Camp064 - Ruaha National Park
Camp064 - Ruaha National Park - fishing on the mighty Ruaha River!
Ruaha is a dramatic and wild park of pristine savannah, giant baobab trees and red hills. It is ancient, rugged and captivating. Huge herds of elephant roam across wide open spaces cut by glorious rivers in Tanzania’s isolated central region. Located in south central Tanzania, it is the third largest game conservation area after Selous and Serengeti. Predators, antelope and birds thrive in this isolated and unspoilt region.
Considered to be one of the great "undiscovered" wilderness areas of East Africa, Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania's least accessible parks, and as result it is totally untouched and remains one of the most exciting game reserves. The terrain is varied and fascinating with wild fig trees, rare baobab forests and gorges of glowing orange sandstone. A visual treat with wild landscapes of miombo forest and rolling woodlands, hills, rivers and plains, Ruaha is accessible only by aeroplane or with a pre-booked safari.
The main feature of the park is the Ruaha river, which rises in the swamps to the south and sweeps north and eastward through the park. Its deep pools, gorges and swirling rapids make for excellent fishing. The River features large numbers of hippos and crocodiles as well as the clawless otter.
Other animals present include the reedbuck, waterbuck and buffalo, with their predators - the lion, leopard, jackal, spotted hyena, and the distinctive African hunting dog. In the grasslands live animals like the kudu, large herds of elephant, eland, impala, Grant's gazelle, dik dik, zebra, warthog, mongoose, wild cat, porcupine and shy civet. Over 350 species of birdlife have been recorded including kingfisher, plover, hornbill, green wood hoopoe, bee-eater, sunbird and egret as well as birds on their migratory routes.
Ruaha maintains its wild and isolated atmosphere because of its size and difficulty to access. A long and arduous drive or a costly flight is necessary. Facilities do exist but there are also large areas of the park that remain inaccessible. Most visitors make this part of a long safari tour that also includes the Selous Game Reserve. The costs and difficulty mean that it is definitely not a 3 safari day destination.
Safari Suggestions to this destination
Safari Suggestions as follows
Other Suggested Destinations
Highlights
- Carnivores are regularly seen, especially lion (prides of more than 20) and hyena.
- Giraffe, zebra, giant crocodiles and hippo are all present in high numbers.
- the only park in East Africa with both greater and lesser kudu.
- Birdlife is excellent, with 535 species recorded.
