Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park derives its name from the Great Ruaha River, which winds along its eastern boundary amidst massive boulders and sandbanks, presenting breathtaking vistas characterized by gorges of luminous orange sandstone. The river lures several creatures seeking water, rendering this national park an excellent option for wildlife observation. The largest national park in Africa is located on an elevated plateau, featuring separate smaller mountains almost 2000 meters tall.
Ruaha Park is relatively underexplored yet constitutes one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in Tanzania. The Ruaha River is the defining river of Ruaha National Park, akin to the Selous of the Rufiji River. In the arid months, wildlife congregates around the river, providing ample opportunities for observation and activities in that vicinity. Extensive areas of the park remain uncharted, and for a significant portion of the year, visitor presence is minimal. Ruaha National Park is home to various bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, sunbirds, and sporadically, white storks.
Ruaha Park’s history commenced in 1910, when it was designated as a Saba Game Reserve during the era of German East Africa. In 1946, the British renamed it Rungwa Game Reserve. In 1964, the southern region was designated as Ruaha National Park, and a decade later, the south-eastern section of the Great Ruaha River was incorporated.
The term “Ruaha” derives from the Hehe word “Ruvaha,” signifying “river.” Ruaha National Park constitutes a segment of the Rungwa Kizigo Muhesi Ecosystem, including around 45,000 km². In 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve and other significant wetlands within the Usangu Basin were integrated into the park. This designates it as the largest park in Tanzania and East Africa.
The Ruaha and its tributaries frequently desiccate entirely, allowing for vehicular passage via certain parched riverbeds during game drives. These so-called sand rivers typically exhibit significant animal density, as an impermeable rock layer often lies beneath the sand surface of the river. The animals may therefore readily access the essential water. Consequently, elephants are observed in the vicinity of the Mwangusi and Mdonyo Sandriver, excavating water holes with their trunks and even their unwieldy feet to access the cool water. During the rainy season (March to May), the tributaries of the Ruaha and Rufiji Rivers in Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, respectively, would rise into substantial streams, inundating the roads.
One experiences a sense of adventure when encountering no other individuals in the expansive reaches of a large park. The Ruaha encompasses an area over 20,000 square kilometres. You will seldom encounter other vehicles, in stark contrast to the North Parks, which might be heavily trafficked at specific times. Everywhere you gaze, there are shrubs, with their yellowish bark stretching towards the blue-grey mountains of the Southern Highlands, obscured by haze. There are occasionally smaller clusters of trees and numerous baobab trees characterized by their swollen trunks, smooth, lustrous bark, and contorted branches. The rugged and rocky terrain possesses a distinctive charm.
The park is intriguing due to the presence of creatures from both East and Southern Africa. It serves as an overlapping habitat, where, with some fortune, one can see horse antelopes (Roan Antelope), sable antelopes, both small and large kudus, as well as impala antelopes and Grant’s gazelles. The variety of antelope and gazelle species in Ruaha is distinctive. Ruaha is the southernmost region of Tanzania, home to Grant’s Gazelles and Lesser Kudus. Giraffes frolic in the plains, while the calls of hornbills, francolins, and kingfishers resonate in the jungle. The grasses disperse their seeds to nourish several avian species: Cardinal weavers, the predominant weaver bird in Ruaha Park, fireweavers, BBQ cuckoos, bronze-winged racing birds, and the Pallid Rail. The park is abundant with harlequin quails, and they emerge from the grass at every glance.
The afternoon is an opportune time to observe wildlife near the Ruaha River. It is the moment when the game transitions to water. Hippopotamuses recline languidly in the water in assemblages of 10 to 20 females accompanied by their offspring. The male hippopotamus expels all other males from the herd, including adolescent bulls aged 7 to 8 years. They subsequently associate with bachelor herds or exist solitarily. Elephants traverse the riverbanks, while herds of buffalo have established themselves there; antelopes, zebras, and giraffes engage in a continual ebb and flow.
Numerous Nile crocodiles can be observed near the riverbanks, where they bask in tranquility. During the game drive, you become acquainted with various distinct environments. Miombo forest, acacia groves, undulating hilly landscape, grasslands, stunning granite rock formations, and intermittently desiccated riverbeds. In the dry season, the buffalo visit the last water holes in the riverbed twice daily. Lions undoubtedly conceal themselves in the foliage, awaiting the thirsty individuals. At this waterhole, one has a significant opportunity to witness the natural dynamics between predator and prey firsthand. Ruaha Park possesses the most substantial lion population in East Africa. It is not unusual to observe three or four distinct packs within a single day.
The Best Times to Visit Ruaha National Park Are:
The national park operates year-round, catering to many preferences.
Rainy Season: This period is conducive to driving safaris, as all airstrips are rendered inoperative to prevent severe turbulence that could jeopardize aircraft and potentially result in fatalities. Safari vehicles become congested and costly during this timeframe. The terrain retains sufficient moisture, allowing verdant grass to flourish, enveloping the park in an idyllic semblance, with divine creatures grazing on the abundant greenery. Certain species, such as male lions, utilize the tall grass as a refuge for rest.
Dry Season: Airstrips remain operational during this period, enabling flight bookings to the park to enjoy its arid, desert-like terrain. The heat of this season desiccates the region, transforming the verdant foliage to brown. Wildlife seeks sustenance, leading to the big migration, where tourists can observe substantial herds of wildebeests.
Engaging Activities to Discover the National Park:
Walking Safaris: This entails tracking animals in the park on foot while watching their natural behaviors. Maintain a prudent distance from them, as proximity is inadvisable, and minimize noise to prevent disturbing the animals. Discarding waste or feeding wildlife is prohibited, as it can disturb the food chain and induce lethargy in wild species about hunting. The aroma of morning dew on flora, insects, and butterflies entices travelers to embark on lengthy treks under the supervision of an adept tour guide.
Game Drives: Tourists rise early, akin to schoolchildren, to embark on safari vehicles and halt near rivers, anticipating the arrival of thirsty creatures to drink. They also monitor strategic predators that ambush grazers at certain locations. Certain tourists choose walking up Kilimanjaro Hill to observe famished leopards and relish the vibrant morning and sunrise.
A hot air balloon safari offers a distinctive vantage point from above, enabling you to observe the terrain and identify wildlife that may be concealed during other seasons.
Attractions at Ruaha National Park Include:
The Ruaha River, a crucial watershed for the park’s environment, is an excellent location for seeing birds and wildlife. Additional rivers in the park comprise the Mbonya, Mwangosi, and Mzumbe, nourished by both major and minor rivers. Prominent rivers comprise Lukosi, Yovi, Kitete, and Sanje, whereas minor rivers consist of Umrobi, Lunwa, and Mambi.
Historical and Cultural places: Ruaha National Park is renowned for its cultural and historical safaris, featuring numerous places of historical importance as Hehe territory. The narrative of Chief Mkwawa attracts several travelers eager to engage with the historical accounts they have encountered in literature. Additional locations encompass the Mpanze burial of a Gogo chief and the Indinda Rock painting, which showcases cultural art attributed to the indigenous people prior to the formation of the national reserve.
The Rift Valley, traversed by the Ruaha River, is characterized by elevated escarpments in the northeastern regions of the park.
The hot springs, including Mkwawa, Mwayembe, Makinde, and Majimoto, are situated at the base of the western rift valley escarpment. These springs draw many visitors, and the steamy, heated water is an experience not to be overlooked.
Park Entry Fees
Admission fees are $15 for adults and $5 for youngsters (non-residents).
A typical lake is noteworthy, yet a huge lake encompasses the enigmas of an ocean.
Transform your heart into a tranquil lake, possessing a serene surface and profound depths of exploration by embarking on a walk to Ruaha National Park, the source of tranquility.
