5 Day Ruaha Fly-in Safari
Fly into remote Ruaha National Park for four nights of game drives and guided walks among huge elephant herds, lions and baobab-dotted landscapes.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Route
- Dar es Salaam – Ruaha National Park – Dar es Salaam
- Start / end
- Starts and ends in Dar es Salaam (airport transfers included; can also connect from Zanzibar or Arusha)
- Best time
- The dry season, roughly June to October, is best, when wildlife gathers along the rivers; some camps close during the long rains around April and May.
- Trip style
- Activities led by the camp's guides in open 4x4 vehicles, usually shared with other guests, with seats on scheduled light aircraft and a comfortable mid-range riverside camp.
Tour overview
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania's largest and least-visited parks, a rugged wilderness of baobab-studded hills, sand rivers and the Great Ruaha River. It is famous for its big elephant herds and large lion prides, and it is one of the few places where you might see greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope.
Four nights in a riverside camp give you time to settle into the wild rhythm of Ruaha, combining game drives with guided walks. With few other vehicles around, it suits experienced safari-goers and anyone who wants a quieter, more authentic experience than the busy northern parks.
Highlights
- Light-aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam into the heart of Ruaha
- Four nights in a camp overlooking the Great Ruaha River
- Some of Tanzania's largest lion prides and elephant herds
- Guided walking safari with an armed ranger
- Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope
- Remote wilderness with very few vehicles
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Fly Dar es Salaam to Ruaha
Transfer to the airport in Dar es Salaam for your scheduled light-aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park, which usually takes around 2 to 3 hours including any stops. Your camp guide meets you at the Msembe airstrip and you game drive to camp, getting a first feel for the park's dramatic scenery of baobabs and rocky hills. After lunch and a rest, head out on an afternoon game drive along the Great Ruaha River, where elephants, giraffes and hippos are common, before dinner.
Day 2Ruaha Game Drives
Start with an early game drive along the river and sand riverbeds, where lion prides often rest and leopards can be found in the trees. Ruaha's predators also include cheetahs, spotted hyenas and, with luck, African wild dogs. Return to camp for brunch and a siesta during the heat of the day, watching wildlife come to drink from your veranda, then head out again in the late afternoon. Evenings are spent around the fire listening to the calls of the bush.
Day 3Walking Safari and Afternoon Drive
This morning, set out on foot with an armed ranger and your guide for a walking safari. Walking offers a completely different perspective, focusing on tracks, birds, trees and the smaller creatures that are easy to miss from a vehicle, with the thrill of being on equal terms with the wildlife. After lunch and a rest, enjoy an afternoon game drive into a different part of the park, perhaps the Mwagusi sand river area, known for its predators.
Day 4Full Day Exploring Ruaha
With a picnic lunch packed, spend a full day exploring further afield. Ruaha's mix of habitats, from open grassland to miombo woodland, supports an unusual variety of antelope, including greater and lesser kudu, and over 500 species of birds. Your guide will tailor the day to your interests, whether that is following a lion pride, photographing elephants against the baobabs or birdwatching by the river. Return to camp at dusk for a final dinner in the bush.
Day 5Morning Game Drive, Fly to Dar es Salaam
Make the most of your last morning with an early game drive, then return to camp for breakfast and to pack. Your guide drives you to the airstrip for the scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the afternoon. You are met and transferred to your hotel, or you can connect to an onward flight home or to Zanzibar for a beach extension. Flights can also be arranged to connect to Arusha for the northern circuit.
What is included
- Return scheduled flights Dar es Salaam – Ruaha
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with professional guides
- Guided walking safari with an armed ranger
- Ruaha National Park entrance and conservation fees
- 4 nights' accommodation in a riverside camp
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water during activities
- Airport transfers in Dar es Salaam
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory for this trip)
- Tips for guides, pilots and camp staff
- Alcoholic and premium drinks unless stated
- Optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris
- Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
Good to know
- Light aircraft typically allow around 15 kg of luggage per person in soft-sided bags.
- Walking safaris usually have a minimum age, often around 16, and are subject to park rules.
- Ruaha is hot during the day, especially in October; bring sun protection, a hat and neutral-colored clothing.
- Ruaha is a malaria area; consult your doctor about prevention before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How does Ruaha compare to the Serengeti?
Ruaha is wilder and much quieter, with rugged scenery and very few vehicles. It does not have the great migration, but its predator and elephant populations are outstanding, especially in the dry season.
Can we combine Ruaha with another park?
Yes, Ruaha pairs well with Nyerere National Park. See our 7 Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Nyerere and Ruaha, which links both by light aircraft.
Can we start from Zanzibar?
Yes. Scheduled flights connect Zanzibar with Ruaha, usually via Dar es Salaam or Nyerere, so this safari can easily start or end on the island.
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