Ruaha National Park: Dry Season

Lions resting. 

As the first rains have begun to fall, I thought it would be good to review the dry season and share a few pictures from the park during this time. The dry season is typically thought of from June to October though rain stops falling around May. In the dry season there are fewer water holes and less vegetation which means two things. First, the wildlife (both predator and prey) clamp down on their territories which usually center around a water source. This makes them easier to find and view. Second, the vegetation also decreases meaning one can view much more of the landscape when game viewing. During the rains you basically need an animal to cross the road in front of you or else it disappears into the bushes. In the dry season you can look out for many kilometers.

I enjoy the ease of game viewing in the dry season though it's tough to be in the car any time past 10am. We love to come into the park around 4pm, go for a short game drive, camp, and then have a quick game drive in the early morning before returning home. It's one of my favorite things about living so close to the park and I feel incredibly lucky to have such prolific wildlife in my backyard (literally).

Ana checking out the river. 

Searching for something to eat

Dry Ruaha River.