When is the best time to visit Ruaha?

June to October, in the dry season, is best for wildlife, when animals concentrate around the Great Ruaha River; November to April is greener and excellent for birding and scenery but some tracks become harder to travel.

How big is Ruaha National Park?

After its 2008 expansion, Ruaha covers roughly 20,226 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in Tanzania and one of the biggest in Africa.

How do I reach Iringa and Ruaha?

Iringa is reached by road or bus from Dar es Salaam (via Mikumi) or by flights to Nduli Airport (IRI); Ruaha is usually accessed by light aircraft to its airstrips or by 4x4 transfer from Iringa town.

Who was Chief Mkwawa?

Mkwawa was the Hehe leader who fiercely resisted German colonial rule in the 1890s from his capital at Kalenga near Iringa; his returned skull is displayed at the Kalenga museum today.

Destination guide

Iringa & Ruaha

A breezy highland town and gateway to Ruaha, Tanzania's largest national park, land of baobabs, big cats and huge elephant herds.

What's happening

Events & festivals

June to October (annual)

Dry-season peak game viewing

As waterholes shrink, wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River for the finest sightings of the year.

Roughly June to August (annual)

African wild dog denning

Ruaha is a stronghold for endangered wild dogs, which den in the dry season and are often seen with pups.

November to April (annual)

Green season & birding

The rains bring lush landscapes, newborn animals and migrant birds to Ruaha and the highlands.

8 August (annual)

Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)

The national agricultural fair is celebrated with regional exhibitions in the Iringa highlands.

Varies (annual)

Mkwawa heritage remembrance

Local commemoration of the Hehe resistance and Chief Mkwawa around Kalenga and Iringa.