Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park
Also on the southern circuit, but even further removed than the Selous, Ruaha National Park provides a wild and game rich safari experience, with an incredible dry season concentration of animals.
With its variety of landscapes, and excellent sightings, as well as the remote location far from any major human habitation, Ruaha has made a name for itself as one of Africa's great game reserves.
A unique mix of species is found in Ruaha, with the park being located in the transitional zone between the acacia savannah of East Africa and the miombo woodland belt of Southern Africa.
Flowing along the eastern border of the park, the great Ruaha River is the lifeblood of the area, being the only source of water during the dry season, and therefore attracting an enormous concentration of wildlife.
Diverse Species
Being situated uniquely in the transitional zone between the acacia savannah of East Africa and the miombo woodland belt of Southern Africa, the mix of antelope and bird species found in Ruaha is quite interesting. It is unusual that a number of the species are found in the same areas, such as the greater and lesser kudus, and the usually southerly crested barbet being found alongside the Tanzanian yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling.
Elephants, Lions and Wild Dogs
While Ruaha National Park has an enormous amount of other wildlife, needing special mention are the populations of elephants, lions and wild dogs.
Being one of the best parks in East Africa to find the endangered wild dogs, and the large population of lions, ensures that Ruaha maintains its fierce reputation.
The elephant numbers are immense, and the park is reputed to have the largest concentration amongst all parks in Tanzania. These beautiful, gentle giants are a highlight of any African safari.
Isolation
Along with Katavi and Mahale, Ruaha would be one of the most remote and least visited parks in Tanzania, although this has nothing to do with the quality of the safari experience. With Tanzania being a relatively new player in the African safari game, accessibility has been a limiting factor to the development of a number of regions.
Ruaha has fortunately been spared development, and remains one of Africa's truly remote national parks whose landscapes have remained unspoilt since the beginning of time.
The Ruaha River
During the rainy season of November through to April, the Ruaha River is filled with a raging flow of water, and the land of Ruaha is well fed, lush and green. The animals tend to spread out a bit during this time.
However, come June / July, the water leaves with rapidity, and the land returns to dry, crumbled dust, with the Ruaha River providing a trickle of water as the life blood to the many animals resident in the park. This creates a battle for survival, with the true wilderness baring its teeth around the river as animals congregate nearby in their masses, chancing their luck daily with the high number of predators.
Walking Safaris
Another huge bonus of Ruaha is that the national park allows guided walking safaris, which give you an unmatched perspective on Africa's bush.
Walking in the wilderness is very different to experiencing wildlife sightings from a game viewing vehicle, and you will have a chance to learn about many of the smaller creatures as well as the interesting plants.
Learn to track wildlife, and feel the thrill of viewing larger game while on foot.
