The Ruaha
National Park is in the southern part of Tanzania and bear its name from a
majestic river flowing 160km in the park, River Ruaha. The vegetations differs
drastically between flat treeless savannahs, Miombo woodlands, dry bush lands,
swamps, and riverine forests. Almost 1650 different plant species can be found
in the park, creating a one of a kind botanical paradise.
Apart from the
river the park is well known for its varied scenery – from large open plains to
rolling hills, river systems to wetlands and kopjes to mountains. The Ruaha
National Park marks the transition zone where eastern and southern species of
flora and fauna overlap. The Great Rift Valley also runs through the park with
escarpment walls rising between 50 and 100 m in height. Natural springs
associated with the rift valley are scattered throughout the park.
During the dry
season, the Ruaha River also dry and becomes waterholes of which predators take
complete advantage of hide in wait, knowing that thirst will drive herds of
impalas, gazelles, and other antelopes to come drink. The riverine vegetation
on the shores around the river helps provide enough cover for lions, leopards,
cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas making it the best hunting ground in the park.
The Ruaha
National Park is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of African
elephants in East Africa. Huge numbers of up to 200 are often spotted below
giant baobab trees. Furthermore, the park is home to both species of kudu
(greater and lesser) as well as the majestic sable and roan antelopes both of
which are frequently seen.
Apart from
mammals, 529 species have been sighted in the park. Some of the famous birds
include the endemic Ruaha red billed hornbill, kingfishers, sunbirds, black
collared lovebirds, ashy starlings, ground hornbills, bateleurs, fish eagles
and many more.
