Ruaha
National Park
Covering 25,600 square kilometers, Ruaha National Park stands as Tanzania’s second largest and one of the wildest. Currently, it holds the title of East Africa’s largest national park and ranks as the second-largest on the African continent.
Notably, it serves as Tanzania’s primary elephant sanctuary and hosts a rich variety of bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, hornbills, and sunbirds.
The Great Ruaha River, tracing the park's eastern border, teems with crocodiles and hippos. During the dry season (July to November), wildlife congregates around the dwindling water sources, offering a remarkable wildlife spectacle.
Scenery
Ruaha's wild expanse is defined by the Great Ruaha River and its sandy tributaries.
Beyond the river, miombo woodland intertwines with savannah grassland, adorned by ancient baobab trees and rocky outcrops.
This setting also offers the backdrop for experiencing breathtaking sunsets, making it a prime location for enjoying nature's beauty.
Wild Dogs vs Lions
Predator sightings in Ruaha are extraordinary. The park boasts impressive prides of lions and a thriving population of wild dogs.
While lions maintain territorial boundaries, wild dogs, with their extensive home ranges, prove more elusive. Optimal viewing opportunities arise during their denning periods.
Additionally, the park's allure extends to its abundant elephant population and diverse array of antelope species.
Ruaha Carnivore Project
Established in 2009 by Dr. Amy Dickman, the Ruaha Carnivore Project in Tanzania was founded to address human-wildlife conflicts and conserve lions and African wild dogs.
Through rigorous research, tracking, and community engagement, the project aims to protect these apex predators and their habitats.
Its primary objective is to mitigate conflicts stemming from livestock predation, thereby reducing retaliatory killings and promoting peaceful coexistence between carnivores and local communities.