Safari In Solitude, Style & Wonders

Ruaha National Park is one of our favorite parks anywhere in East Africa. Both stirring in the sheer number of animals that it shelters and deliciously remote Ruaha is certainly among Tanzania's elite wilderness destinations. By Tanzanian standards,it's second only in size to Nyerere National Park (formerly the northern section of Selous Game Reserve), and although it's larger than the Serengeti, it has relatively few tented camps and lodges and sees far fewer visitors than the more famous nothern parks. In many ways, it's also the Serengeti's match when it comes to wildlife.Ruaha forms the core of a wild extended ecosystem covering about 40,000 sq km of striking topography that's home to Tanzania's largest elephant population, estimated at 12,000 to 15,000. It's also considered one of the best places in East Africa to see large lion prides and even roaming packs of the endagered African wild dog. With opportunities also for cultural encounters and hands-on conservation, Ruaha really has it all. 

Ruaha is best during the dry season ( May to October). At other times, there are fewer visitors (and more birds, from November to March) in the park. But getting around can be problematic, especially during the March and April, when some lodges and tented camps are closed.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and First Taste of the Wild

• Morning: Depart from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar on a scheduled flight to Ruaha National Park. The flight itself offers stunning aerial views of the changing Tanzanian landscape.

• Mid-Morning: Arrive at Msembe Airstrip. You will be met by your guide with a warm welcome and refreshing drinks. Enjoy a brief introduction and a transfer to your accommodation.

• Lunch & Siesta: Check into your lodge or tented camp. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch. Take some time to relax, unwind, and absorb the sounds of the bush from the comfort of your private deck.

• Afternoon: Introductory Game Drive

  • Head out for your first game drive around the Msembe area, following the Great Ruaha River.

  • This is prime time for wildlife. You're likely to see elephants coming to drink, buffalo herds, impalas, and giraffes.

  • Keep your eyes peeled for predators like lions and leopards beginning their evening activities.

• Evening: Return to camp as the sun sets. Enjoy a sundowner (a drink at sunset) followed by a delicious dinner under the stars. Listen to the nocturnal sounds of the bush – you might hear hyenas whooping or lions roaring in the distance.

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Day 2: Full Day Exploration - The River of Life

• Morning: Early morning wake-up call with coffee/tea and biscuits. Set out at dawn for a game drive when animals are most active.

  • Focus on the Great Ruaha River ecosystem. This is the lifeblood of the park. Watch for huge crocodiles, hippos, and the constant parade of animals coming to drink.

  • This area is famous for its large prides of lions. Your guide will track them, often finding them resting on the sandbanks or under trees.

• Breakfast in the Bush: Your guide will find a scenic, safe spot for a "bush breakfast," a magical experience of dining in the wild.

• Late Morning: Continue your game drive, exploring different loops and valleys off the river. Visit the "Junction" where the Ruaha and Mwagusi rivers meet, a classic spot for wildlife viewing.

• Lunch & Siesta: Return to camp for lunch and a midday break to escape the heat. Take a dip in the pool if available, or simply relax with a book.

• Afternoon: Another game drive, perhaps exploring a different section of the river or the Mwagusi Valley, known for its stunning scenery and excellent game viewing. Look out for the majestic greater kudu with its spiraled horns.

• Evening: Dinner and overnight at your accommodation.

Day 3: A Different Perspective - Walking Safari & Wilderness

• Morning: Walking Safari

  • This is a highlight of any Ruaha trip. After a safety briefing, set out on foot with an armed ranger and your guide.

  • This is not about seeing the "Big Five" up close, but about immersing yourself in the ecosystem. You'll learn to track animals by their spoor, identify birds and plants, understand termite ecology, and appreciate the smaller details often missed from a vehicle.

  • The feeling of walking through the wild, relying on your senses, is unparalleled.

• Brunch: Return to camp for a well-deserved and hearty brunch.

• Afternoon: Leisure or Optional Cultural Visit

  • You may choose to relax at the camp.

  • We possibly can arrange a visit to a nearby village to experience the local culture of the Hehe people. This provides a meaningful context to your safari experience. (Note: This must be pre-arranged and may involve an additional cost).

• Evening: A shorter, more relaxed evening game drive or simply enjoy the camp's facilities before dinner.

Day 4: Remote Wilderness & Baobab Forests

• Full Day with Packed Lunch: Today, venture deeper into the park. The goal is to explore the more remote, less-visited areas like the Mdonya Woodlands or the Idodi River area.

  • This is the domain of the magnificent baobab tree. The landscape here is iconic, with these ancient giants dotting the hills.

  • Wildlife can be more scattered but also more skittish and rewarding to find. You might spot rare antelope like sable or roan.

  • Enjoy your packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint, truly feeling the vastness and isolation of Ruaha.

• Afternoon: Continue your exploration, driving through different habitats. Your guide will use his knowledge to find areas where game has been recently spotted.

• Evening: Return to camp, dusty and filled with stories. Enjoy a final celebratory dinner, sharing your experiences with fellow travelers.

Day 5: Final Game Drive & Departure

• Morning: One last, crisp morning game drive. This is your chance to look for any species you may have missed or to simply say goodbye to the landscapes and animals you've come to know.

  • Perhaps revisit a favorite spot or follow up on fresh tracks your guide finds.

• Breakfast: Return to camp for a full breakfast.

• Late Morning: Transfer back to Msemke Airstrip for your scheduled flight out of Ruaha, carrying with you memories of a truly authentic African safari.

Important Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit:

  • Dry Season (June - October): Best for general wildlife viewing. Animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Vegetation is sparse.

  • Green Season (November - May): Lush, beautiful landscapes, excellent for birding, and the time for calving. Fewer tourists. January to March can be particularly good for predator action. Roads can be challenging after heavy rain.

• Accommodation: Jabali Ridge Lodge, Kwihala Camp, Mwagusi Safari Camp, Kichaka Expedition Camp and others of preference.

• What to Pack:

  • Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, beige).

  • A warm jacket for early morning game drives.

  • Binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, and extra memory cards/batteries.

  • Sunscreen, hat, and high-quality sunglasses.

  • Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (especially for the walking safari).

• Health: Ruaha is a malaria zone; consult your doctor for prophylaxis.

From $ 4,350 pp

• Inclusions

  • Hot lunch & snacks
  • 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
  • All sightseeing and game drives as specified
  • Park fee
  • Roundtrip flights
  • Bottled mineral water, soft drinks, beers during the safari
  • Private professional driver guide
  • Government taxes and unlimited mileage during game drives 

    Exclusions

    • International and domestic flights
    • Personal expenses (e.g., telephone, laundry, additional beverages)
    • Tips for the safari guide
    • Travel insurance
    • Visa fees
    • Optional activities beyond the safari