Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania's best-kept secrets. As the country's second-largest national park, it covers an enormous, rugged expanse of semi-arid savanna, rocky hills, and ancient baobabs in the Southern Highlands. Because it is remote, it receives a fraction of the visitors of the northern parks, preserving a raw and exclusive wilderness feel. Ruaha is legendary for its massive predator populations—it hosts over 10% of Africa's remaining lions, including prides of up to 30 animals that regularly hunt young giraffes and buffaloes. It is also a critical stronghold for the endangered African wild dog and supports giant herds of elephants and both greater and lesser kudu. The Great Ruaha River is the park's lifeblood, where crocodiles, hippos, and thirsty wildlife gather.