Ruaha National Park
Classic Ruaha Eco Safari (3 Days / 2 Nights)
Overview
Experience the wild and untamed beauty of Ruaha National Park on this 3-day eco safari. Home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 500 bird species, Ruaha offers a remote, less-crowded safari experience. Guests stay in eco-lodges or sustainable tented camps, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation initiatives, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking adventure and wildlife immersion.
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry season (June–October) for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Wet season (Nov–May) for lush scenery, bird activity, and fewer crowds.
Price:
Pricing (from $1,200 per person, sharing basis)
- Eco-lodge/tented camp accommodation
- Full meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle + professional guide
- Ruaha National Park entry fees
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional premium experiences (e.g., photography or bush walks)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival → Ruaha National Park
- Pickup from Iringa or Mbeya.
- Afternoon game drive in Ruaha, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birds.
- Sunset over the Great Ruaha River.
- Overnight at eco-lodge or sustainable tented camp near the park.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari
- Early morning game drive to maximize wildlife sightings.
- Optional walking safari for an immersive bush experience.
- Picnic lunch within the park or at the lodge.
- Afternoon game drive exploring remote areas of Ruaha.
- Sundowner drinks and gourmet dinner at the lodge.
- Overnight at eco-lodge.
Day 3: Morning Safari → Departure
- Optional early morning game drive or birdwatching session.
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Private transfer back to Iringa, Mbeya, or onward destination.
- End of safari.
Wildlife Explorer Safari – Ruaha (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Overview
Embark on a 4-day immersive safari in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most pristine wildlife reserve. Experience elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife across diverse landscapes, from savannah plains to riverine forests. Guests stay in eco-lodges or sustainable tented camps, supporting local communities and wildlife conservation initiatives, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking adventure and authentic wildlife encounters.
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry season (June–October) for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Wet season (Nov–May) for lush landscapes, bird activity, and fewer crowds.
Price:
Pricing (from $1,800 per person, sharing basis)
- Eco-lodge/tented camp accommodation
- Full meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle + professional guide
- Ruaha National Park entry fees
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional premium activities (e.g., bush walks, photography sessions)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival → Ruaha National Park
- Pickup from Iringa or Mbeya.
- Afternoon game drive in Ruaha, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and bird species.
- Sunset over the Great Ruaha River.
- Overnight at eco-lodge or sustainable tented camp near the park.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari
- Early morning game drive to maximize wildlife sightings.
- Optional walking safari for an immersive bush experience.
- Picnic lunch in the park or at the lodge.
- Afternoon safari exploring remote areas of Ruaha, increasing chances of spotting predators and large herbivore herds.
- Sundowner and gourmet dinner at lodge.
- Overnight at eco-lodge.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari / Birdwatching
- Early morning birdwatching and wildlife photography session.
- Explore less-visited areas of Ruaha, including riverbanks and rock formations.
- Afternoon game drive and optional cultural visit to local communities.
- Overnight at eco-lodge.
Day 4: Morning Safari → Departure
- Optional early morning game drive or bush walk.
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Transfer back to Iringa, Mbeya, or onward destination.
- End of safari.
Ruaha & Udzungwa Adventure (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Overview
Experience a diverse eco safari adventure combining Ruaha National Park’s savannah wildlife with the lush rainforests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Over 5 days, witness elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras in Ruaha, then explore waterfalls, endemic species, and birdlife in Udzungwa. Guests stay in eco-lodges and sustainable camps, supporting local communities and conservation initiatives, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking a complete southern Tanzania experience.
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry season (June–October) for optimal wildlife viewing and trekking.
- Wet season (Nov–May) for lush scenery, migratory birds, and fewer crowds.
Price:
Pricing (from $2,400 per person, sharing basis)
- Eco-lodge/tented camp accommodation
- Full meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle + professional guide
- Entry fees for Ruaha and Udzungwa National Parks
- Guided rainforest trekking
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional premium activities (e.g., bush walks, photography sessions)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival → Ruaha National Park
- Pickup from Iringa or Mbeya.
