Ruaha National Park is easily accessible as it rests in the middle of the country. All of Africa's big five are found here, as we as hundreds species. During the dry season, animals in search of water find predators lying in wait. During the wet season, birds and wildflowers are plentiful.

Ruaha National Park Facts:

Size:

20,226 sq km Tanzania's 2nd biggest park.

Location:

Central Tanzania, 128km (80 mi) west of Iringa.

Getting to:

Up to a ten hour drive, or a one and a half hour flight from Dar es Salaam.

Best time to visit:

For predators and large mammals visit Ruaha National Park in the dry season between June and October.

 Why you should visit

Ruaha is Tanzania's largest elephant sanctuary. The Great Ruaha River in the east of the park is the source of life for most of the wildlife found in the park. During the dry season, impala, waterbuck zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and other antelopes trek to the river but are quickly preyed upon by lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs as well as hippos and crocodiles that wait in the great river.

Ruaha is also famous for its rich diversity of antelope; grant's gazelle, miombo-associated sable, roan antelope, and the rare greater kudu are commonly observed, as are an impressive 450 bird species. Recently expanded to become the biggest national park in East Africa.