Ruaha National Park

 

Ask a Tanzanian what they recommend, and the chances are that it will be a Ruaha Safari. The Ruaha National Park is a rugged wilderness that is characterised by dry slopes covered in dense woodland and wide open plains studded with baobabs.

At 10 300 sq km, Ruaha is Tanzania's second largest National Park and everything that untramelled Africa should be. Even the Selous seems crowded by comparison

Like the Selous, Ruaha is an important refuge for the endangered African wild dog. It boasts one of Africa's densest elephant populations as well as vast herds of buffalo, stretching from horizon to horizon. Cheetahs can be found surveying the open plains and you may also see one of the prides of over 20 lion.

Despite the fantastic game viewing, the real attraction of a Ruaha Safari is the sense of unspoilt and untamed Africa. You can drive for hours without encountering another soul, and the peace and solitude are overwhelming.