Ruaha National Park Tanzania's hidden jewel

Ruaha National Park: Tanzania’s hidden jewel

In the heart of Ruaha National Park, you stand still, the air vibrating with excitement. Suddenly there is a rustle in the tall grass and a shadow flits past – an African wild dog, rare and endangered, enters your field of vision. Its glowing eyes fix on you briefly before it disappears silently into the thicket, leaving you wondering what other secrets this unspoilt wilderness holds.

Imagine a place where nature is still unspoilt, where animals roam freely and the landscape is characterised by beautiful hills and mighty baobabs. Such a place actually exists – Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania. With an area of over 20,000 square kilometres, it is not only the largest national park in the country, but also a true paradise for wildlife lovers.

The creation and significance of the park

In 2008, the boundaries of the Usangu Game Reserve were integrated into Ruaha National Park, making it the largest national park in Tanzania. Despite its impressive size, the park remains a largely undiscovered gem, known for its few camps and exclusive remoteness. This remoteness makes Ruaha a special destination for safari-goers who want to experience the wildness and unspoilt nature of the African continent up close.

Ruaha, named after the Hehe word for “river”, is crossed by the Great Ruaha River. This river is not only vital for the wildlife within the park, but also for the surrounding communities. During the dry season, the landscape is transformed into golden savannahs with scattered baobabs, while the rainy season brings lush green grasslands and flowering baobabs.

Unique flora and fauna

The convergence of different vegetation zones in Ruaha National Park creates a unique combination of animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in Tanzania. Particularly noteworthy are the greater and lesser kudu as well as the sable and roan antelope. In addition, the park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards and the endangered African wild dogs.

With over 540 documented bird species, Ruaha is also a true paradise for birdwatchers. From majestic birds of prey to colourful small birds – the diversity is overwhelming.

On the road with Afromaxx

A visit to Ruaha National Park offers a variety of safari experiences, ranging from traditional game drives to unique walking safaris. Our experienced guides will take you through the wilderness in open safari vehicles, always on the lookout for the impressive herbivores and predators that inhabit the park. Our vehicles are equipped with power points and fridges to ensure your comfort during the expedition.

Walking safaris offer the opportunity to experience the fascinating ecology of the park and its smaller creatures at close quarters. Far away from the noise of vehicles, you can enjoy the silence of the bush and discover nature in its purest form. A particular highlight are the night drives, where you can explore the park’s nightlife. When the sun goes down, nocturnal animals such as leopards, genet cats and servals come to life. Bush babies, honey badgers, mongooses and nocturnal birds such as nightjars and owls can also be observed.

A paradise away from the crowds

One of the greatest advantages of Ruaha National Park is its remoteness. Away from the well-known national parks of the Northern Safari Circuit and the coastal regions, Ruaha is much less visited by tourists. This offers you the unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking wilderness of Africa without the crowds and to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of nature.

If you want to experience unspoilt, wild Africa, then a trip to Ruaha National Park is just the thing for you. Here you will find dense forests, magnificent giraffes, leisurely roaming hippos, countless species of antelope and huge herds of elephants. Discover this hidden gem of Tanzania with Afromaxx and be enchanted by the unspoilt nature and impressive wildlife.