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Locally planned. Personally guided.
5-Day Ruaha Fly-in Safari
Southern Tanzania

5-Day Ruaha Fly-in Safari

Fly into Ruaha, Tanzania's wildest big park, for four nights among baobabs, big lion prides and greater kudu along the Great Ruaha River — far from the crowds of the north.

Plan this trip
Duration5 Days
DestinationsLarge lion prides and wild dogs, Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, Game drives along the Great Ruaha River, Very few other vehicles
Starting fromTailored quote
Overview

About this safari

Fly into Ruaha, Tanzania's wildest big park, for four nights among baobabs, big lion prides and greater kudu along the Great Ruaha River — far from the crowds of the north.

This 5 days private safari starts in Zanzibar and takes you to Large lion prides and wild dogs, Greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, Game drives along the Great Ruaha River, Very few other vehicles. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.

Start / endZanzibar → Zanzibar
TravellingPrivate vehicle & guide
StaysMid-range or luxury
Customise this route

Safari snapshot

A quick look at the route, day by day.

Day-by-day safari summary
DayPlaceHighlightsHotel options
Day 1Fly to Ruaha National ParkLion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha RiverTented camp in Ruaha National Park
Day 2Great Ruaha River game drivesLion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha RiverTented camp in Ruaha National Park
Day 3Full day exploring Ruaha with a picnicLion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha RiverTented camp in Ruaha National Park
Day 4Walking safari and afternoon game driveLion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha RiverTented camp in Ruaha National Park
Day 5Fly back to Zanzibar or Dar es SalaamBeach time · optional snorkelling or dhow tripDeparture

Ways to customise this trip

  • Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
  • Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Customise this trip
Where you go

Route

1Ruaha5Zanzibar
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
  1. Day 1Ruaha
  2. Day 2Ruaha
  3. Day 3Ruaha
  4. Day 4Ruaha
  5. Day 5Zanzibar

Day by day

Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.

1Day 1Fly to Ruaha National ParkTented camp in Ruaha National Park / Lunch, Dinner
Ruaha

A morning scheduled flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam to Msembe airstrip in Ruaha, about two to three hours including a stop. Your guide meets you and the game drive starts on the way to camp, along the Great Ruaha River. Lunch and a rest, then an afternoon drive as the heat fades and elephants come down to dig for water in the sandy riverbed. Ruaha is Tanzania's wildest big park, known for large lion prides, greater kudu and baobab-covered hills along the Great Ruaha River. You will see few other vehicles all day. Lunch is a picnic in the park, usually at a viewpoint or under a big tree, so no time is lost driving back to camp. In the late afternoon you check in at your tented camp in Ruaha National Park, with time to freshen up before dinner and a briefing from your guide about tomorrow. Lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Ruaha
Accommodation
Tented camp in Ruaha National Park
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
2Day 2Great Ruaha River game drivesTented camp in Ruaha National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ruaha

Morning and afternoon game drives along the river, the heart of the park in the dry season. Ruaha is known for some of the largest lion prides in Africa, and you also look for leopard, cheetah, wild dog and the greater kudu with its spiral horns. Rest at camp in the midday heat. With another day in the same area, your guide can explore sections you haven't seen yet, return at first light to a promising sighting, or wait patiently where the animals are gathering. Your guide picks a shady spot for a picnic lunch in the field, keeping the whole middle of the day for wildlife. The evening is spent at your tented camp in Ruaha National Park: a hot shower, sundowners as the light fades, and dinner while you compare the day's sightings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Ruaha
Accommodation
Tented camp in Ruaha National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Day 3Full day exploring Ruaha with a picnicTented camp in Ruaha National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ruaha

A full day with a picnic lunch lets you go further, to the Mwagusi sand river and the baobab-studded hills, where sable and roan antelope are sometimes found. You may see only a handful of other vehicles all day. Back at camp for sundowners and dinner by the fire. A packed lunch is eaten out in the park, often within sight of grazing herds. You return to your tented camp in Ruaha National Park as the sun drops, with time to rest before dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Ruaha
Accommodation
Tented camp in Ruaha National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4Day 4Walking safari and afternoon game driveTented camp in Ruaha National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ruaha

Where the camp offers it, a guided walking safari with an armed ranger in the cool of the morning — a chance to learn tracks, plants and birds up close. Afternoon game drive and a last sunset over the river. A walking safari with an armed ranger adds a different perspective — reading tracks, learning about plants and approaching animals quietly on foot. Overnight at your tented camp in Ruaha National Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Main stop
Ruaha
Accommodation
Tented camp in Ruaha National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5Day 5Fly back to Zanzibar or Dar es SalaamBreakfast
Zanzibar

An early game drive on the way to the airstrip, then the scheduled flight back to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, arriving around midday. Continue to your beach hotel or connect with your international flight. Today could include a short boat ride to Prison Island to meet its giant Aldabra tortoises, or a picnic on the Nakupenda sandbank, a strip of white sand that appears with the tide. Depending on your flight time there may be a last swim or a walk through Stone Town before the transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Ask us if you would like a late check-out or a day room.

Main stop
Zanzibar
Meals
Breakfast

Accommodation

Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.

Days 1, 2, 3, 4Tented camp in Ruaha National Park

Tour rates

Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.

Travel styleWhat changesPrice
Mid-rangeComfortable lodges and tented camps, well placed for the parksOn request
LuxurySmaller, more private camps with extra space and serviceFrom $4,573 pp

Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.

Get my exact quote

What’s included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Park entrance and conservation fees for the itinerary
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar
  • Meals as listed and bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport or hotel transfers at the start and end
  • Return scheduled flights Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam–Ruaha

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and lodge staff
  • Drinks at lodges and personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Ask what’s included
Traveller stories

Travellers who explored Tanzania with us

Traveller story
Yandel F.Oct 2026 · TripAdvisor
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Zeger-JanSept 2026 · TripAdvisor
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Valence J.Rome, Italy · Sept 2026 · TripAdvisor
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Paxton X.United States · Sept 2026 · TripAdvisor
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David S.Aug 2026 · TripAdvisor
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Josip Š.Zagreb, Croatia · Aug 2026 · TripAdvisor
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

  1. Can this 5 days itinerary be changed?

    Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.

  2. Which accommodation will I stay in?

    Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.

  3. What wildlife will we see?

    Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

  4. Can I change the route and accommodation?

    Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.

  5. What determines the final price?

    The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.

  6. Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?

    A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.

  7. When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?

    Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.

  8. How many days do I need?

    Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.

  9. Is the safari private?

    Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.

  10. What vehicle will we travel in?

    Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.

  11. Is a safari suitable for children?

    Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.

  12. Can you cater for dietary needs?

    Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.

  13. Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

    Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.

  14. What should I budget for tips?

    Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.

  15. Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?

    Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.

  16. How far in advance should I book?

    For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.

Your safari, your way5 Days · Southern Tanzania
Plan this trip
Your safari notebook

A few details.
A good beginning.

Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.

  • Planned around your dates and interests
  • Midrange or luxury, at your pace
  • A personal conversation with our local team
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