Western Tanzania - Tanzania - page 492

Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park, together with neighbouring conservation areas, forms the core of a
wild and extended ecosystem covering about 40,000 sq km and providing home to one of
Tanzania's largest elephant populations. In addition to the elephants, which are estimated
to number about 12,000, the park (Tanzania's largest, with an area of approximately 22,000
sq km) hosts large herds of buffaloes, as well as greater and lesser kudus, Grant's gazelles,
wild dogs, ostriches, cheetahs, roan and sable antelopes, and more than 400 different types
of birds. Bird life is especially prolific along the Great Ruaha River, which winds through
the eastern side of the park, as are hippos and crocodiles.
Ruaha is notable for its wild and striking topography, especially around the Great Ruaha
River. Much of it is undulating plateau averaging about 900m in height with occasional
rocky outcrops and stands of baobabs, and mountains in the south and west reaching to
about 1600m and 1900m, respectively. Running through the park are several 'sand' rivers,
most of which dry up during the dry season, when they are used by wildlife as corridors to
reach areas where water remains.
Although the area around the camps on the eastern side of the park fills up during the
August to October high (dry) season, when wildlife watching is at its peak, Ruaha receives
relatively few visitors in comparison with the northern parks. Large sections are unex-
plored, and for much of the year, you're likely to have things to yourself. Whenever you
visit, set aside as much time as you can spare; it's not a place to be discovered on a quick
in-and-out trip.
RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
» Why Go Outstanding dry season wildlife watching, especially known for its
elephants and hippos; good birding; rugged scenery
» When to Go June through October for wildlife; December through April for
birding
» Practicalities Drive in from Iringa; fly in from Arusha or Dar es Salaam
SLEEPING & EATING
Inside the Park
There are several ordinary campsites about 9km northwest of park headquarters, and about
five special campsites well away from the Msembe area. The twin-bedded and poorly vent-