6-Day Ruaha Classic Safari from Dar

This 6-day Ruaha Classic Safari from Dar es Salaam combines Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park in one well-paced Southern Tanzania itinerary. The safari starts in Dar es Salaam by road to Mikumi (2 nights), continues to Ruaha for 3 nights of deep wilderness exploration, and ends with a scenic fly-out to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s most underrated wildlife destinations, known for massive elephant herds, large lion prides, and minimal vehicle traffic. Combined with Mikumi’s open plains and accessibility, this itinerary offers diversity, strong predator viewing, and logistical comfort. Ideal for travelers wanting a true Southern Circuit safari without returning long distances by road.

Tour Features

Mid-Range Tour

This mid-range tour uses comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps with private bathrooms.

Private Tour

This tour is organized exclusively for you and will not be shared with other travelers.

Can Start Any Day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day of the year.

Fully Customizable

This tour can be completely customized based on your preferences and travel dates.

Starts in Dar es Salaam

This tour starts from Dar es Salaam.

Accommodation & Meals

This tour is priced using Mid Range accommodations. Budget and Luxury options are available on request. Similar lodges or camps may be used depending on availability.

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Day 1&2

Camp Bastian

Mid Range

All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 3&4&5

Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Mid Range Lodge

All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Activities & Transportation

Game Drives – Guided wildlife viewing in national parks and reserves.

Walking Safaris – Explore nature on foot with an armed ranger.

Beach Extensions – Add Zanzibar, Mafia or Pemba for snorkeling and relaxation.

4×4 Safari Vehicle – Custom Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seats.

Private Safari Vehicle – Exclusive use of the car for your group.

Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Solo (1 room)	2 people (1 room)	3 people (2 rooms)	4 people (2 rooms)	5 people (3 rooms)	6 people (3 rooms)	7+ people
Rates Per Person (USD)	USD 3,350 /p.p	USD 2,150/ pp	USD 2,050/ pp	USD 2,000/ pp	USD 1,950/ pp	USD 1,900/ pp	Get Quote

Included

Flight Ruaha To Dar/Zanzibar
All park fees & conservation charges
Private 4x4 safari vehicle
Professional guide
Drinking water
All meals during safari

Excluded

International flights & visas
Tips & personal expenses
Travel insurance

Getting There

This tour starts in Dar es Salaam and ends in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Fly to/from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR – Check price)
A scheduled domestic flight from Ruaha is included at the end of the safari.
Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged at extra cost.

Day 1

Dar es Salaam – Drive to Mikumi National Park

Morning departure from Dar es Salaam (approx. 5–6 hours drive). Drive via Morogoro through changing landscapes from coastal plains to foothills. Arrive Mikumi around midday. Afternoon game drive in Mikumi National Park. Mikumi highlights: Mkata Floodplain (excellent visibility) Lions frequently seen resting on termite mounds Elephants, buffalo, zebra Eland (largest antelope) Hippo pools Giraffes and wildebeest Dinner and overnight in or near Mikumi.

Main Destination: Dar es Salaam – Drive to Mikumi National Park

Accommodation: Camp Bastian

Mid Range Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch and Dinner

Day 2

Full-Day Mikumi Safari

Early breakfast. Full-day exploration of Mikumi. Wildlife focus: Lion prides (often easy to locate) Elephant herds Buffalo concentrations Hyenas and jackals Birdlife (400+ species) Picnic lunch inside park to maximize wildlife time. Return to lodge before sunset.

Main Destination: Full-Day Mikumi Safari

Accommodation: Camp Bastian

Mid Range Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 3

Mikumi – Scenic Drive to Ruaha National Park

Early breakfast. Drive to Ruaha (approx. 6–7 hours). This drive passes through: Southern Highlands escarpments Baobab landscapes Rural villages Scenic river valleys Arrive Ruaha in afternoon. Short game drive en route to lodge. Dinner and overnight in Ruaha.

Main Destination: Mikumi – Scenic Drive to Ruaha National Park

Accommodation: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Mid Range Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 4

Full-Day Ruaha Safari – Predator Territory

Full-day safari in Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is known for: One of East Africa’s largest lion populations High leopard density Seasonal African wild dogs Large elephant herds Greater kudu and sable antelope Game drives focus around: Great Ruaha River Mwagusi River Rocky kopjes and escarpments Less crowded than Serengeti, offering private wildlife encounters.

Main Destination: Full-Day Ruaha Safari – Predator Territory

Accommodation: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Mid Range Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 5

Ruaha Wilderness Exploration and Walking

Early morning safari (prime predator activity)./Walking Ruaha’s dry season produces concentrated wildlife near water sources. Optional (extra cost): Afternoon game drive exploring remote sections of the park. Dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Ruaha Wilderness Exploration and Walking

Accommodation: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Mid Rang Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 6

Morning Safari – Fly Out

Early breakfast. Short morning game drive. Transfer to Ruaha airstrip. Scheduled flight: Ruaha → Dar es Salaam OR Ruaha → Zanzibar Arrival early afternoon. End of safari.

Main Destination: Morning Safari – Fly Out

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast