Male Lion guarding Giraffe Kill at Ruaha Natl Park Tanzania

Ruaha

Ruaha National Park is a captivating and remote wilderness located in central and southern Tanzania. Spanning an area about half the size of Switzerland, comparable to the state of New Jersey, the park is one of Tanzania’s largest. Despite its vast size, it accommodates only 9 lodges and camps—far fewer than the significantly smaller Serengeti, which has over 300. This makes Ruaha (not only) feel wilder and more untouched than many of the parks in the “Northern Circuit.”

Because of its size and geographic extent, Ruaha spans roughly three zones, each with distinct vegetation and animal populations. The park is home to 10% of the remaining African lions, which is why you’ll see plenty of them in my photo gallery below. Ruaha also boasts large populations of both greater and lesser kudu antelopes. In the southwestern sectors of the park, you can spot the rare roan and sable antelopes. There are large elephant herds and abundant giraffes. The elusive wild dog is occasionally spotted, and leopards are quite common. Cheetahs are also present, though they are less prevalent than in the Serengeti, as the park lacks the extensive open plains they favor.

The central section of the park, particularly along the Great Ruaha and Mwagusi rivers, offers stunning landscapes, with rolling hills, dry riverbeds, baobab trees, and unobstructed views from the escarpment. Ruaha’s average elevation is around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, but it varies from 750 meters (2,460 feet) in the Ruaha valley to 1,868 meters (6,129 feet) at the summit of the escarpment.

Ruaha is a beautifully rugged wilderness, where you are likely to encounter plenty of wildlife and few other visitors. My photographs below will give you a glimpse of this untouched beauty. To return to the destinations overview, click here.

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Nyerere National Park (Selous)

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Saadani National Park