One of Africa's great wilderness parks, in central Tanzania along the Great Ruaha River: huge prides of lions, elephants, kudu, sable antelope, wild dogs and cheetahs among baobabs and rocky hills, and very few other vehicles. Reached by bush flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha or Nyerere (2-3 hours), or a long drive via Iringa. Best in the dry season, June to October, when the animals gather at the river. Most camps close in April and May. The park fee is lower than the Serengeti's (ESTIMATE, about US$53 a day).
Highlights
Big lion prides on the Great Ruaha River
Elephants digging in the sand rivers
Greater kudu and sable antelope
Wild dogs
Baobab-studded hills
Guided bush walk
Things to do
Full-day game drive along the Great Ruaha RiverMorning · 7h
Guided bush walk with an armed rangerMorning · 3h
Afternoon game drive in the Mwagusi sand riverAfternoon · 3h
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When to go
Best time: June – October
Worth knowing
Most Camps Closed for the Long Rains
Most camps here close from about April to May (some from mid-March or until June), the tracks become impassable, and several bush flights stop. Go between June and March.