Covering 7,809 square miles, Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and hosts large herds of buffalo, greater and lesser kudus, Grant’s gazelles, zebras, antelopes, giraffes and over 500 species of birds. The park is also home to around 12,000 elephants.
Ruaha National Park is notable for its striking and diverse topography, especially around the Great Ruaha River which flows along its southeastern margin and houses hippos, crocodiles, turtles and fish. Most of the park is situated at the top of a plateau with rolling hills, valleys and grassy plains, while small mountain ranges run along its southwest border. Several “sand” rivers run through the park and are used by wildlife during the dry season as corridors to reach areas where water remains.