Ruaha National Park
The Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest. Located in the interior, it is a remote bastion of stunning wilderness covering an area of 7720 square miles. It is part of a larger ecosystem which includes the Usanga Game Reserve, Rungwa Game Reserve and several other protected areas. The terrain is a visual treat with wild fig trees, baobab forests, rolling woodlands, hills and gorges of orange sandstone.
Its name originates from the Great Ruaha River which flows through its south eastern regions creating spectacular gorges and scenic splendour. The river, which is teeming with crocodiles, hippo, turtles and fish, is the focus of the regions game viewing - a unique combination of Eastern and Southern African mammals. The most notable wildlife concentrations are the 10 000 elephants, 30 000 buffalo and 20 000 zebra which roam the park. Throw in large prides of lion, good populations of wild dog, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and 526 bird species and you have the perfect East African safari experience.
Due to its remote location the Ruaha National Park is largely unexplored. With only a handful of safari lodges receiving few visitors, the park offers safari enthusiasts the feeling of a private adventure. You can drive for hours on end without encountering another human being and the sense of peace and solitude is an overwhelming experience.
Activities at the camps in Ruaha focus on game drives, which are particularly rewarding in the dry season. Early morning walks are also possible and boating safaris are becoming popular, providing an alternative to the traditional vehicle safaris.
Although the park is stunning all year round, the best time to visit for predators and large animals is during the dry season from May to December when they congregate around the water sources. The wet season from January to April is the best time for birds and flowers. You can easily combine a trip here with game viewing in the Selous Game Reserve or tracking chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains.
