AREA
: 13,000 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE : 1000 Metres
Ruaha National Park, the second
largest national park in the country, is one of the unexplored parks in Tanzania
and the largest elephant sanctuary. The name Ruaha derives from the great Ruaha
River which flows along its entire eastern border creating spectacular gorges
and scenery. Hippo, crocodile, turtle and fish inhabit the river. Elephants
are often to be seen on the banks of the Ruaha River. Lion, giraffe and other
animals can also be found. The special attraction of Ruaha, besides its spectacular
scenery, is its unspoilt wilderness. This park is relatively unknown and only
recently developed for tourism and less frequented by tourists. The park
is also known for its concentration of greater and lesser kudu, its roan and sable
antelope and its rich bird life; more than 400 species of birds have been recorded. Its
geographical location means that it is visited by both northern and southern migrants.
Ruaha also has a great variety of resident bird species. The best time for keen
bird watchers is between January to April. The terrain within most of the
park is a well wooded, undulating plateau at an average altitude of 915m with
mountains in the south and west rising up to 1600m and 1900m above sea level respectively.
Miombo woodland forms the dominant vegetation, changing to combritum/commiphora
to the east. The best months for game viewing are June to December.
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