Ruaha National Park is located in Tanzania. In 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve and other important wetlands were added to the park, making it about 20,226 square kilometers (7,809 square miles) in size. The park is approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) west of Iringa. It is part of the 45,000 square kilometer (17,000 square mile) Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, which includes the Rungwa Game Reserve, the Kizigo and Muhesi Game Reserves, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area.
The park's name comes from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern edge and is a key area for watching wildlife. The park can be reached by car via a dirt road from Iringa. There are two airstrips: Msembe Airstrip at Msembe (the park's headquarters) and Jongomeru Airstrip, near the Jongomeru Ranger Post.
Climate
From May to October, the park has hot and dry weather with very little rain. During the day, temperatures can reach 35 °C (95 °F). At night, temperatures drop to about 20 °C (68 °F). The plants in the park become dry, and rivers and water sources get smaller.
History
Germany established the Saba Game Reserve in 1910. British colonial officials renamed it the Rungwa Game Reserve in 1946. In 1964, the southern part of the reserve was separated and made into a full park.
Wildlife
Since 2005, the protected area has been called a Lion Conservation Unit. Other animals living there include East African cheetahs, African leopards, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, Masai giraffes, hippos, African buffaloes, greater kudus, lesser kudus, roan antelopes, and sable antelopes. Over 571 bird species have been found in the park. Some birds that live there year-round include hornbills. Many other birds visit the park during certain times of the year.
- The park was once known for having a large group of African bush elephants. In 2009, there were about 34,000 elephants in the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem. By 2015, the number had dropped to between 15,836 and 20,595.
- In February 2018, the bodies of six lions and 74 vultures were discovered. They were likely poisoned.