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RUAHAÂ NATIONAL PARK
The Ruaha National Park is the Best National Park in East Africa, let alone Tanzania and is partly why we consider it one of Tanzania’s best safari. It is made up of hills, the great Ruaha River, and the Usangu wetlands. With very few camps in the park, complete privacy is almost guaranteed. Ruaha’s true beauty is its rolling hills which give stunning views of the surrounding plains and the river. During the dry months, walking safaris are possible in Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is also excellent for single travellers as it is generally a fly in fly out destination, where the single safari traveller will join an open topped game viewing vehicle with a small number of fellow safari vacationers.
Ruaha is Tanzania’s second largest national park. It covers an incredible 10,000 square kilometres and lies at altitudes of 750 to 1800 metres, with mountain ranges surrounding it in 3 directions.  This ensures a very pleasant temperature for safari visitors year round. This altitude also means it cools down at night. With an abundance of water sources in the otherwise arid central region – when looking at an ideal Tanzanian safari holiday destination the Ruaha National Park should be part of your Southern Tanzania safari tour.
WHY RUAHA NATIONAL PARK?
Large Population of Native Wildlife, Especially Elephants.
The Ruaha National Park of course offers travellers to Tanzania a huge array of native wildlife to view, but it also has the largest population of elephants residing inside its borders in any East African natural reserve. Over 10.000 elephants roam this stunning park of rugged, semi-arid bushland and they can be seen everywhere: huddled under the scattered iconic baobab trees while circling their young protectively.
Besides the astounding number of elephants, the Ruaha National Park features the highest number of greater kudu in East Africa. These animals are the park’s emblem and are characterized by the male’s magnificent corkscrew horns. They can be seen standing still, almost disappearing, blending in with the colors of the landscape.
Diverse Bird life
As mentioned before, not only mammals could be the deciding factor when planning a safari to the Ruaha National Park – nearly 450 species of bird can also be seen flying over the savannah and the persistent trilling of the crested barbet is a characteristic sound of the southern bush. The yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starlet are also commonly seen and any avian enthusiast will be pleased to spend a few days game viewing in this remote park.
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During the dry season (May to December) the Ruaha National Park is especially good for a safari aiming to view predators and large mammals in action. In the wet and lush months of January through to April, Ruaha National Park is a must for safari planners aiming for bird watching, lush scenery and wildflowers.
WHEN TO GO?
The middle and end of the Dry season (June to October) is the prime time for watching wildlife in Ruaha National Park. Animals are easier to spot because the bush thins out and wildlife concentrates around trusted water sources.
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May to October –Dry Season
Wildlife viewing is easier since the bush thins out and animals gather around rivers and waterholes
Skies are bright with almost no rain
Malaria risk is at a minimum since the numbers of mosquitoes are less
The heat is less overpowering, and it is not as humid
Dust and dryness is common
Many accommodations are closed in May.
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November to April –Wet Season
The scenery is green and full
Tourism is less during April and May which means fewer crowds and better rates
The arrival of migrating birds means bird-watching is at its finest
Roads could become impassable
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the middle and end of the Dry season
Heat is high, and it becomes steamy and damp
Many accommodations are closed in April