When is the best time to visit Ruaha National Park?

On our scoring, the strongest months are July, June, August. That score is computed from three years of rainfall and temperature: drier months concentrate animals around water and make the roads easier, which is what actually drives game-viewing. January scores lowest — usually because it is the wettest. That does not make it a bad month, but it is a different trip: greener, quieter and less predictable.

What is the weather like in Ruaha National Park in August?

Typically around 0mm of rain across the month, with daytime highs near 30°C. These are averages from the last three years of records, not a forecast — East African rainfall varies a great deal year to year.

How do I get to Ruaha National Park?

You fly. It is roughly 16.3 hours door-to-door from Arusha including transfers — there is no sensible road option.

How many nights should I spend in Ruaha National Park?

Two to three nights is where most people land, and three is better than two. One night means you arrive, sleep, and leave — you spend more of it driving than looking. The single most common planning mistake we see is too many parks with too few nights in each.

Accommodation is the biggest lever by a distance — ultra-luxury from about $1,100 a night, luxury from about $520 a night, mid-range from about $380 a night per person. The park itself, the guide and the animals are identical whichever you choose. Park fees are set by the government and charged per person per day.

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Southern Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

3 safaris 11 attractions mapped ● 19°C Clear

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Area 20 km²

Established 1964

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Coordinates -7.500, 35.000

Now 19°C · 6 km/h

Overview

About Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest and least visited major park, offering a raw wilderness experience. One of Africa's best destinations for African wild dog, it also holds large lion prides, 10,000+ elephants, and rare southern species like roan and sable antelope.

Ruaha National Park is a national park in Tanzania. In 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve and other important wetlands were added to the park, increasing its size to about 20,226 km2 (7,809 sq mi). The park is about 130 km (81 mi) west of Iringa. The park is a part of the 45,000 km2 (17,000 sq mi) Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which includes the Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

At a glance

5 picnic sites
6 viewpoints & attractions

Apr 74

May 93

Jun 98

Jul 99

Aug 98

Sep 93

Oct 88

Nov 77

Dec 49

Scored from three years of rainfall and temperature at this park — taller is better for game viewing. Green (short) months are wetter: thicker bush, wildlife more dispersed.

6-7 Days Photo: Ákos Helgert / Pexels

6–7 Day Ruaha National Park Safari

From $2,800 pp

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10 Days Photo: Peter Chilumba / Pexels

10-Day Southern Circuit Combo (Ruaha + Nyerere)

From $5,000 pp

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Ruaha National Park

About Ruaha National Park

At a glance

Every attraction, plotted

Picnic Sites

Mbuyu Ya Pick

Hondohondo

breakfast picnic site

Mbuni picnic site

Confluency picnic site

Viewpoints & Other Attractions

Korongo Viewpoint

Bandas (Huts)

Msembe 2 Public Campsite

Mdonya Public Campsite

Public Campsite

Hippo pool

When to visit Ruaha National Park

Safaris visiting Ruaha National Park

6–7 Day Ruaha National Park Safari

10-Day Southern Circuit Combo (Ruaha + Nyerere)

Ready to explore Ruaha National Park?