Ruaha is known for its very large prides of lions. There are only a few safari lodges in this beautiful expanse of unpopulated wilderness, which stretches out towards the distant blue hills of the Southern Highlands. Strange looking baobab forests and gorges of glowing orange sandstone are just some of Ruaha National Park's attributes.
An area of great diversity due to its location as the transition zone between east African savannah and southern African woodland Ruaha National Park is the unknown gem in African safaris. Described by naturalists as Africa's park of the future the world is awaking to the lure of Ruaha.
With its ideal location the park supports a great variety and numbers of herbivores - which in turn supports a large predator population, including large lion prides. Of special interest are the number of species that have since been re-classified from studies done in the park.
Ruaha National Park contains considerable animal and birdlife life, with thousands of elephants and buffalo and a very good chance of seeing rare and beautiful wild dog. It is also the permanent hunting grounds for numerous other predators such as lions, spotted hyenas and jackals. They prey on the many different types of antelopes, of which Sable, Roan and Kudu are the most impressive.
Twice a year in March/April and October/November, Eurasian migrating birds arrive to boost the already high numbers of exotic and colourful species in this park.
The Great Ruaha River is the source of life for the park, attracting great herds to its banks during the dry season. In recent years the river has dried up towards the end of the dry season due to climatic changes and farming practices up-river - but there is usually enough water in pools to sustain the diversity. The deep pools and swirling rapids of the Great Ruaha River along the eastern boundary, boast hippo pools shadowed by wild fig trees along the Mzombe River of the western border.
Ruaha suffered a great deal from rampant poaching in the 1980's and 1990's but with renewed resources the Tanzanian authorities have succeeded in getting Ruaha back to its former glory - and it is waiting to be explored.
The best time to visit Ruaha is during the dry season when the wildlife concentrates along the Great Ruaha River.
Ruaha's rocky outcrops are littered with hiding places of Chief Mkwawa of the Hehe tribe, who went into hiding after killing a German Captain in an ambush in 1895. This ancient land holds many secrets and hides many animals in its undergrowth. Their cover is blown during the dry season (May to December), when the foliage dies down and animals become easier to see.
See Ruaha National Park Safari Lodges in Tanzania.