Ruaha National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Ruaha National Park is an unspoiled wilderness famed for its large number of elephants. In fact, aside from rhinos, most major safari animals are easily seen here. Large prides of lion, sometimes counting more than 20 individuals, roam the park and even buffalo, an unusual prey, isn't safe here.

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

CheetahRare

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogOccasional

Wildlife Highlights

Ruaha’s flagship animal is the wild dog. There are only a handful of places where these charismatic pack animals are easily observed, and this is one of the best. Ruaha is also home to the largest population of greater kudu in East Africa. Other rare antelope species that can be seen here include lesser kudu, roan and sable antelope.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

June to October (the middle and end of the Dry season) is the best time for wildlife viewing in the park. Wildlife is easier to spot at this time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the Great Ruaha River and its tributaries. The male greater kudu is most visible in June, the breeding season. The best time to see wild dogs is during their denning season, from June to August.