3 Days Safari in Ruaha from Dar es Salaam

Safari in Ruaha From Dar es Salaam Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Ruaha

Morning: The Safari  in Ruaha Begins

Our journey started with a small charter flight from Dar es Salaam, offering breathtaking views of the Tanzanian landscape below. As we descended towards the airstrip, the vastness of Ruaha National Park unfolded before us – a sprawling 20,226 square kilometers of raw African wilderness, making it Tanzania’s largest national park.

Upon touchdown, the warm breeze carried the scent of the wild, a blend of dry earth and acacia. You will be greeted by our guide, who will brief you about the park and its inhabitants. A short drive to your chosen accommodation where you will enjoy the first glimpses of the park’s inhabitants: impalas grazing, a lone baobab standing tall, and a distant giraffe’s silhouette against the skyline.

Afternoon:  First Game Drive in Ruaha Safari

You arrived at you your accommodation just in time for a quick lunch. The lodge or camp blended seamlessly into the surroundings, offering comfort while maintaining an authentic safari ambiance. With no fences, the line between us and the wild was thrillingly thin.

The real adventure began with our first game drive. Ruaha is known for its high concentration of elephants, and it wasn’t long before we encountered a herd, complete with playful calves. The park is also home to 10% of the world’s lion population, and our hearts raced as we watched a pride lounging in the shade.

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we returned to the lodge or camp. The night was filled with the sounds of the bush – a reminder that in Ruaha, the safari experience doesn’t end with the sunset.

Day 2: Full Day Safari in Ruaha

Early morning: Sunrise and Predators

Waking before dawn, you set out in the cool morning air. Sunrise in Ruaha is a symphony of colors, and you sipped your coffee as the daybreak chorus of birds filled the air. This time is prime for spotting nocturnal predators before they retreated from the day’s heat. If Luck you will witness predators such as lions, leopard and the rare African hunting dogs preying.

Midday: A River of Life

As the sun climbed, continue with your Ruaha Safari game drive to the Great Ruaha River, the lifeline of the park. Crocodiles sunned themselves on the banks, while hippos submerged themselves in the cooling waters. Elephants ambled along the river, their trunks elegantly siphoning water. The river is a hive of activity, and you will see a parade of animals come to quench their thirst.

Picnic Lunch will be served under the shade of a baobab, where you will enjoy the serene of the river at the backdrop. It is moments like these that allow you to truly appreciate the tranquility and majesty of Ruaha.

Afternoon: Exploring the Rugged Terrain

Ruaha’s landscape is diverse, ranging from savannah to wetlands to rocky escarpments. Spend the afternoon exploring these varied terrains, each offering its own unique beauty and wildlife. You will encounter kudu with their spiraled horns and a group of bateleur eagles riding the thermals above.

Your guide will share stories of the park’s conservation efforts, including the protection of the endangered African wild dog which you might be able to spot during game drive. As the sun goes down you will drive back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Walking Safari in Rauha and Departure

Morning: On Foot in the Bush

The final day of our safari in ruaha national park offered a different pace – a walking safari at sunrise. There’s something primal about being on foot in the bush, and your senses will be heightened with every step. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you safely, teach you to read the signs of the wild – from tracks in the dust to the alarm calls of birds.

During the walking safari in Ruaha you will encountered a variety of smaller creatures often missed on game drives: colorful lizards, industrious dung beetles, and delicate butterflies. This reminds you that the ecosystem’s health relies on every species, no matter how small.

Afternoon: Farewells and Final Impressions

Your 3-day safari in Ruaha came to a close with a leisurely lunch and some time to reflect on our experiences. The park had exceeded all expectations, offering not just sightings of iconic African wildlife but also a deeper connection with nature.

As you drive back to the airstrip, you will pass a lone baobab once more. These trees, known as the “upside-down tree,” are emblematic of the timelessness of Ruaha. Like the park itself, they stand resilient and enduring, a beacon for all who seek the untamed and the unforgettable.

In just three days, Ruaha National Park will etch itself into our hearts. It promise a safari experience unlike any other – raw, authentic, and deeply moving. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Ruaha is a treasure waiting to be discovered, where the pulse of Africa beats strong and the wild calls you by name.

End of the Safari in Ruaha National Park