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.
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.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly to Ruaha National Park | Lion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha River | Tented camp in Ruaha National Park |
| Day 2 | Great Ruaha River game drives | Lion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha River | Tented camp in Ruaha National Park |
| Day 3 | Full day exploring Ruaha with a picnic | Lion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha River | Tented camp in Ruaha National Park |
| Day 4 | Walking safari and afternoon game drive | Lion prides · greater kudu · Great Ruaha River | Tented camp in Ruaha National Park |
| Day 5 | Fly back to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam | Beach time · optional snorkelling or dhow trip | Departure |
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
Route
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
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
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
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
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
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 ParkTour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
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 quoteWhat’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
Travellers who explored Tanzania with us
More tours
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey2 Days2-Day Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
The easiest safari from Dar es Salaam: drive to Mikumi National Park for an afternoon and a full morning on the Mkata floodplain among elephants, lions, giraffe and buffalo.
- Elephants, lions, giraffe and buffalo
- Views of the Uluguru and Rubeho mountains
- Overnight inside or beside the park
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey4 Days4-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
- Zanzibar
- Nyerere
- Mikumi
- Zanzibar
Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park for a boat safari on the Rufiji River and game drives among its lakes, then drive to Mikumi for the open plains — two southern parks in four days.
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Game drives around the Nyerere lakes
- Mkata floodplain in Mikumi
Southern TanzaniaPrivate journey7 Days7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
- Zanzibar
- Nyerere
- Ruaha
- Zanzibar
Two great wilderness parks by light aircraft — Nyerere's rivers and lakes, then Ruaha's lion country — followed by a final night back on Zanzibar.
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Ruaha's lion prides and kudu
- Flights between parks, no long drives
From the journal
Snorkeling and Diving in the Zanzibar Archipelago
Discover expert tips and local insights about Snorkeling and Diving in the Zanzibar Archipelago with Lucky Wild Safaris. Read our full guide to start planning your dream Tanzanian adventure.
Read guide
Understanding the History of the Spice Island: A Guide to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and aromatic spices, but its story goes far beyond its beautiful coastline.
Read guide
Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Boutique Hotels vs Beach Resorts
Planning a Zanzibar holiday?
Read guideFrequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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