RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s second largest national park, covering an area of about 20,226 square kilometers. Named after the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern border, creating a stunning landscape of rugged terrain, open plains, and rolling hills. Ruaha National Park offers a truly authentic and remote safari experience, away from the crowds, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ruaha is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and greater kudus. The park is also home to a variety of predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Birdwatchers will find Ruaha to be a paradise, with over 570 bird species recorded in the park, including several species endemic to Tanzania.
The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife congregates around the water sources, making it easier to spot them. However, the park is also beautiful during the wet season, from November to April, when the landscape is lush and green, and many animals give birth to their young.
THINGS TO DO IN RUAHA NATIONAL PARK.
Game Drives: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife on a game drive. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Ruaha is known for its large population of elephants, and it’s not uncommon to see herds of these majestic animals roaming the savannah. The park is also home to a healthy population of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making for exciting wildlife encounters.
Walking Safaris: Ruaha National Park’s expansive wilderness and rugged terrain make walking safaris particularly thrilling, offering a different perspective compared to traditional game drives. It’s a great way to connect with nature and experience the African bush in a more intimate and authentic way.
Bird Watching: Bird watching in Ruaha National Park is a rewarding experience due to the park’s diverse birdlife. With over 570 bird species recorded, including several endemic and migratory species. Some of the birds you might encounter include the Ruaha red-billed hornbill, Dickinson’s kestrel, the endemic yellow-collared lovebird, and the purple grenadier. The park’s varied habitats, including miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and open plains, attract a wide range of bird species, making every bird watching excursion unique and exciting.
Night Drives: Night game drives in Ruaha National Park offer a unique and thrilling safari experience. As the sun sets, the nocturnal wildlife of Ruaha becomes active, providing a different perspective of the park’s ecosystem.
During a night game drive, you might encounter various animals not easily seen during the day, such as leopards, hyenas, genets, and bushbabies. The sounds and sights of the night add to the sense of adventure and mystery, making for an unforgettable safari experience.
Flying Camping: Flying camps in Ruaha National Park are a unique way to experience the wilderness of Tanzania. These camps are temporary, mobile tented camps that can be set up in different locations within the park, offering a more exclusive and immersive safari experience. The camps are often set up in remote and scenic areas, allowing guests to get closer to nature and wildlife.
Flying camps typically consist of comfortable tents with basic amenities, such as beds, linens, and en suite bathrooms. The camps are designed to be environmentally friendly, with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Meals are often served in a communal dining area or outdoors, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscape while dining.
Photography: With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Ruaha is a photographer’s dream. Capture the beauty of the park from different angles and times of day.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience the park from a different perspective with a hot air balloon safari, offering a bird’s eye view of the landscape and wildlife below.