Difference between revisions of "Ruaha National Park"

Revision as of 21:02, 6 June 2007

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.
• A poulation of 10,000 elephants.
• Giraffe.
• Kudu (greater and lesser).
• Sable and Roan antelope.
• Hippo, crocodile, impala, jackal.
• A high 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 north-west to the park entrance. The road is in a reasonable condition and can be travelled by two wheel drive vehicle.

• 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 you 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. US$60 per vehicle and US$30 per person. (2006). Prices were expected to be increased for the 2007 season.

Get around

Self-drive or join an organised safari.

See

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Lodging

• Ruaha River Lodge.
• Jongomero Camp.

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Get out