What is the Major Tourist Attractions in Ruaha National Park? Ruaha National Park is the second largest National Park in Tanzania. The Park is named after great river Ruaha from a Hehe word ‘Luhava’ meaning a great river. The protected area was first established in 1910 as Saba game reserve. Later in 1946 the name was changed to Rungwa game reserve. The southern part of the reserve was then gazetted as Ruaha National Park. The park covers an area of 20226 sq kms, however previously it was 13000 sq Kms.
Ruaha National Park is filled with exciting and varied tourist attractions. This is mainly due to its wild and untamed environment, which features a mix of pristine plants and stunning scenery. The park is home to a variety of animal species from both the eastern and southern parts of the region, making it a reliable habitat for wildlife. This Park is inhabited by more than 571 bird species, 1,650 flora species, and different animals such as Elephants, Lions, Leopard, Cheetah, Jackals, Elands, Kudu, Impala, Sable, Roan antelopes, Giraffes and Zebras. The great river is a home of reptiles such as crocodiles and number of snakes (venomous and non-venomous). More so, the Ruaha National Park roads are accessible throughout the year and it can be accessed by road and Air. It is only 625 kms from Dar Es Salaam by road and 130 kms drive from Iringa.
However, this article details on the major tourist attractions in Ruaha National Park, and they include;
Diverse wildlife
Ruaha National Park is a hotspot for wildlife, attracting many visitors due to its impressive array of animals. The park boasts a remarkable number of predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and striped hyenas. It’s home to about 10% of the world’s lion population and one of only four cheetah groups in East Africa. Additionally, Ruaha has the largest population of African wild dogs globally and is often surrounded by herds of elephants and buffaloes, along with other abundant wildlife. It is considered to have the highest concentration of elephant herds in East Africa.
In addition to these iconic species, Ruaha is inhabited by a variety of stunning mammals such as greater and lesser kudu, grant gazelle, impalas, elands, sable and roan antelopes, defassa waterbucks, ostrich, giraffes, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, both Southern and Bohor reedbuck and Lichtenstein’s hartebeests. You can also spot hippos and crocodiles along the great Ruaha River. Beyond large mammals, the park is home to various reptiles and amphibians, including both poisonous and non-poisonous Snakes, Monitor Lizards, Agama Lizards, and Frogs.
Birdlife
Ruaha National Park is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Tanzania, though it is difficult to visit this beautiful Park and not be impressed by the number and variety of birds you see! The great cross-section of vegetation types and altitude help to contribute towards this. The park is home to over 574 species of bird recorded, including the endemics, and migratory birds. Some of the birds found in Ruaha National Park includes yellow-collared lovebird, white-bellied go-away-bird, Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, southern ground hornbill, sooty falcon, Meyer’s parrot, long-crested eagle, goliath heron, emerald-spotted wood dove, Eleonora’s falcon, buff-crested bustard, black-bellied bustard, ashy starling, African fish eagle, Ruaha chat, Spur-winged goose, collared palm-thrush, Bateleur, Giant kingfisher among others. Birdwatching in Ruaha is done throughout the year but at its most rewarding from November to April when migrants bird species are present. More so, this is also when endemic bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage.
Vegetation
Ruaha National Park is home to a variety of plant life, including river forests, Miombo woodlands, and open savannahs dotted with acacia trees. Vegetation ranges in the Ruaha Valley, from open grassland to mixed Combretum woodland and areas of Acacia, whereas along the higher escarpment plateau, large areas are predominantly composed of beautiful mixed, Brachystegia woodland.
The Isunkaviola Plateau in the western portion of Ruaha national park, carry two areas of Drypetes forest, situated on high ridges and one area of mixed, riverine forest in the Kilola Valley. Then the Usangu plains and wetland is a fabulous resource for the park. This area is a compliment to the rest of Ruaha, as it offers a complete diversity of habitats, from highland forest, Miombo woodlands, lowland savannah with Acacia and mixed woodland. There are vast wetland and plains which are home to an enormous array of water birds.
The landscape also features rolling hills, flat plains, kopjes, dry bush areas, and swamps. Several rivers, such as the Jongomero, Great Ruaha, Mwagusi, and Mzombe, flow through the park, acting as vital sources of water. The waterfalls along the Ruaha River are important habitats for animals like crocodiles, hippos, and various aquatic species.
During the dry season, the Ruaha River shrinks to just a few waterholes, becoming a prime spot for predators. These animals patiently wait for antelopes and other herbivores that come to drink. The lush vegetation along the riverbanks offers excellent cover for these hunters, making it one of the best places to see them in action. Overall, the diverse plant life throughout the park creates perfect habitats for a wide range of animals and makes it a fantastic place for wildlife viewing.
Cultural sites
The burial site of Gogo Chief Mapenza can be found in Ruaha National Park, along the road to Mpululu. However, reaching this site involves a full-day trip from Msembe, so it’s a good idea to bring a guide along. There are several other historical and cultural places to explore, such: Ganga la Mafunyo, Nyanywa, Chahe and Painting rock. Nearby the park, you can also visit historical sites like the Ismila Pillars close to Iringa town, as well as Kalenga, Mlambasi, Lugalo, and God’s Bridge, among others.
Physical features
The park has a range of altitudes, mostly staying between 750 to 1000 meters near the Great Ruaha River and the Usangu wetlands. As you move north and west, the land rises up a steep slope to about 1,400 meters. In the northwest part of the park, the Isunkaviola plateau climbs to 1,868 meters. While the lower areas around the Great Ruaha River basin were once believed to be part of the Great Rift Valley, they are actually formed from an older geological fault.
