Ruaha National Park

Lions at rest in the shade. Ruaha National Park [1] is in Central Tanzania. Understand Ruaha is a very impressive park with an abundance of wildlife. In addition, due to the parks somewhat remote location, it is not on the main tourist circuit, and so visitors can enjoy viewing the wildlife without competing with hordes of other tourists. The park is home to very large prides of lions as well giraffes, herds of elephant and many other wild animals. The road network follows the Ruaha River, where the animals congregate in the dry season. History Landscape Flora and fauna lion, cheetah, buffalo, wild dog, hyena. A population of 10,000 elephants. Giraffe. Kudu (greater and lesser). Sable and roan antelope. Hippo, crocodile, impala, jackal. A great variety of bird life. Climate Get in By Road Self-drive. The most direct route to the park is from the town of Iringa on the main Zambia-Dar Es Salaam trunk. A dirt road traverses west to northwest to the park entrance. The road is in reasonable condition and can be travelled by a two wheel drive vehicle. Petrol can be bought at headquarters for a relatively expensive price so better fuel up in Iringa. Hire. From Iringa, you are looking at US$120 per day to hire a 4x4 to get there and drive round the park (this includes a driver and the cost of the fuel). This may seem like a lot of money but the drivers are excellent spotters of game and avoid the misfortune of missing some interesting and hidden animals. By Air Upmarket tourist resorts ferry their guests directly to the lodge via light aircraft. The landing stip is situated near the main camp on the Ruaha River. Fees/Permits Permits are obtainable at the gate. International travellers. US$60 per vehicle and US$30 per person. (2006). Prices were expected to be increased for the 2007 season. Tanzanian passport holders. A reduced fee in local currency. Get around Self-drive or join an organised safari. guides can be hired for about 10 USD I strongly recommend this to increase game spotting and for orientation in the Park. See An impressive display of fauna and flora. Do Buy Eat Drink Sleep Lodging Mdonya Old River Camp. www.mdonya.com Ruaha River Lodge. Jongomero Camp. Bandas. The bandas are basic but clean with mosquito nets. They are beautifully situated near the River and have a self catering kitchen, warm showers, a fireplace, and you can do some animal watching right from huts on the river bank. Reservations through park headquarters +255756144400 Price about 20$ Per Person/night basic. Local meals can be obtained at headquarters kanteen 1km from the Bandas. Mwagusi Camp. Very pricey. Price includes accommodation and meals but not drinks. The cost may seem high, but if you are after a little luxury, this is the place. The accommodation is made up of self contained traditional bandas with hot solar showers and flushing conveniences scattered along the Mwagusi Sand River. Inside the banda is the sleeping “tent” fitted out with comfortable bed, desk for writing your journal, etc., truly the height of opulence. Every banda has a veranda overlooking the sand river where you can watch the game wander by in the early morning and evening in unbridled comfort. A typical day at Mwagusi can consist of the following: 07:30 Coffee served in your banda 08:00 Early Morning Bird Walk 09:00 Breakfast (Juice, Fruit, Toast, Eggs, Tomatoes, Tea/Coffee etc.) Game Drive 11:00 Morning Coffee and pastries (if required) Game Drive 1:00 Lunch (3 courses – e.g. Gazpacho, buffet, dessert and coffee); Afternoon Game Drive 4:00 Afternoon coffee and pastries Game Drive 6:00 Return to camp, hot shower 7:30 Cocktails at Sand River around a camp fire, Evening Meal (5 Courses) set at Sand River surrounded by elephants and lions It is also possible to arrange a day's walking safari, although this definitely is not for the faint of heart as the guides don’t like to carry guns (make sure you know how to climb a tree)! Camping Backcountry Stay safe Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!