- Afternoon game drive in Ruaha, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and diverse bird species.
- Sunset over the Great Ruaha River.
- Overnight at eco-lodge or sustainable tented camp near the park.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Ruaha
- Morning game drive for wildlife and birdwatching.
- Optional walking safari for an immersive bush experience.
- Afternoon game drive exploring remote areas of Ruaha.
- Sundowner and gourmet dinner at lodge.
- Overnight at eco-lodge.
Day 3: Ruaha → Udzungwa Mountains
- Morning transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
- Guided rainforest trek to waterfalls, spotting endemic species and unique birdlife.
- Evening stay at eco-lodge near Udzungwa.
Day 4: Full-Day Rainforest Adventure
- Early morning guided rainforest walk for wildlife, birds, and photography.
- Explore waterfalls, river valleys, and forest trails.
- Optional visit to local villages to support community-based tourism initiatives.
- Overnight at eco-lodge.
Day 5: Morning Trek → Departure
- Optional early morning hike or birdwatching session.
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Transfer back to Iringa, Mbeya, or onward destination.
- End of safari.
Luxury Ruaha Eco Safari (5–6 Days)
Overview
Indulge in a luxury eco safari in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most wild safari destination. This 5–6 day adventure combines private game drives, exclusive eco-lodges, gourmet meals, and personalized service with sustainable travel practices. Guests experience elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and abundant birdlife, while contributing to local community development and wildlife conservation initiatives. Ideal for eco-conscious luxury travelers seeking comfort and authentic wilderness experiences.
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry season (June–October) for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
- Wet season (Nov–May) for lush landscapes, bird activity, and fewer crowds.
Price:
Pricing (from $4,000 per person, sharing basis)
- Eco-lodge/tented camp accommodation
- Full meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle + professional guide
- Ruaha National Park entry fees
- Optional cultural visits and bush walks
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional premium activities (photography tours, hot air balloon rides)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival → Ruaha National Park
- VIP pickup from Iringa or Mbeya.
- Afternoon game drive in Ruaha to spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and diverse bird species.
- Sunset photography and relaxation at the eco-lodge.
- Overnight at luxury eco-lodge or sustainable tented camp.
Day 2–4: Full Safari Experience
- Early morning and late afternoon private game drives maximizing wildlife encounters.
- Optional walking safaris, birdwatching, and photography sessions.
- Gourmet meals and sundowners at lodge with panoramic views of the park.
- Overnight at luxury eco-lodge.
Day 5: Extended Safari & Optional Cultural Visit
- Full-day safari exploring remote areas of Ruaha, including riverbanks and rock formations.
- Optional visit to local villages for cultural immersion and community support.
- Overnight at luxury eco-lodge.
Day 6 (Optional): Morning Safari → Departure
- Optional early morning game drive or bush walk.
- Breakfast at lodge.
- Transfer back to Iringa, Mbeya, or onward destination.
- End of safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this safari be extended to Mikumi or Selous?
Yes — travelers often combine this itinerary with other southern Tanzania parks for extended eco safari adventures.
Is this suitable for birdwatchers?
 Absolutely — both Mikumi and Udzungwa host hundreds of bird species, perfect for enthusiasts.
Is this suitable for photographers?
Yes — longer game drives and quiet eco-lodges provide ideal conditions for wildlife photography.
Can this safari be combined with Mikumi or Udzungwa tours?
Yes — travelers often combine Ruaha with other southern Tanzania parks for extended eco safari adventures.
How is Ruaha different from other parks?
Ruaha is remote, less-crowded, and home to large predator populations, offering a more authentic and adventurous safari experience.
Can this safari be extended to Mikumi or Udzungwa?
Yes — travelers often extend their luxury safari to explore other southern Tanzania parks.