Ruaha National Park is the largest park not only in Tanzania but also in the whole of East Africa, covering around 13,000 sq km in area. If you have heard recent announcement to convert part of Selous Game Reserve into Nyerere National Park. It is the furthest park from Dar es salaam city, around 625 km away. It is at the center of Tanzania. The nearest town to this park is called Iringa, which is in the distance of around 130 kms.
The name Ruaha is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which is at the heart of the park. The Ruaha River flows from the south-east portion of park and therefore, it is ideal area for game viewing. The national park consists of a larger ecosystem of Rungwa Game Reserve, Usangu Game Reserve and some other protected areas.
The park is a bird paradise with over 570 bird species, some of which are migrating birds arriving from within and outside Africa. it has the highest concentration of elephants in whole of East Africa. The Elephants here are the largest found in any other park or reserve in Tanzania.
Other animals that are likely to be viewed are Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Zebras, Impalas, Giraffes, wild dogs and many types of antelopes such as Sable, Kudu and Roans. Ruaha National Park also harbors multiple reptiles and amphibians such as crocodiles, snakes (poisonous and non-poisonous), monitor lizards, agama lizards and frogs. There are more than 1,650 species of plants that are inhabiting the national park.
Since, it is the furthest park from Dar es salaam, it is combined with Mikumi National Park to reduce the long distance driving.