1 Day:
Ruaha
Discover Tanzania’s best-kept secret on this intensive day safari to Ruaha National Park, the country’s largest wilderness covering 20,226 square kilometers. Home to Tanzania’s biggest elephant population with over 12,000 individuals, the largest lion concentration in East Africa, and one of Africa’s most significant wild dog populations with 100+ individuals.
This remote wilderness adventure offers authentic African experiences far from tourist crowds with dramatic landscapes of baobab trees, granite kopjes, and the mighty Great Ruaha River. Despite being a single day, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems with exceptional predator viewing and diverse wildlife encounters.
Early morning departure via charter flight from Dar es Salaam or Dodoma to Ruaha’s airstrip. The scenic flight showcases Tanzania’s diverse landscapes from coastal plains to central highlands. Arrive at Ruaha around 8:30 AM where your safari guide meets you with 4WD vehicle for immediate wilderness adventure.
Morning Game Drive (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM) Explore Ruaha’s spectacular landscapes along the Great Ruaha River, the park’s lifeblood attracting massive wildlife concentrations during dry season. Search for huge elephant herds, large lion prides often exceeding 20 members, and elusive leopards resting in baobab trees. The park’s diverse habitats support over 571 bird species making it Tanzania’s premier birding destination.
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) Enjoy packed lunch at scenic location overlooking the Great Ruaha River with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds while dining in pristine wilderness setting.
Afternoon Game Drive (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM) Continue exploring different park sections including miombo woodlands and open grasslands searching for African wild dogs, cheetahs, and massive buffalo herds. Ruaha offers exceptional predator viewing with interactions between lions, leopards, and wild dogs creating thrilling wildlife encounters. Visit granite kopjes where lions often rest with panoramic views across endless wilderness.
Return Flight (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM) Transfer to airstrip for return flight to departure point, arriving with memories of one of Africa’s most pristine and wildlife-rich destinations.
Meals: Packed lunch, bottled water, and snacks.
✔ Return charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Dodoma to Ruaha.
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide and driver in Ruaha.
✔ Private 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal viewing.
✔ All park entrance fees and government taxes.
✔ Packed lunch, bottled water, and snacks throughout the day.
✔ Airport transfers in departure city.
✔ Airstrip transfers in Ruaha National Park.
✔ Game drives as per itinerary schedule.
✔ Emergency first aid kit and communication equipment.
✔ Professional wildlife spotting and photography guidance.
✘ International flights to and from Tanzania.
✘ Tanzania visa fees if required for your nationality.
✘ Travel and medical insurance coverage.
✘ Alcoholic beverages and additional soft drinks.
✘ Tips for pilot, driver-guide, and ground staff ($40-50 total recommended).
✘ Personal items, souvenirs, and shopping.
✘ Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary.
✘ Emergency evacuation insurance.
✘ Accommodation (day trip only).
Find your ideal Tanzania adventure with our comprehensive range of safari itineraries, each carefully crafted to deliver exceptional wildlife viewing, cultural insights, and authentic African experiences.
“Excellent guides who not only know how to guide a raft through the rapids, but can explain the geology and the history of the area. This trip gives you the opportunity to see a part of Dinosaur National Monument that most people never get to see”
Tourist, Canada
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