What it is
Rough country along the Great Ruaha River: baobab hills, sand rivers and miombo woodland. Reached by a flight from Dar es Salaam, or a long drive via Iringa.
Why go
Big lion prides, reliable leopard, and both greater and lesser kudu in the same park. You can go most of a day without passing another car, which is not true anywhere on the northern circuit.
When to go
June to October, when the river shrinks to pools and the game concentrates on them. This is not a first safari. The flights add real cost, the camps are simple, and if you have never seen a lion you get more for your money in the north. Come here on a second trip.
Most people stay 3-4 nights.
