The Ruaha National Park

It offers a fascinating variety of landscapes and an untouched nature. Ruaha, at 12,950km², is only little smaller than the Serengeti, and it is without doubt a naturalist’s paradise. Due to its situation off the routistic routes and the meagerly sown accommodations this park is rarely visited. Ruaha is bordered in the north by the Kizigio and Rungwa River Game Reserves, together they form a 26,500km² conservancy, one of the biggest in East Africa. It is truly a vast unspoilt wilderness. It is also interesting as it represents a transition zone where eastern and southern African species of flora and fauna overlap.

Ruaha is visually a treat, with wild landscapes of miombo forest and rolling woodlands, hills, rivers and plains. Highest point is the peak of Ikungu Mountain with 1,900m. The center of the reserve is the Great Ruaha River, with its deep pools and gorges, swirling rapids and excellent fishing. The River features large numbers of hippos and crocodiles and attracts lions, leopards, hunting dogs, spotted hyenas, jackals and numerous other species such as Waterbuck impala, giraffe, warthog and eland. Grants gazelle, ostrich and cheetah may be seen on the plains.

Birdlife in the Ruaha National Park

For bird enthusiasts, the park offers over 465 species. The rainy season from January to June is particularly spectacular as the normal abundant birdlife is enhanced by numerous migrant species. Red-Billed Wood Hoopoe, Violet-Crested Turaco, Racquet-Tailed Roller, Red-Billed Firefinch, Dickinson's Kestral and Pel's Fishing Owl can be seen in the park.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is between July and November when the animals congregate around the water holes, but the park is stunning all year round. Their cover is blown during the dry season (May to December), when the foliage dies down and animals become easier to see. Twice a year in March/April and October/November, Eurasian migrating birds arrive to boost the already high numbers of exotic and colorful species in this park

Accommodation in the Ruaha National Park

There are only two Lodges in the Park: Mwagusi Safari Camp and Ruaha River Camp, and a National Park’s camp with bungalows and campsites.

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