Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is named after the Ruaha River that flows through the parks most southeastern territory and it is the focus of Ruaha Safari game viewing. It is also the life source for most of the animals in the area. After the addition of the Usangu Game Reserve and the surrounding wetlands in 2008, Ruaha National park become the largest in Tanzania and East Africa. It now spans for over 20,200 Square Kilometres (7800 miles). The park as a whole is approximately 130km (81 miles) to the west of Iringa and is a part of the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem which is made up of the Rungwa Game Reserve, Kizigo & Muhesi Game Reserve, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area. The National Park was born in 1910 and called the Saba Game Reserve before the Colonial British changed the name to Rungwa Game Reserve in 1946; it was then extended south in 1964.

Ruaha Wildlife

Ruaha is very well known in Tanzania for its huge variety of wildlife; specifically the bird-life that has been found in the park. The Park was once known for its huge population of Elephants, however, like many of the National Parks in Tanzania, their population has been significantly reduced. From 34,000 in 2009, the numbers declined to under 4800 in 2015. The classic Safari wildlife called the Ruaha National Park home of course; Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Giraffes, Hippos, Antelopes & Buffalo can be seen regularly.