6 days Ruaha National Park wildlife safari

A 6-day Ruaha National Park safari offers an immersive journey into one of Tanzania’s largest and least-crowded wilderness areas. This safari focuses on exceptional wildlife viewing, including large elephant herds, lions, African wild dogs, and diverse antelope species, set against Ruaha’s rugged landscapes and iconic baobab trees.

The itinerary is often combined with nearby Mikumi or Nyerere (Selous) National Parks, adding varied ecosystems and activities such as extended game drives, guided walking safaris, and optional hot-air balloon experiences (seasonal). Safaris typically start and end in Dar es Salaam, with travel by light aircraft or road depending on preference and budget.

Guests can expect excellent dry-season wildlife viewing, dramatic river systems, and a true off-the-beaten-path safari atmosphere. Accommodation is usually in carefully selected lodges or tented camps on a full-board basis, ensuring comfort while maintaining an authentic bush experience.

6-Day Ruaha National Park Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Ruaha National Park

Pick up from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam and transfer to the airport for your scheduled or charter flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival at the park airstrip, meet your professional safari guide and transfer to your lodge or tented camp.

Enjoy lunch at the camp, followed by a late-afternoon game drive, offering your first introduction to Ruaha’s rugged landscapes, baobab-studded plains, and abundant wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Ruaha National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for a morning game drive, when predators such as lions and leopards are most active. Explore the park’s open savannahs and riverine areas in search of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, and African wild dogs.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to camp for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive focusing on the Great Ruaha River, home to hippos, crocodiles, and large concentrations of wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Day 3: Ruaha National Park – Walking Safari & Game Drives

Begin the day with an early breakfast, followed by a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. This experience offers a close-up look at animal tracks, plants, birds, and the smaller details of the ecosystem.

Return to camp for lunch and relaxation during the heat of the day. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive, exploring different regions of the park for varied wildlife encounters.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Day 4: Ruaha National Park – Extended Exploration

Enjoy a full day dedicated to deeper exploration of Ruaha’s remote areas. After breakfast, set out on a morning game drive, visiting less-frequented sections of the park for exclusive wildlife sightings and scenic viewpoints.

Optional activities (at additional cost) may include a hot-air balloon safari or a cultural visit to nearby local communities. Return to camp in the afternoon for leisure, followed by an evening game drive if time allows.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

Day 5: Ruaha – Mikumi or Nyerere National Park (Optional Extension)

After breakfast, depart Ruaha by road or light aircraft to Mikumi National Park or Nyerere National Park, depending on your chosen safari combination.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive in a new ecosystem featuring open floodplains, river systems, and diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, and abundant birdlife.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge/camp.

(If staying exclusively in Ruaha, this day is spent on additional game drives within the park.)

Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Return to Dar es Salaam

After an early breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive or relaxed bush walk (where permitted). Later, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in time for onward travel or overnight stay.

Safari Highlights

Vast, uncrowded wilderness of Ruaha National Park
Excellent sightings of elephants, lions, wild dogs, and antelopes
Walking safaris and optional balloon experiences
Combination with Mikumi or Nyerere National Park for diverse landscapes
Comfortable lodge or tented camp accommodation on full-board basis