RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

One of Tanzania’s best kept wildlife secrets is the Ruaha National Park. Previous inaccessibility has ensured it has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, unaffected by the ravages of mankind. Covering 10,300 sq km it is the countries biggest elephant sanctuary. Its name derives from the Great Ruaha River which flows along its eastern border, creating spectacular gorges. Flowing into the Rufiji River, the Great Ruaha is home to hippo and crocodile. Waterbuck, reedbuck and buffalo venture to the river’s edge to drink, attracting the attention of lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog and jackal. Various antelope species, such as greater and lesser kudu, impala, sable and roan antelope, Grant’s gazelle and the tiny dik-dik thrive in the grasslands bordering the river alongside giraffe, zebra, warthog, mongoose, porcupine, wild cat and civet. Birdlife is prolific, over 370 species have been recorded, some of which are not found in northern Tanzania. Eurasian migrants flock to Ruaha twice a year - March to April and October to November - joining the resident kingfishers, hornbills, sunbirds, egrets and plovers.

Best months for game viewing are during the dry season from May to December, when the animals are concentrated around the shrinking water-courses. The park has an airstrip for light aircraft on the western bank of the river.

Getting there: Up to a ten hour
drive, or a one and a half hour
flight, from Dar es Salaam.