park’s game viewing circuits.
For cat lovers, prides of 20-plus lion might be encountered anywhere in Ruaha, while cheetahs are often seen on the grassy Lundu Plains, and leopards are most likely to be encountered on the rocky slopes of Kilimatonge Hill.
Other wildlife includes the endangered African wild dog, an elephant population estimated at 15,000, and a diversity of antelope – among them sable, roan, greater kudu, lesser kudu and Grant’s gazelle – reflecting the park’s transitional location to the northern acacia and southern miombo biomes.
Likewise, the rewarding birdlife includes central Tanzanian endemics such as black-collared lovebird and Tanzania red-billed hornbill alongside predominantly southern species such as the gaudy crested barbet.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with brief, heavy showers or thunderstorms often occurring in the afternoon. The heat combined with humidity can make things a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day, and travellers may find that roads can also be very tricky to navigate! All in all, this is not an ideal time to visit unless you are very keen to sight migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with brief, heavy showers or thunderstorms often occurring in the afternoon. The heat combined with humidity can make things a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day, and travellers may find that roads can also be very tricky to navigate! All in all, this is not an ideal time to visit unless you are very keen to sight migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with brief, heavy showers or thunderstorms often occurring in the afternoon. The heat combined with humidity can make things a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day, and travellers may find that roads can also be very tricky to navigate! All in all, this is not an ideal time to visit unless you are very keen to sight migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
April generally marks the end of the rains, and as time moves on these showers become milder and less frequent. It is still recommended to avoid this month unless you are very keen to sight migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the land recovers from the long rains, gradually drying up. As this happens, wildlife begins to migrate back to the park. This increase in numbers combined with thinning vegetation make this the perfect time to visit Ruaha.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the land recovers from the long rains, gradually drying up. As this happens, wildlife begins to migrate back to the park. This increase in numbers combined with thinning vegetation make this the perfect time to visit Ruaha.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the land recovers from the long rains, gradually drying up. As this happens, wildlife begins to migrate back to the park. This increase in numbers combined with thinning vegetation make this the perfect time to visit Ruaha.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the land recovers from the long rains, gradually drying up. As this happens, wildlife begins to migrate back to the park. This increase in numbers combined with thinning vegetation make this the perfect time to visit Ruaha.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the land recovers from the long rains, gradually drying up. As this happens, wildlife begins to migrate back to the park. This increase in numbers combined with thinning vegetation make this the perfect time to visit Ruaha.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
During this period the land recovers from the long rains, gradually drying up. As this happens, wildlife begins to migrate back to the park. This increase in numbers combined with thinning vegetation make this the perfect time to visit Ruaha.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
The start of the wet season. This is a rather unpredictable time of the year with frequent, brief showers or thunderstorms. The heat combined with humidity can be a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day, and travellers may find that roads are more difficult to navigate.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
The start of the wet season. This is a rather unpredictable time of the year with frequent, brief showers or thunderstorms. The heat combined with humidity can be a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day, and travellers may find that roads are more difficult to navigate.
Its proximity to the equator means that Ruaha National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the altitude (721 to 1,863m/2,365 to 6,112ft) moderates these to an average daytime temperature of 27°C/81°F within the main driving circuit of the park, temperatures can at times peak at over 40°C/104°F before the beginning of the rains. Mornings may still be surprisingly chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
Unlike most of Tanzania where there are two distinct wet seasons, Ruaha has just one long extended wet season from November to April. Characterised by brief afternoon thunderstorms, it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Ruaha is a seasonal park, with superb game-viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more densely concentrated. The best time to visit is therefore the height of the dry season.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
