Ruaha’s Big Five – Do You Know Them?

Hey adventurers! When you think of a safari, what’s the first thing that pops into your head?

Probably the “Big Five,” right? The lion, the elephant, the rhino, the buffalo, and the leopard – the classic checklist of African wildlife. But what if I told you that the “Big Five” list is not set in stone? That, there are variations in different regions? Tanzania offers you just another unique version of it.

Have you ever heard of the Big Five of Ruaha National Park in Iringa, Tanzania? Well, contrary to other national parks, there are no rhinos here, so what makes up this special list? Read until the end to know more…

1. The Same Gentle Giants: But Are They Just About Size in the Big Five?

We’ll start with the most obvious, the elephant. But hold on; these aren’t just any elephants. Ruaha boasts one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. We’re talking hundreds upon hundreds roaming the landscape. In here they are a symbol of family, of wisdom, of resilience that has been witnessed over centuries. We talking about years of conservation, protection and fighting against poaching and changes.

• Question for you: What stories do you think those ancient wrinkles hold? What can we learn from an elephant’s calm nature?

I challenge you, next time you see an elephant, especially at the Ruaha National Park, don’t just marvel at its size. Look at the wrinkles, and maybe the scars, each representing knowledge and experience gained through time in this untamed land. And yes, the effort it took for it to stand mighty until then.

2. The Mighty Baobab – Are They Just Trees?

Forget for a moment the majestic lions. Let’s talk about the baobab, also referred to as the “Tree of Life” by some. These aren’t just trees; they’re living monuments, some of them more than a thousand years old. Still standing tall in this protected land. They stand tall over Ruaha with their swollen trunks and outstretched branches looking like roots creating this unique landscape. Often called the “upside-down tree,” since they look like they were plucked from the earth and replanted the wrong way.

But what incredible role do these giants play in the ecosystem? They provide shelter for countless creatures, their nutrient-rich fruit nourishes animals, and their hollow trunks hold rainwater. They’re not just scenery; they’re an essential part of the whole web of life.

• Question for you: If these baobabs could talk, what stories of Ruaha’s history do you think they would share? What lessons can we learn from their incredible strength and adaptability? What about the changes they have witnessed in the land all these years? What is your take on these giants in this Big Five list?

3. The Majesty: The Lions of the Ruaha National Park

Now, yes, lions. They’re on everyone’s safari wish list. But in Ruaha, they’re not just about the solitary king hunting for prey. They have bigger pride and bigger territories. The park is big, the land is larger and so is the kingdom for these jungle rulers. Wonder about them?

There is something to be said about these creatures at Ruaha National Park. Contrary to the other national parks in TZ, Mikumi, Serengeti, Manyara and others, in Ruaha NP, seeing a lion is something special. The park is vast, wide and spread out. So, like a game, people go there for the game drive. Might win and check out your list or, come back another day to see these creatures. But know this, when you do see them, you see them.

• Question for you: If you could spend a day with a lion pride, what would be the most intriguing observation for you? Ever heard a lion roar? If you were to choose between seeing and hearing. What would be more memorable for you?

4. The Buffalo, The Silent Power – Are They Just Grazing Machines? Or more…

Often seen as the “unremarkable” member of the Big Five, buffaloes are anything but. They are usually many and everywhere. They’re a force of nature, a solid mass of muscle, and if one of them gets startled, the rest of the herd will join in. As the backbone of the ecosystem, buffalos should never be seen as simple grass eaters.

Ever watch how survival is in the savannah? Ever watched anything about the life chain of most national parks? Buffalos are there, food providers, and life sustainers. Each, a survivor. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.

• Question for you: What do you think about buffalo’s herd mentality can tell us about resilience and strength in numbers? Do you really think survival of the fittest is the rule of the jungle? Or just like buffalos, the number is for life sustenance?

5. The Beautiful Hunters: Leopards – The Masters of Disguise? Just more hidden here

Leopards. The spotted hunters of the bush. In Ruaha, spotting a leopard is always a thrill. Like the lions, spotting a leopard is a game won. Just that not every prepared champion wins. Given the nature of the park, when visiting Ruaha National Park, it’s good to expect a good game drive. Just, keep your checklist far away when in the park. No expectations, no disappointments. Just an unforgettable experience.

• Question for you: What can you learn from this finding about the Leopard’s low-profile life? What do you think about a safari without expectations? Thrilling? Disappointing?

The Big Five+ of the Ruaha National Park

Ruaha NP has another big, unique thing to experience, its identity. The Great Ruaha River, the sustainer of the park. As much as I can write here and you read, I hope you get to experience the Great Ruaha River in its fullest form, experiencing the life, the blood, and the root of the park. Grand, great, and the one that overcame to become and still be, Ruaha.

There you have it – Ruaha’s “Big Five” plus. Remember, visiting Ruaha NP is not just about ticking off a list of animals; it’s about experiencing the untamed, the undiscovered and the uniqueness of Southern Tanzania.

Wrapping Up on Ruaha & the Big Five

Celebrating its 60th anniversary late last year, the park carries a story, a reminder and a lesson of resilience, hard work and change both by wildlife and man.

As you plan your trip to southern Tanzania, make sure to be present keeping an eye out not only for the “Ruaha Special” Big Five but also, the story, the life, the mystery and the journey the park has been on until then. And don’t just look at them, try to see them, and see what lessons you can learn from them.

Have you been here before? Which of the Big Five did you connect with the most?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.