Ruaha National Park is an angelic destination to the south of Tanzania, it is the second largest conservation area of the country covering an area space of approximately 20,206 square kilometres, it was gazette in 1964 as a way of protecting animal species that call this home, it is managed under the Tanzania national parks authority together with other conservation areas, it first opened as a game reserve and later upgraded into the status of a national park. There are several animal species present within the national park including the so-called big five of the wildernesses (African elephants, African buffaloes, Rhinos, leopards, and lions). The national park is untampered and still possesses its natural setting.
Ruaha is a large biodiverse ecosystem, and several mammal species have been recorded here it is one of the few places to see greater and lesser Kudos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cape buffaloes, wild dogs, white Rhinos, black rhinos, cheetahs, roan antelopes, waterbucks, lions, jackals, elands mention a few and over 500 species of birds, example types are African martial eagles, kingfishers, harrier hawks, plover birds, pelicans, barbets, among other types. These are seen through game drives, guided nature walks, and birding safaris in the national park. There are well-distributed trails in the conservation area that enhance the experience of travellers.
Ruaha National Park can be visited all year round however the best time to visit Ruaha National Park is during the dry season, between the months of December -February and the middle of June -October, when the grasses thin out and concentrate on the river beds which makes it easier to see wildlife, the environment is bright and amazingly beautiful, it is dust free and enjoyable on game drives. The climate is always ok during this time, it is also regarded as a high tourism period with several numbers of travellers coming into the national park.
The wet season begins in the months of April, March, November, and October, this time the park is angelic as well however expect more rainfall, it comes with difficulty but does not rule out the fact that the park can be visited, this season comes with discount as well from lodges more so to agents selling Ruaha national park.
What to pack during a visit to Ruaha National Park includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, warm clothes for the wet season, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, Binoculars for birders, hiking boots, huts, insect repellants, hand gloves, and any other important items of personal nature. Getting to Ruaha National Park can be by road from Dar-es-salam it takes approximately 625 kilometres, it is such a difficult place to access and is mostly shadowed by the other national parks, however, it is so much appreciated by travellers who reach out to the destination.
In conclusion, Ruaha National Park can be visited any time of the year, it is better in some seasons compared to others, and strips to the destination can be combined with other neighboring places for example Mikumi National Park or Gombe Stream National Park.