Ruaha National Park is the second largest conservation area in Tanzania known for its large concentration of African elephants, the protected park covers an area space of approximately 20,000 kilometers gazette in 1964 as a way of protecting animal species that call this home, it was one of the least visited national park and yet so virgin with untampered nature and wildlife, the woodland, savannah, shrubs and marshy swampy areas act as home to mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, it is underlined by many seasonal rivers named after river Ruaha. The unique position of the park qualifies it ample stability and less human activity for farming or even settlements.
Game drives in Ruaha National Park are the most sought-after activity of the conservation area, they are done using 4×4 wheel car drives to beat the tough African terrain, open rooftops with enough room to view game and take pictures, the drives are conducted in sessions in the morning beginning at 6:30 am to catch the morning riser, animals tend to be busy during the morning time, they come out to graze, while the predators are out to hunt this time is the best to see animals and most recommended. The afternoon time is from 2:30 pm and in the evenings for sundowners. Ruaha National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where night game drives are allowed in search of nocturnal species.
Game drives in Ruaha National Park will expose you to large herds of African buffaloes, African buffaloes, lions, leopards, zebras, greater and lesser Kudus, grants gazelles, elands, oribi, hyenas, giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, impalas, bat-eared fox, wild dogs, jackals, to mention a few. There are over 570 species of birds that have been recorded in the national park Examples of species include ostrich, African harrier hawks, pelicans, Abyssinian ground hornbills, flamingos, cormorants, falcons, martial eagles, kingfishers, plovers, crested barbets, among other bird species.
Game drives in Ruaha National Park are done in a range of different ecosystems including seasonal dry river beds, woodland, acacia savannah and the dotted granite kopjes within the national park, they are best done during the dry season between the months of December February and June -September when the trails are much drier and easier to access. Other activities to do in the national park include birding in Ruaha National Park, and guided nature walks to mention a few. What to pack for a perfect safari experience includes long-sleeved trousers and shirts, hiking waterproof boots, huts, binoculars, cameras, rain gear, insect repellants and any other items of a personal nature.
Ruaha national park can be accessed by road, it is a long drive from the main towns which is one of the main reasons why it is one of the least populated parks, trips can be adjoined together with those of other national conservation areas, for example, Julius Nyerere national park and Mikumi national park, accommodation in the park ranges from the best budget to luxury, example facilities include Mwagusi camp, Jongomero camp, Tandala tented camp among other different several accommodation facilities.