Ruaha National Park is about 130 kilometers (81 mi) west of Iringa. The park is a part of the 45,000 square kilometers (17,000 sq mi) Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which includes the Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area. The Park covers a total area of about 20,226 km2 (7,809 sq mi) making it the largest park in Tanzania and East Africa.
The name of the park “Ruaha” originates from the Hehe word “Ruvaha”, which means “river” and so the name is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is the focus for game-viewing.

Ruaha National Park is rich in plants and animals which can not be found in any other National Park in Eastern Africa. Ruaha National Park is the heart of Tanzania’s famous wilderness areas where one can experience rare game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape. It has a high diversity of plants and animals including Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), Sable and Roan antelopes, elephants, buffalos, and some rare and endangered species like wild dogs. More than 571 species of birds have been identified in the park. Among the resident species are hornbills. Many migratory birds visit the park.

The lifeline of the Park is the Great Ruaha River and its subsidiaries of Mwagusi, Jongomero and Mzombe. During the dry season, these rivers, combined with natural springs, become the main source of water for wildlife and the supporting communities during the dry periods. This makes it economically significant as it supports agricultural activities downstream and contributes to hydro- electric power (HEP) for the country at Mtera and Kidatu dams.

Ruaha National Park has a bimodal pattern of rain forest; the short rainfall season begins November to February, while the long season is between March and April. The annual mean rainfall ranges between 500mm-800mm with the average annual temperature of about 280c. The park experiences its dry season between June and October and this is the best time of the year to visit this magnificent wildlife home.