Africa's largest national park will be created in Tanzania when the Ruaha National Park merges with the Usangu Game Reserve increasing its size to over 15,000 sq km. The merger was decided so as to secure water supplies and maintain the flow of the Great Ruaha River, which also protects the Ihefu swamp area. Combining the Ruaha and Usangu Game Reserve is an excellent way to maintain the region’s biodiversity.

 According to Mr. Bigurube, Director General, TANAPA, “Tanzania is constantly working on upgrading its game reserves to National Parks. In a National Park there is no consumptive use of resources and this allows for the multiplicity of species, increasing the wildlife in the parks.” One of the aims of the government in annexing Usangu to Ruaha is in part to save the biodiversity of that area as well as to increase tourism to the region. This can best be accomplished if the area is administered and marketed by TANAPA”.

The Ruaha National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It is the second biggest national park in Tanzania and possesses a true wilderness atmosphere. It covers an area of 10,300 sq km and is part of an even larger ecosystem. Its lifeline, the Great Ruaha River courses along the Eastern boundary of the Park and a fine network of game viewing roads follows the Ruaha River and its seasonal attributes. Practically all of Africa’s animals are found here. Ruaha has a population of 10,000 elephants, the largest than any other East African National Park. It is also famous for its huge herds of buffaloes. Lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and wild dogs are well represented here.  A variety of antelope species including both Greater and Lesser Kudu, Roan, Sable and Eland can be seen. For birdwatchers, Ruaha is a truly marvelous destination, with over 500 species recorded.