Ruaha National Park
Ruaha
National Park covers an area of 12,950 sq. kms and is Tanzania's second largest
National Park. It forms the core of a much larger (45,000 sq. kms) ecosystem
including Rungwa and Kisigo Game Reserves and although it was established in
1910 as part of the Saba Game Reserve it's present boundaries were demarcated
as recently as 1964.
The
central spine of the Park is the watershed between the Nzombe and Ruaha rivers,
with its dramatic escarpment above which are large stretches of miombo
woodland. Below this lie undulating plains with vegetation ranging from dry
bush country to treeless grasslands, swamps and evergreen forests intersected
by the many sand rivers that are such a feature of this area. Ruaha represents
a transition zone where eastern and southern species of flora and fauna overlap
and in all some 1,650 plant species and over 450 bird species have been
recorded within the park itself.
Ruaha
is known for its large elephant and buffalo herds and one of its principal
attractions lies in being able to see greater and lesser kudu as well as the
majestic sable and roan antelope within the same area. As well as an abundance
of lion, leopard and cheetah it is also home to the increasingly rare African
Hunting Dog.
Ruaha
is a great all weather park due to its good all weather road network. The South
West area of Tanzania where Ruaha is located has the lowest rainfall in
Tanzania. From June to November the park is driest with the focus of wildlife
viewing around the river courses and permanent waterholes.
For anyone seeking a true
African wilderness experience, a visit to Ruaha National Park is essential.
Although the second largest in Tanzania, the reserve is perhaps the least
well-known and yet to connoisseurs it is without doubt one of the most
spectacular in Africa.
ACCOMMODATION
JONGOMERO CAMP
