Establishment: 1964
Area: 20,380 sq km (the largest National park in Tanzania and Africa).
Location:
Situation between latitude 7045’s and Longitude 35040’E at its centre.
Principal features:
Rivers, Rift valley (Escarpment), springs, hills, Miombo wood land. Altitude: 750m to 1,900m above sea level.
Major attractions:
Great Ruaha River, Elephants, a variety of birds, Kudus, hippos and crocodiles.
Common animals:
Impala, Warthog, giraffe, waterbuck, eland, zebra, buffalo, lion, Leopard, hunting dog, Grant gazelle, roan and sable antelopes, lesser and greater Kudus, cheetah, hyena, bushbuck etc.
Distance and time:
120km from Iringa, 322km from Mikumi, 369km from Dodoma, 615km from Dar – es – salaam, 502 km from Mbeya and 807 km from Arusha. 2 – 3 hours from Iringa, 9 – 10 hours from Dar – es – salaam.
Best time to visit:
For predator and large mammals, dry season (Mid May to December): for bird – watching, bush scenery and wild flowers, wet season (January to April): Male greater kudus are most visible in June, the breeding season.
Facilities:
Campsites, self – catering bandas, Ruahariver lodge, Mwagusi safari camp, garage, shop, airstrip, Guides