Southern Parks

Ruaha

Ruaha National Park is vast, and was upgraded to national park status in 1965. It was further enlarged in 2008 to its current size of 20,266 sq km, making it Tanzania's second largest national park. This is equivalent to the size of Wales (or New Jersey USA for American readers!) Ruaha is actually part of a much larger ecosystem of around 45,000 sq km and nature reigns supreme across this enormous area.

Rivers, mountains, plains, rock kopjes swamps, dense woodlands, open savannah spread out across an immense landscape that has barely been touch by man. Wooded hillsides, many with rounded granite outcrops and scatterings of huge boababs, are dissected by sandy, rock strewn seasonal rivers and streams running down to meet flood plains and seasonal swamps, many of which end up in the Great Ruaha River.

Seasonal rivers are lined by scattered groves of palms, thorn trees, fig trees and sausage trees providing midday shade for all kinds of wild animals. They are key features to enjoy during game drives especially during the dry season when only pools remain or the elephants have to dig in the sand for water. This is Africa of a bygone era - the world as it was before modern man.

The only perennial river is the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the southeast boundary, but even this becomes a trickle in places at the end oof the dry season in October.

Ruaha's dry season is between June and October - and its wet season is November to May. Temperatures range from 16-27 degrees celsius.

Wildlife

This is especially varied because of the overlap of eastern and southern African wildlife zones, so besides the regular big game such as elephant, buffalo and plains animals, the more unusual species such as the antelopes, sable, roan, greater and lesser kudu are quite common. Cape hunting dogs (aka Wild dogs) are also often encountered. Ruaha is also a great place for the big cats, lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Birdlife is also understandably rich. In fact outstandingly so with over 550 species having been recorded and an enormous variety of birds of prey.

Perhaps the most abiding joy of Ruaha is the wild character of the land within which so many animals roam. It is a land of starry, cool mornings and baking mid-day heat. A land of monumental storms in the rainy season and desiccating winds in the dry. This is an Africa that sets it mark on you and from which it is tough to turn away; and one that you never forget. This is why it i so worth the long journey to get here, be it by road or air.

Activities

Game viewing by vehicle
Walking safaris accompanied by an armed guide, approved by the park authorities
Night game drives in approved locations

Accommodation

The park has campsite for independent operators, whilst there are numerous lodges and permanent camps in the southern sectors of the park,

Getting There

Air : There are both charter and scheduled flights into the park, mainly from Arusha, Dodoma, Kigoma and Dar es salaam. The park's airstrips are located at Msembe and Jongomero.

Road : Its around 130km from Iringa Town and a lengthy 625km from Dar. The road to the park passable throughout the year

Safari Ideas

Ruaha lies almost directly on a route between Nyerere NP, Katavi NP and Mahale Mountains NP. This combines chimps on Lake Tanganyika, the vast floodplains of Katavi, the big game wonders of Ruaha and the lakes and rivers of Nyerere.

https://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/africa/tanzania/ruaha-national-park/