Ruaha is particularly famous for its predators. The park is home to one of the highest concentrations of lions in Africa, and leopards are also regularly seen, often resting in trees or watching their prey from above. Cheetahs, however, are much rarer.
The animal diversity in Ruaha is remarkable. Large herds of elephants roam the park, sometimes among the largest populations on the continent. Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, hippos and crocodiles bring life to the plains and riverbanks. Ruaha is also the stronghold of the greater kudu, easily recognized by its magnificent spiral horns. Antelopes are particularly numerous, attracting hyenas and other carnivores. For birdwatching enthusiasts, Ruaha is also a true treasure, with more than 570 bird species recorded.
The Great Ruaha River, which flows through part of the park, plays a central role in the ecosystem. During the dry season, it attracts large numbers of animals coming to drink, offering some of the most spectacular safari scenes in Tanzania. It is also near this river that walking safaris can be organized, accompanied by a park ranger.
The best time to visit the park is between June and October, when vegetation is sparser and animals are highly concentrated around water sources. Ruaha is therefore an essential destination for travelers choosing southern Tanzania, still largely untouched by mass tourism, and seeking unspoilt nature, intense wildlife encounters and dramatic landscapes.