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Ruaha National Park

Lying in the remote centre of Tanzania, Ruaha is one of the country’s outstanding wilderness areas, containing a fascinating variety of landscapes and prolific wildlife, ideal for your safari holiday. The park takes its name from the Great Ruaha River which creates spectacular gorges as it flows along its eastern border.

Ruaha has an arid climate, which has the effect of luring the animal populations to the rivers and other permanent water sources. Waterbuck, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, elephant and many antelope species concentrate along the Ruaha River, attracting the attentions of the lion, leopard, crocodile, African wild dog, and hyena. Lion prides in the Ruaha River area are notable for their size, and the area is also one of Tanzania’s best for leopard sightings.

Also prominent are substantial numbers of greater kudu with their striking spiral horns, the much rarer lesser kudu, and various antelope, including impala, Grant’s gazelle and the tiny dik-dik.

With over 450 recorded species the bird-watching in Ruaha is once again excellent. The park is in a transition zone where eastern and southern African species overlap and new species are still being identified (the total is expected to stabilise at about 475). Waterbirds are concentrated around the Ruaha River, and include a population of the rare and secretive white-backed night heron. More conspicuous species such as lovebirds, bee-eaters, barbets, honeyguides, martins, sunbirds, weavers, waxbills and turacos are all evident. Among the raptors the martial eagle, Africa’s largest bird of prey, is often seen. Others include the red-necked falcon, bateleur eagle, sooty falcon, and six vulture species.

The best months for safari game viewing are during the dry season from May to December, when the animals are concentrated around the shrinking water-courses.