National parkSouthern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park
Africa's largest national park, explored by boat on the Rufiji.
National park
Ruaha National Park
Remote wilderness of elephants, lions and baobabs.
- Southern Highlands
- Best: Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$35.40
Overview
- National park
- 1964
- Area
- About 19,822 km²
- Bird species
- 570+
- From Iringa
- About 3–4 hours by road
Ruaha became a national park in 1964 from part of an older game reserve. After the Usangu wetlands were added in 2008 and boundary changes in 2023 it covers about 19,822 km², Tanzania's second-largest park.
Rugged hills, baobab-studded plains and the Great Ruaha River support large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs, with greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelopes.
More than 570 bird species have been recorded, including the Ruaha red-billed hornbill. Few visitors make it this far, so sightings are rarely crowded.
- Great Ruaha River
Dry-season wildlife gathers along the river.
- Lions and wild dogs
Large prides and roaming wild dog packs.
- Uncrowded
Remote camps and few vehicles at sightings.
Things to do
- Game drives
Along the river around Msembe.
- Walking safariUS$23.60
With an armed ranger.
- Night game driveUS$59
Where allowed.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Best in the dry season, June to October; some camps close in the long rains.
- Jan: Good
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Wetter
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hoursChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$5.90 / US$11.80 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$35.40 | US$17.70 | US$35.40 | TZS 5,900 |
| Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
| Night game driveper adult, where allowed | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | TZS 11,800 |
| Public campsiteper adult per night | US$35.40 | US$35.40 | US$35.40 | TZS 5,900 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$35.40
- Foreign resident
- US$17.70
- Rest of Africa
- US$35.40
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$5.90 / US$11.80 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Night game driveper adult, where allowed
- Foreign non-resident
- US$59.00
- Foreign resident
- US$59.00
- Rest of Africa
- US$59.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Public campsiteper adult per night
- Foreign non-resident
- US$35.40
- Foreign resident
- US$35.40
- Rest of Africa
- US$35.40
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By airFrom Dar es Salaam or ArushaAbout 2–3 hours
Scheduled light-aircraft flights to Msembe and Jongomero airstrips.
- By roadFrom IringaAbout 3–4 hours
About 130 km on a gravel road to the main gate.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Distances are long; flying in saves a full day each way.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ruaha worth visiting?
For repeat visitors and anyone who wants big wildlife without crowds, yes. It is known for elephants, lions and wild dogs.
How much is the Ruaha entry fee?
US$35.40 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$30 plus VAT). East African citizens pay TZS 5,900.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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