Tanzania's Wild and Remote Heart
Best for
Off-the-beaten-path safaris, big game, birding, wilderness
Best time
June – October (dry season)
Wildlife
Elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, sable, roan and 570+ birds
Location
Southern Tanzania, part of the Ruvuma Basin and Great Ruaha ecosystem
Ruaha is Tanzania's largest national park and one of Africa's last great wildernesses. Sculpted by the Great Ruaha River, this remote landscape of baobabs, escarpments and open plains is home to enormous elephant herds, big cats, wild dogs and extraordinary birdlife.
Ruaha is a land of contrasts — towering baobabs, rugged outcrops, golden grasslands and lush riverine forests. The Great Ruaha River cuts through the heart of the park, creating life-giving corridors and dramatic seasonal scenery. Its remoteness means fewer vehicles and a wilder experience.
Towering baobabs, rugged outcrops, golden grasslands and lush riverine forest.
Some of Tanzania's highest densities of elephant and prides of lion, plus endangered wild dog.
Game drives, guided walking safaris, birding excursions, fly-camping and photography.
On the ground
Vital water source attracting wildlife and creating lush riverine habitats.
Iconic baobab trees and rocky kopjes define Ruaha's timeless African scenery.
One of Tanzania's best places to see endangered African wild dog in the wild.
Vast, uncrowded wilderness perfect for immersive safaris and fly-camping adventures.
Game drives
Explore vast wilderness with very few other vehicles.
Walking safaris
Guided walks through big-game country.
Birding excursions
Over 570 species, from raptors to bee-eaters.
Fly-camping
Nights under the stars in remote wilderness.
Photography safaris
Baobabs, escarpments and extraordinary light.
Bush Dining & Sundowners
Meals and drinks out in genuinely wild country.
Wildlife you can expect
Elephant — Enormous herds along the river corridors.
Lion — Strong prides and frequent sightings across the park.
African wild dog — One of Tanzania's best places to see them.
Leopard — Rocky kopjes and riverine forest hold good numbers.
Kudu & sable — Greater kudu, sable and roan antelope.
Birdlife — Over 570 species — a premier southern birding site.
Where to stay
A few of the properties we book here. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match the camp to the journey.
“In Ruaha, luxury is often about space, guiding and being far from other vehicles rather than elaborate facilities. We choose the camp according to how deeply the client wants to experience the wilderness.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
Combine Ruaha with Nyerere National Park for the ultimate southern Tanzania wilderness adventure.
Sunny days, cool nights and excellent wildlife viewing around water.
Lush landscapes, blooming flora and incredible birding.
From $14,635 PPSTanzania
From $15,000 PPSTanzania
From $12,000 PPSTanzania
From $10,105 PPSTanzania
Tell us what excites you
Our safari designers will build a tailor-made journey around it — the right camp, the right season and the right pace.