Ruaha.

The dry season, roughly June to October, when wildlife concentrates on the Great Ruaha River and walking is at its best; some camps close in the heaviest rains around March to May.

Ruaha is one of Africa's strongest populations of the endangered African wild dog, so sightings are a genuine possibility — particularly in the dry season when packs range more predictably. As with all wildlife, they are never guaranteed, but the chances here are among the best on the continent.

Ruaha is Tanzania's southern circuit — wilder, more remote, and with a fraction of the vehicle count of the northern parks. It lacks the great migration but delivers exceptional elephant and predator viewing, unique southern-African antelope species, and an atmosphere of genuine wilderness that the north's busiest stages cannot match.

Both are southern-circuit parks with low vehicle density and wild-dog populations, but the two feel distinct: Nyerere is defined by the Rufiji River and its boat safaris; Ruaha is a drier, more rugged landscape of baobab and miombo woodland, with the Great Ruaha River as its dry-season anchor. They pair beautifully together as a two-park southern journey.

Three to four nights lets you experience the river at different times of day, cover varied terrain and absorb the park's pace without rushing; longer if wild dog tracking is a priority.