Ruaha National Park - Day 2

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The schedule at Ruaha for safari drives was the same as at Selous -- out at 6:30am for a long drive (with a stop for a picnic breakfast), back at camp around 12:30pm, lunch at 1pm, open time until coffee/tea break at 4pm, and then back out for a short drive in the late afternoon.  The NP requires all drives to be completed by 7pm -- unless you've scheduled a night drive (in which case you need to bring an armed park ranger along with you). 

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The Great Ruaha River is the lifeblood of Ruaha National Park, but unfortunately the river isn't so great anymore.  In 1988, some of the river was diverted to rice farms and since 1993 the river has stopped flowing during the dry season (September - November).  A 2003 study showed the drying of the Great Ruaha creates a 60% loss of dry season habitat within the park.  The government is now working to restore the river flow.

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Weavers' nests:  weavers are small birds related to finches.  Typically it is the male birds that build the nests as a way to woo females.  The better the builder, the more likely he is to find a mate.  They will often build 10+ nests in order win the female weaver bird over.  They are said to be the only bird that can tie a knot.

Video alerts:  none!




Location: Ruaha National Park, Iringa, Tanzania

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