5 Days Ruaha Big Cats & Elephants Safari

A journey into Tanzania’s largest national park—Ruaha is a true wilderness filled with massive elephant herds, ancient baobab forests, and powerful big cats. This 5-day safari is ideal for travellers seeking raw, untouched Africa with exceptional wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Ruaha National Park
Tour Type: Private or Group Safari (Customisable)
Starting Point: Dar es Salaam

Safari Highlights

  • Explore Tanzania’s biggest national park with dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife

  • Home to over 10% of the world’s lion population

  • Excellent sightings of elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, and antelopes

  • Birdwatcher’s haven with more than 570 bird species

  • Scenic baobab forests and rugged hills

  • Quiet, remote safari experience away from tourist crowds

Perfect for travellers seeking an authentic southern circuit adventure.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Dar es Salaam → Ruaha National Park

Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or airport in Dar es Salaam. Travel by road or take a flight to Ruaha, depending on your preference.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. As the sun sets, look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and birds of prey.
Dinner and overnight inside or near the park.

Spend the day exploring Ruaha’s diverse landscapes—rocky outcrops, baobab valleys, miombo woodlands, and open plains.
Ruaha is known for large prides of lions, elusive leopards, and huge elephant numbers. Your guide will take you to the park’s wildlife-rich zones to maximise sightings.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.

After breakfast, continue your safari deep into the heart of Ruaha. Today’s focus is on the park’s predators—lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and the chance of spotting wild dogs.
Break for lunch at a scenic viewpoint before an afternoon drive through baobab-dotted landscapes.
Dinner and overnight in Ruaha.

Enjoy another exciting day of wildlife viewing. Depending on your interests, choose between:

  • A full-day game drive

  • A relaxed morning and afternoon game drive

  • Optional cultural visit to nearby communities (if available)

Capture stunning photos of elephants moving between the riverbanks and open plains.
Dinner and overnight at your camp or lodge.

Enjoy a final morning game drive as you exit the park or take a relaxed breakfast depending on your schedule.
Travel back to Dar es Salaam by road or flight. Drop-off marks the end of your unforgettable Ruaha safari experience.

BOOKING SAFARI

Safari Booking
  • Park entrance and conservation fees

  • Accommodation for 4 nights

  • Professional English-speaking safari guide

  • Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle (or flights if selected)

  • All scheduled game drives

  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

  • Government taxes and fees

  • International/domestic flights (unless added to your package)

  • Travel insurance

  • Accommodation in Dar es Salaam before/after the safari

  • Personal expenses (tips, drinks, souvenirs)

  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary