Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park

The Great Ruaha River, along with Mwagusi, Jongomero, and Mzombe, sustains Ruaha National Park, especially in the dry season. Wildlife depends on these rivers, with elephants digging for water in dry riverbeds, while waterfalls provide crucial habitats for hippopotamuses, fish, and crocodiles.

Ruaha National Park experiences short rains from November to February and long rains from March to April, with annual rainfall between 500mm and 800mm. The dry season, from June to October, sees temperatures at Msembe headquarters reaching 35°C.

Originally the Saba Game Reserve in 1910, it became Rungwa Game Reserve in 1946 before being designated Ruaha National Park in 1964. The name "Ruaha" comes from the Hehe word "Ruvaha," meaning "river." The park is part of the vast Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, covering over 45,000 km². In 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve and wetlands were annexed, making Ruaha the largest park in Tanzania and East Africa at 20,226 km².

Ruaha National Park Facts

• Ruaha National Park is one of the driest and hottest parts of Tanzania.
• The national park is the largest of all national parks.
• Ruaha is surrounded by numerous protected areas and national parks.
• The park's diverse habitats and landscapes make it a standout attraction in Tanzania.
• A large number of lions and around 10,000 elephants can be spotted at the national park.
• The park offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 500 bird species to observe.
• With only a few camps inside the national park, it remains uncrowded, offering a perfect safari experience.
• Known as the "heaven of predators," the park boasts a thriving population of lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and other smaller carnivores.