Far from the mega crowds of the northern circuit, the little-visited and remote Ruaha National Park remains the gem of southern Tanzania; an enormous, extremely wild semi-arid landscape offering the seasoned traveller an excitingly different safari.
Criss-crossed by more than one major river, home to forests of Miombi woodland, the Matopotopo Swamps and Mdonya Gorge, Ruaha’s central spine – and the reason for its huge range of habitats – is an enormous watershed, whose two contrasting features (a dramatic green escarpment and great undulating plains) generate the conditions for supporting a large range of animals.
Inaccessible, except by plane, Ruaha is home to a large population of elephant (8,000 in 2014, although this has catastrophically dropped from the 30,000 found in the surrounding eco-system in 2009), buffalo, lion, spotted hyena, cheetah, leopard and the African hunting dog. Given its arid climate (particularly between June and November, when daytime temperatures reach 40 centigrade), much of the park’s wildlife activity is set around river courses and permanent waterholes, which make a thrilling front-row seat to the action.
During the dry season, the Ruaha River virtually disappears, and crocodile and hippo occupy the few remaining waterholes. At this time, waterbuck, impala, monkey, eland, dik dik, zebra, gazelle and kudu, drawn by the need for water, are at their most vulnerable.
Known also for its roan and sable antelope populations, more than 570 bird species, and the fact that it is the only area in Tanzania where southern African and eastern African fauna and flora overlap, Ruaha National Park would suit those interested in something quite different.
See below for accommodation in this area.