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Tanzania · Ruaha

5-Day Ruaha Budget Safari

5 Days / 4 Nights·Gosheni SafarisVerified Operator

Overview

Explore Tanzania's largest and wildest national park — 5-day budget safari in Ruaha with lion prides, wild dogs, elephant herds, and rare antelope from $900 per person.

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest national park and one of its wildest — yet it remains blissfully uncrowded. This 5-day budget safari immerses you in Ruaha's dramatic landscape of baobab-studded hills, seasonal rivers, and vast plains. The park is famous for its large lion prides, significant wild dog populations, and rare antelope species including greater kudu, sable, and roan. Elephant herds of 200+ are common along the Great Ruaha River. If you want a genuine African wilderness experience without the tourist crowds, Ruaha is the answer.

Safari Highlights

  • Tanzania's largest national park
  • One of Africa's largest lion populations
  • Wild dog stronghold
  • Rare antelope — kudu, sable, roan
  • Elephant herds along the Great Ruaha River
  • Virtually no other tourists

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Fly from Dar es Salaam to Iringa (or drive), then transfer to Ruaha National Park. Arrive at camp on the banks of the Great Ruaha River. Settle in and enjoy a late afternoon game drive along the river.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Ruaha public campsite

Meals: Lunch (packed), Dinner

Transfer to RuahaLate afternoon riverside game drive
2

Ruaha — Great Ruaha River Game Drives

Full day of game drives along the Great Ruaha River. This is the park's wildlife highway — elephant herds, lion prides, hippo pods, and crocodiles line the banks. Morning is best for predator activity; afternoon for elephants coming to drink.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Ruaha public campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Dawn river driveLion trackingElephant watchingCrocodile spotting
3

Ruaha — Wild Dog Tracking & Jongomero Area

Head south to the Jongomero area — prime territory for endangered African wild dogs. Ruaha is one of the last strongholds for this species. Also search for rare sable antelope and greater kudu in the miombo woodland.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Ruaha public campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Wild dog trackingJongomero area explorationRare antelope search
4

Ruaha — Baobab Valley & Mwagusi Sand River

Explore the Baobab Valley and Mwagusi Sand River. The seasonal riverbed attracts wildlife to its pools — watch for leopard, lion, and elephant. The massive baobab trees create a surreal landscape. Final afternoon game drive as the golden light bathes the bush.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Ruaha public campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Baobab Valley driveMwagusi riverbed explorationLeopard searchSunset drive
5

Ruaha & Return Transfer

Early morning game drive in Ruaha for final sightings. Depart the park and transfer to Iringa or Dar es Salaam.

Accommodation: End of tour — Dar es Salaam or Iringa drop-off

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

Morning game driveReturn transfer

What's Included

  • Dar es Salaam or Iringa transfers
  • All park entry fees
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Full-board meals
  • Camping accommodation
  • Drinking water

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Walking safari fees
  • Personal expenses
From

$900

per person sharing

Duration5 Days
CountryTanzania
DestinationRuaha
Difficultymoderate
Group Size1–12

Group Pricing

Solo Traveller$1,170
2 People$900
4-6 People$765
Book This Safari

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Tour Operator

Gosheni Safaris

Verified Operator

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