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.

How to get there

Getting to Iringa & Ruaha

However you're arriving — from overseas, from another part of Tanzania, or just moving around once you're here.

Flying in from abroad

International visitors

Fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, the usual gateway for the Southern Circuit, then continue by light aircraft or road to Iringa and Ruaha.

From elsewhere in Tanzania

Upcountry & other cities

Scheduled carriers such as Auric Air, Coastal Aviation and Safari Air Link fly from Dar (and Arusha) to Ruaha's airstrips (e.g. Msembe and Jongomero) and to Nduli Airport (IRI) near Iringa; buses and road transfers also reach Iringa town, passing Mikumi along the way.

Getting around locally

Once you're in the region

Around Iringa, use taxis, bajaji and daladala minibuses; inside Ruaha, all movement is by safari 4x4 on game drives, as there is no public transport within the park.

Want the door-to-door leg handled? Travel with a driver who knows the roads.

Book a driver