Where to go

Ruaha National Park

Only a handful of people come here a year which, considering the quality of game, is madness...

Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park

Approximately an hour and a half flying time to the west of the Selous, Ruaha National Park is often paired with its neighbour and provides the perfect foil. Where the Selous is verdant and riverine, Ruaha is barren and sparse. Where the Selous has elephant, hippo and crocodile, Ruaha has lions, buffalo and leopard. In every sense, to step into Ruaha is to step into how Africa has existed forever.

A much smaller park than the Selous, Ruaha sits, almost, in the centre of the country and is surrounded by scorched red earth and not much else. Named after the Great Ruaha River that runs through the northern section of the park (and continues east to meet with the Rufiji River), the park is still very much untouched by tourism and the advent of civilisation.

The first striking feature of the park, apart from the red soil, is the baobab trees that mark the horizon in every direction. These archaic and sedentary trees are often found in large forests and make for some remarkable sights on a game drive. Another remarkable feature of the park is the large populations of lion that inhabit. Often seen in prides of up to 25 and even thirty, the lions of Ruaha are often seen taking on the mighty cape buffalo that wander the plains and it is one of the only places in Africa that this phenomenon can be seen regularly. (if this is your thing then the Duba Plains to the east of Botswana's Okavango Delta is definitely a must visit for you where the lion prides here have made it a speciality!)

Due to the distance (and cost) involved in getting here, many safari goers tend not to bother making the trip and so there are few options for accommodation....but this is a good thing...trust us! The range that there is caters to pretty much everyone with low impact tents to luxurious lodges all being on offer. For us, the best game is to be seen in the central areas of the park around the Msembe region and the Mdonya River.

Best time to visit Ruaha National Park:

  • MJan
  • MFeb
  • MMar
  • NApr
  • NMay
  • YJun
  • YJul
  • YAug
  • YSep
  • YOct
  • MNov
  • MDec
  •   = Yes   = No   = Maybe

    At a glance...Ruaha National Park

    • Size 8,050 square miles
    • Location Central, 1.5 hours flight west of Selous GR
    • Recommended time 3 to 6 nights
    • Time to visit June to Nov & Jan to Mar
    • Safari Activities Walking, driving
    • Topography open grassland and baobab
    • Main species Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, lesser kudu, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe

    Further reading...

    Our top five hotels & lodges in Ruaha National Park:

    1. Kwihala Camp

      One of the newest additions to Ruaha, Kwihala Camp has, after a few years, managed to find its place. Originally sold as a high end, luxury tented camp, they asked a lot of money for a stay here, and it struggled. Today they have paired things down a little, or at least adjusted their prices to... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      3
    2. Mwagusi Camp - Bedroom

      Mwagusi Camp

      Without doubt our favourite camp in Ruaha, Mwagusi Camp is a rare occurrence these days...a camp where the owner is to be found almost year round, where the game is spectacular, where the food and service are impeccable and where you can truly feel at home. This balance of elements means that... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      3
    3. Jabali Ridge

      Jabali Ridge

      Sat in the northern area of the Selous, Jabali Ridge is the latest Asilia property which opened its doors in September 2017. The lodge is at on a rocky kopje and homes 8 luxury suites, an infinity pool, a spa and plenty of places to laze around and enjoy the beauty and remoteness of Ruaha. But with... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      5
    4. Mdonya Old River Camp - view

      Mdonya Old River

      As with Mdonya's sister camp, Lake Manze, in the Selous, Mdonya Old River Camp is a simple and elegant camp that offers great value for money along with a true bush experience. It is not for those looking for brass taps and massages, but what it does it does really, really well! Again, the concept... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      2
    5. Kichaka Camp - sundowners

      Kichaka Camp

      Kichaka Expeditions are perfect for the adventurer, offering safe and memorable walking safaris through the wilderness and untouched parts of Ruaha National Park. Guided by Andrew Molinaro, famously known as ‘Moli’, the walking safari aims to take you as far away from civilization as possible, yet... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4