Some of the highest lion and elephant densities in Tanzania.
A rare mix of southern and eastern African species, such as greater kudu and sable antelope.
Walking safaris and night drives from the camp (where allowed).
Overview
Ruaha is a wild and rugged park in central Tanzania. It is far bigger than most visitors realise, and it sees only a tiny fraction of the tourists that the Serengeti does.
This trip flies you from Dar es Salaam to a camp near the Great Ruaha River, where you spend four nights and let the park come to you. See Ruaha National Park.
Tour facts
Difficulty
Easy
Group sizes
Private, Joining safari
Great for
All ages
Languages
English, Swahili
Start point
Dar es Salaam
Guest rating
4.8 / 5
Best months to travel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Fly to RuahaRuaha National Park
A scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam to the Ruaha airstrip. You transfer to camp, have lunch and go on a game drive in the afternoon.
Day2Game drives along the Great Ruaha RiverRuaha National Park
A full day with morning and afternoon drives along the river, where elephants, lions and hippos gather in the dry months.
Day3Walking safari and bush breakfastRuaha National Park
A ranger-led walk in the morning and a bush breakfast, then a game drive in the late afternoon.
Day4Explore the Mwagusi and Jongomero areasRuaha National Park
A day exploring a different part of the park, with a chance to see roan and sable antelope and a leopard in the rocks.
Day5Final game drive and fly backRuaha National Park
One more sunrise drive before your flight back to Dar es Salaam.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
Scheduled light-aircraft flights named in the itinerary
Park and conservation fees for the itinerary as written
Safari vehicle with a driver-guide on the ground in each park
Lodge or tented-camp nights on the meal plan stated on your quote
Airport, airstrip and hotel transfers
Not included
International flights and Tanzania visa
Drinks at lodges, laundry, and tips for guides and camp staff
Optional activities not written on the day plan (balloon flights, cultural visits)
Travel insurance, which is required
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
High season
1 Jun – 31 Oct
$2,450
Shoulder season
1 Jan – 31 Mar
$2,280
Shoulder season
1 Nov – 15 Dec
$2,280
Green season
Best value
1 Apr – 31 May
$2,085
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Green season rate.
1 traveller
$3,169
--52%
2 travellers
$2,085
-0%
3 travellers
$2,022
-3%
4 travellers
$1,981
-5%
5 travellers
$1,939
-7%
6 travellers
$1,897
-9%
7 travellers
$1,877
-10%
8 travellers
$1,856
-11%
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Ruaha?
The dry season from June to November, when animals concentrate along the river and the vegetation is thinner.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every safari can be adapted: dates, lodges, number of nights and the parks you visit. Tell us what matters and we rebuild the plan.
What is the best time to go?
Wildlife viewing is good all year. The dry season from June to October is easiest for game drives, while the green season has fewer visitors and lower prices.