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Ruaha National Park
Ruaha was recently expanded and become the Tanzania’s largest
National Park followed bySerengeti, Ruaha National Park is a remote
bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and
breathtaking scenery. It lies 130 kilometers west of Iringa town.Its
name derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows through it
creating spectacular gorges and scenery.Hippos, crocodiles, turtles
and fish inhabit the river. The park is also known for its sable and
roan antelopes, and its rich bird life. Photography blinds have been
built at strategic places where wildlife congregates.With herds of
more than 10,000 elephants, vast concentrations of buffalo, gazelle,
and over 400 bird species, Ruaha’s limitless wilderness, together
with the surrounding game reserves of Rungwa and Kisigo -- stretches
over 40,000 square kilometres. Elephants are found in some of the
highest concentration in the country, travelling in matriarch-lead
herds through ancient grazing lands and seasonal supplies of water.
The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of the park, and meanders
through its borders. On its banks, the game viewing is spectacular,
whether done by land or by water. Hippos yawn under the midday sun
and crocodiles lie lazily along the banks. Fish eagles dive and
swoop along the riverbanks, and at night the sound of frogs croaking
happily in the reeds extends across the hills and plains. Boating
safaris are starting to gain in popularity, and provide a popular
alternative to viewing the area by car.
Most of the national park is located on the top of a 900 metre
plateau whose ripples of hills, valleys, and plains makes the game
viewing topography beautifully unique. Small mountains run along the
southwest borders of the park and their tree-covered slopes are
visible in the distance. During the rainy seasons, dry river beds
swell with the biannual deluge and within days, a thin coat of green
covers all the land in sight.
Because of its rather remote location, Ruaha National Park is
largely unexplored. Because of this, a safari to the national park
often has the feel of a private adventure and an unique experience.
For the intrepid wilderness lover and the avid safari explorer, a
trip to Ruaha is uniquely rewarding and a perfect piece of Africa.
The best months for game viewing are July to November, as animals
concentrate at water sources. The park can be visited throught the
year, but in March and April some of the roads are not accessible.
Facilities
The park has an airstrip for light aircraft. There are three tented
camps that operate from May up to February of the following year.
The park has also one lodge which operates throught the year, self
catering huts (bandas) and two campsites. There are also three other
accomodation facilities tented camps/hotels just around the parks as
well as the other hotels available in Iringa town
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