Ruaha is currently the second largest (after the Serengeti) of Tanzania's varied National parks; with the proposed addition of the Usangu Game Reserve it will in fact be the largest. The current area of 13,000 sq km. is part of a much larger 45,000 sq. km. ecosystem which includes Rungwa and Kisigo Game Reserves . This whole area was known as the Saba Game Reserve in former German Colonial times.
The central spine of the Park is the watershed between the Nzombe and Ruaha rivers, with its dramatic escarpment above which are large stretches of miombo woodland. Below this lie undulating plains with vegetation ranging from dry bush to treeless grasslands, swamps and evergreen forests intersected by the many sand rivers that are such a feature of this area. In all some 1,650 plant species and over 529 bird species have been recorded within the park itself and even today , new species are still being seen there - an indication of how little known the park is. Ruaha is known for its large elephant and buffalo herds and one of its principal attractions lies in being able to see greater and lesser kudu as well as the majestic sable and roan antelope within the same area. As well as an abundance of lion, leopard and cheetah it is also home to the increasingly rare African Hunting Dog. Ruaha is a great all year round park due to its good all weather road network. June to November is the driest time of the year with the focus of wildlife viewing around the river courses and permanent waterholes. Ruaha is also interesting as it represents a transition zone where eastern and southern African species of fauna and flora overlap.
Ruaha is often described as Tanzania’s best-kept secret, and it certainly is one of the most remote and unvisited Parks in East Africa. It's also a great contrast to the Selous Game Reserve which is why it works so well to combine these two areas. Like the Selous it's a place that should not be rushed. It literally teams with wildlife including most of the big game species: Elephant; Buffalo; Hippo; Crocodile; Lion; Cheetah; Leopard; African Hunting Dog (virtually extinct everywhere else); Zebra; Greater and Lesser Kudu; Roan and Sable Antelope and Impala. Also, a fascinating diversity of smaller animals can be seen. The prodigious numbers of buffalo are relentlessly trailed by some very large prides of lion, which can number over 20 individuals. 38 species of fish have been identified in the Great Ruaha River. They traditionally provide an important part of the diet of people living along the river.
The Ruaha National Park is an enormous undeveloped wilderness whose beautiful open landscape is for people looking for a genuine, off-the beaten track, round-the-campfire experience. Here you can be the only car on the dramatic landscape, and there is also the option of walking safaris. Most of the game viewing roads are in the relatively small area of the Park around the HQ. This area is diverse, encompassing the Great Ruaha River, which offers the most reliable game-spotting, especially during the dry months, when the waters almost disappear. The river is home to numerous hippo, crocodile and a multitude of waterfowl.
Getting There Scheduled and/or charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Selous, Serengeti and Arusha, Year round road access with a 10 hour drive from through Iringa from Dar es Salaam.
