Ruaha National Park

In the southern circuit, Ruaha is a place of baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River, holding one of Africa's largest elephant populations and significant numbers of lion and endangered African wild dog.

Ruaha is also a birder's paradise, with more than 570 species recorded. Look out for the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, whose scientific name comes from Ruaha itself, the ashy starling and yellow-collared lovebird, both found only in Tanzania, and the vivid lilac-breasted roller.

Far from the crowds, it rewards travellers seeking true wilderness and exceptional predator viewing, where every day brings a new discovery.