Mikumi has many different ecosystems dominated by grasslands in the flood plain of the Mkata river which later give way to “miombo” woodland, dry forest dominated by “Brachystegia” trees. Every ecosystem has varying species like the Greater Kudu and Sable Antelope with the miombo. Other abundant species include elephant, buffalo, eland and Liechtenstein’s Hartebeest together with predators like lion, leopard, spotted hyena and the highly endangered African wild dog - easier to spot at Mikumi than in other National Parks and Game Reserves of Tanzania.

Accommodation is at Vuma Hills Tented Camp, set in a peaceful location in the hills with a view of the Mkata plains and surrounding mountains. It has 16 spacious, comfortable tents, each with a hot shower and flush toilet in their en-suite bathrooms, with large verandas overlooking the open grasslands. The open air bar is perfect for a sunset drink and there is a small swimming pool here.

Ruaha is crossed by the dry sand rivers and the Great Ruaha River fringed tall tamarinds, acacia and wild fig trees. Huge baobab trees are found almost everywhere in the park giving an interesting feature to this vast wilderness. The park shelters large herds of elephants , sable and roan antelope, together with both species of kudu. Lion, leopard , cheetah and spotted hyena are also found and there are several packs of the rare wild dogs in the reserve. Along with the mammals there are more 370 species of birds that inhabit Ruaha. Sought after sightings of the Pel’s fishing, Dickinson’s kestrel, violet crested Turaco, pale-billed hornbill and the raquet-tailed roller can be worth a visit to the park for bird enthusiasts.

Your nights here will be spent at the wonderful Ruaha River Lodge - where you can comfortably flop down, put your feet up and watch the hippos splashing in the river in front of you. The lodge stands on the banks of the Ruaha River, with small rapids running over boulders, often with hippos and large crocodiles waiting nearby in calmer pools.