Ruaha

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s 2nd largest park, and comprises of 10, 300 square kilometres. In 1964, this park was created from half of Rungwa Game Reserve and is an undeveloped area which makes access to the park difficult. Consequently, the park is filled with a large variety of wildlife. The park is the second largest elephant sanctuary in Africa, and lies in the central part of Tanzania, west of Iringa Highlands. The area itself is a vast wilderness, that received its name from the Great Ruaha River which flows through the Rift Valley in the east.

The park has had a large amount of plant and animal species recorded, they range from 1650 plant species to 370 bird species. There are an estimated 12, 000 elephants within the park, followed by a large herd of buffalos, lesser kudo, Grant’s gazelle, wild dog, ostrich’s, cheetahs and sable antelopes. It has been recorded that over 400 bird species inhibit this land area, this large variety makes Ruaha National Park so different from other Tanzania National Parks.
The Great Ruaha River flows through the eastern side of the park, and features a dominance of hippos and crocodiles as well as many water birds. The dry season attracts cheetahs, Grants Gazelle and ostrich’s along the vast, seemingly endless plains of Ruaha.

It is advised that the best time to visit Ruaha National Park is between June and November, however during the rainy season the roads become impassable.

Due to Tanzania’s varying geographical aspects, the climatic conditions differ. Overall, Tanzania is subject to tropical conditions. The plateau is relatively hot during the day and cool at night, due to its dry and arid land. The north-west temperature is much cooler and temperate. During the months of June and September, it is much cooler. However, from March to May there is a series of “Long Rains”, and the “Short Rains” are experienced during October and December.

The hottest months are between October and February. During November and December, and between March and May the coast experiences their share of rain. During June and September, the coastal areas are subject to humid conditions but also cool sea breezes.