Written
by Fiona MacKay
You
would be forgiven if you have never heard of Ruaha National Park, it
seems to be one of the best kept secrets in the safari world. But those that know it and have been fortunate enough to
visit it, return again and again to this truly unique and diverse wilderness.
Before
you reach for a map and think about planning a trip, let me give you a few
reasons why you might want to investigate this amazing place and put it to the
top of your 2018 safari wishlist.
1. Predator paradise
Ruaha
supports an incredible and globally important predator population. It has the
second largest lion population left in the world, supporting almost 10% of Africa’s
remaining lions, and is one of only six lion populations in the world numbering
over 1000 individuals. It is also a hotspot for Africa’s most elegant
felines – providing a home to one of only four east African cheetah
populations with over 200 adults.
In
case that might not be enough to convince you, Ruaha also supports the third
largest population of endangered African wild dogs, an abundance of leopards
and both striped and spotted hyena.
2. Outstanding biodiversity
Ruaha was named as a key landscape for
conservation by the EU due to its internationally important wildlife
populations. It forms an intersection where the eastern and southern African
eco-regions converge, resulting in a plethora of rare and diverse species. It
is one of just a few places where both greater and lesser kudu can be seen, as
well as rare antelopes such as sable and roan, Grant’s gazelle, eland, oribi,
giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala and vast herds of Cape buffalo to
name but a few.
Ruaha is also an important habitat for elephants
and despite previously suffering heavily from extensive poaching, today it
still boasts a healthy population numbering in excess of 10,000. The area is
one of outstanding biodiversity and species endemism, that should be enjoyed
with an extended stay to really appreciate all it has to offer.
3. Birding bonanza
Again, like the mammal species Ruaha’s position
on the convergence zone of south and east benefits its bird list too. Ruaha’s
birdlife is endearingly colourful, with a sensational mix of southern and
northern species. More than half of Tanzania’s bird species can be seen in this
region. An incredible 580 bird varieties have been sighted and recorded in
Ruaha including fish eagles, Eleanora’s falcon, goliath herons, crested barbets
and black-collared lovebirds.
Ruaha also boasts endemic species such as the
Tanzanian red-billed hornbill and serves as an important habitat for several
critically endangered vulture populations.
4. Breathtaking landscapes
From the mighty Ruaha River, the rolling hills,
rocky escarpments and the vast uninhabited open plains dotted with the iconic
silhouettes of African Baobab trees, Ruaha offers something for everyone.
Nowhere will you be more spoilt for choice when it comes to a spectacular
setting to enjoy some of the finest sunsets and sunrises Africa has to offer.
Ruaha really is an untouched wilderness just
waiting to be explored and admired.
5. Complete isolation
Well almost – because if the idea of
breathtaking landscapes, all that wildlife and extensive birding aren’t enough
to tempt you, Ruaha can offer you a sense of isolation like few places left on
Earth. Arriving in Ruaha you would be forgiven for feeling like you’ve stepped
back in time and discovered a world far removed from modern civilisation and
the stress and strains of our busy world. A wild and remote wilderness.
Whilst Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park,
it’s inaccessible location has meant it has remained one of the least explored.
Year round visitor numbers are always low but out of season the place has an
almost deserted feel to it. Perfect if you truly want to escape and let Ruaha
guide you back to the quieter pace of life dictated by nature.
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