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Ruaha National Park Ruaha National Park is a remote bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. With herds of more than 10,000 elephants, vast concentrations of buffalo, gazelle, and over 400 bird species, Ruaha’s limitless wilderness, together with the surrounding game reserves of Rungwa and Kisigo -- stretches over 40,000 square kilometres. Elephants are found in some of the highest concentration in the country, travelling in matriarch-lead herds through ancient grazing lands and seasonal supplies of water.  The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of the park, the lifeline of the Park and meanders through its borders. On its banks, the game viewing is spectacular, whether done by land or by water. Hippos yawn under the midday sun and crocodiles lie lazily along the banks. Fish eagles dive and swoop along the riverbanks, and at night the sound of frogs croaking happily in the reeds extends across the hills and plains. Boating safaris are starting to gain in popularity, and provide a popular alternative to viewing the area by car.  Most of the national park is located on the top of a 900 metre plateau whose ripples of hills, valleys, and plains makes the game viewing topography beautifully unique. Small mountains run along the southwest borders of the park and their tree-covered slopes are visible in the distance. During the rainy seasons, dry river beds swell with the biannual deluge and within days, a thin coat of green covers all the land in sight.Because of its rather remote location, Ruaha National Park is largely unexplored. Because of this, a safari to the national park often has the feel of a private adventure and an unique experience. For the intrepid wilderness lover and the avid safari explorer, a trip to Ruaha is uniquely rewarding and a perfect piece of Africa. Best time to visit The best time to visit is between July and November when the animals congregate around the water holes, but the park is stunning all year round. Their cover is blown during the dry season (May to December), when the foliage dies down and animals become easier to see. Twice a year in March/April and October/November, Eurasian migrating birds arrive to boost the already high numbers of exotic and colourful species in this park . Ruaha River Lodge River Lodge was the first camp to be built in Ruaha and is quite a large lodge set in amongst a large cluster of rocks right on the water's edge on the north bank of the Great Ruaha River. The immediate vicinity of the lodge is one of the better areas for game viewing in Ruaha National Park and particularly during the dry season this area attracts large numbers of animals that are drawn to the river to drink.  Because the camp has been here so long the resident game pretty much sees the camp as home. Elephant are attracted to the same large riverine trees that make such good shade for the tents, so sitting in your room is often one of the best places to be for close up views of them. At night there's also likely to be a fair amount around, so you need to be careful going to and from your tent that you don't meet one of the local buffalos. The camp has a laid back relaxed feeling with friendly staff, many of whom have been there since the lodge was first opened in the late eighties. River Lodge isn't luxury and doesn't pretend to be. Rooms are fairly basic, but far from uncomfortable and the dining areas and bars are located to make the most of the riverside setting. If you like the idea of a place that isn't outrageously expensive, but offers straight forward good quality accommodation and an insight into Ruaha, born of many years of experience, then this is an excellent choice.   Ruaha Hilltop LodgeRuaha Hilltop Lodge is ideal for many exciting activities: game drives into Ruaha National Park; walking safaris; visiting groups who offer information on different aspects of local life and culture. The lodge is built high on a hill with a wonderful panoramic view. There are many different types of birds and trees that can be seen near the lodge. Ruaha Hilltop lodge is situated 110 km from Iringa Town, 5km from Tungamalenga Village and near the boundary of Ruaha National Park. The lodge is built on a hill, part of Ideremle Mountain famous for its volcanic caves.  The luxury self contained cottages are very comfortable, private, each with its own balcony with a beautiful view.  |
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