Home to the highest concentration of elephants in East Africa, as well as plenty of predators and an impressive number of bird species, Ruaha National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The area gained national park status in 1910 and was expanded in 1946 and 2008, forming part of the larger Rungwa-Kizingo-Muhesi ecosystem.

Ruaha National Park receives fewer visitors than the nearby Nyerere National Park and other popular safari destinations in northern Tanzania, making it an authentic bush experience. The best way to access the park is through daily flights from either Dar es Salaam or Nyerere National Park. While it is possible to access the park by road from Dar es Salaam, it is not advisable due to long distances on bumpy and poorly maintained roads.

Ruaha National Park is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Tanzania, offering an unparalleled safari experience. The park is home to a wide variety of mammal and bird species that attract visitors from all over the world. Wildlife enthusiasts can expect to see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing on the vast plains, while predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunt for prey. The park is also known for its rare African wild dogs, which can be seen in packs roaming the area.

Bird lovers will be amazed by the diverse range of avian species found in Ruaha National Park. The park boasts over 570 bird species, including the crested barbet, the southern ground-hornbill, and the yellow-collared lovebird. Visitors can also expect to see raptors such as the African fish eagle, the bateleur eagle, and the martial eagle soaring above the park's skies.

In addition to the park's resident wildlife, Ruaha National Park is also known for its seasonal migrations of herbivores such as wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. This is an incredible sight to behold and adds to the overall safari experience. With its unique blend of wildlife and birdlife, Ruaha National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Tanzania's natural world.

When planning a trip to Ruaha National Park, it's important to consider the best time of year to visit in order to have the best safari experience.

The dry season, which runs from June to October, is considered the best time to visit Ruaha National Park. During this time, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. As the water sources dry up, the animals are more likely to gather around the remaining waterholes, making them easier to find. Additionally, the lack of rainfall means that there are fewer mosquitoes and other insects, making for a more comfortable experience.

The wet season, which runs from November to May, can still be a great time to visit Ruaha National Park, especially for bird watching. The lush vegetation and abundance of water attract a wide variety of bird species. However, the rainy season can also bring challenges, such as muddy roads and limited access to some areas of the park.

January:

The temperature ranges from 21°C to 34°C (70°F to 93°F) with an average of 27°C (81°F). There is very little rainfall during this month, with an average of 4mm and only 1 day of rain.

February:

The temperature ranges from 21°C to 34°C (70°F to 93°F) with an average of 27°C (81°F). Rainfall increases slightly to an average of 21mm, with 4 days of rain during the month.

March:

The temperature ranges from 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F) with an average of 26°C (79°F). March is one of the wettest months, with an average of 118mm of rainfall and 9 days of rain.

April:

The temperature ranges from 19°C to 31°C (66°F to 88°F) with an average of 25°C (77°F). Rainfall decreases slightly to an average of 67mm, with 6 days of rain during the month.

May:

The temperature ranges from 16°C to 29°C (61°F to 84°F) with an average of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall decreases further to an average of 14mm, with only 2 days of rain.

June:

The temperature ranges from 13°C to 28°C (55°F to 82°F) with an average of 21°C (70°F). There is very little rainfall during this month, with an average of 2mm and only 1 day of rain.

July:

The temperature ranges from 12°C to 28°C (54°F to 82°F) with an average of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall increases slightly to an average of 8mm, with 2 days of rain during the month.

August:

The temperature ranges from 13°C to 30°C (55°F to 86°F) with an average of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases further to an average of 23mm, with 4 days of rain during the month.

September:

The temperature ranges from 16°C to 33°C (61°F to 91°F) with an average of 25°C (77°F). September is one of the driest months, with an average of 3mm of rainfall and only 1 day of rain.

October:

The temperature ranges from 19°C to 35°C (66°F to 95°F) with an average of 27°C (81°F). Rainfall increases slightly to an average of 18mm, with 3 days of rain during the month.

November:

The temperature ranges from 20°C to 34°C (68°F to 93°F) with an average of 27°C (81°F). Rainfall increases further to an average of 57mm, with 6 days of rain during the month.

December:

The temperature ranges from 21°C to 33°C (70°F to 91°F) with an average of 27°C (81°F). December is the wettest month, with an average of 120mm of rainfall and 11 days of rain.