Sprawling across more than 20,000 square kilometres in the heart of Tanzania, Ruaha is the largest national park in the country. It encompasses the Great Ruaha River, which serves as the lifeblood of the park and attracts big-game species who come to rest and refuel along its banks.

Lions, leopards and cheetahs all call the Ruaha National Park “home”, as do buffalos, giraffes and sable antelope that can be seen on the baobab-dotted savanna and dramatic escarpments. Wallowing hippos, elusive wild dog and elegant Grant’s gazelle are also spotted, not to mention one of the largest concentrations of elephants in East Africa.

Other highlights of Ruaha include the bird-filled wetlands of the Usanga Game Reserve, which has been recognised as an Important Birding Area by Birdlife International for the more than 570 species recorded here. Migratory bird species fly from as far away as Australia to refuel here, alongside endemic Ruaha red-billed hornbills.

Want to visit the Ruaha National Park on your Tanzania safari? Check out our carefully curated section of safari adventures below.