Chief Mkwawa of the Hehe tribe used Ruaha's rocky outcrops as hiding places, when German troops were hunting him in 1895 for killing a German Captain. They finally found him in a cave weak from malaria, but rather than give himself up, he shot his faithful bodyguard and then himself.

ANIMALS AND BIRDS

Ruaha is a permanent hunting ground for lions, jackals, hyenas and the rare and beautifully marked wild dogs. They prey on zebras and numerous antelopes, with both the stunning roan and sable antelope found here as well as greater and lesser kudu. There are also thousands of elephants and buffalo.

Eurasian migrating birds flock to Ruaha twice a year (March/April and October/November) to join the already high number of resident species like kingfishers, hornbills, egrets, shimmering sunbirds and plovers.

SEASONS

Dry Season: Mid May to December is the best time to see predators and large mammals as the bush has died down from lack of rain, and they concentrate at the sparse water courses.
Rainy Season: January to April is wonderful for birdlife, lush scenery and wildflowers but many roads become impassable after heavy rains.

RUAHA SPECIALITIES

• Migrating birds
• Large impressive antelopes
• Day walks and hiking safaris through untouched bush
• Good chance of seeing the abstract 'painted' or 'wild' dog

FACTS
Ruaha National Park covers an area of about 6,400 miles² (10.300 km²) in the central/southern highlands of Tanzania.
It is the country's second biggest park, gazetted in 1964.
Ruaha is a one and a half-hour flight from Dar es Salaam or a 10-hour drive.
Tanzania National Parks contact details: Tel: +255 (27) 254 8040, Fax: +255 (27) 254 8216, www.tanapa.com
This is a malarial area.