Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park (Drive & Afternoon Game Drive)

   • Depart early morning from Dar es Salaam at around 5:00 am in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle.
   • Drive approximately 9–10 hours through scenic landscapes, local villages, and the highlands of Iringa, experiencing Tanzania’s countryside life.
   • Arrive at Ruaha National Park in the afternoon and proceed directly into the park for your first game drive en route to the lodge.
   • Spot large lion prides, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.
   • Observe rare African wild dogs along the Great Ruaha River, a prime wildlife viewing location.

   Dinner and overnight stay at Ruaha Hilltop Lodge.

2. Day 2 – Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

   • Depart after early breakfast for a full-day exploration of Ruaha’s vast wilderness.
   • Explore diverse landscapes including rolling hills, rocky escarpments, open plains, and riverine forests with iconic baobab trees.
   • Enjoy exclusive and intimate wildlife viewing due to fewer visitors compared to northern parks.
   • Spot lions resting under acacia trees, elephants along riverbanks, leopards in riverine vegetation, and large buffalo herds.
   • Observe rich birdlife including eagles, hornbills, and kingfishers.
   • Picnic lunch at a designated site surrounded by nature.
   • Continue afternoon game drive before returning to lodge before sunset.

   Dinner and overnight stay at Ruaha Hilltop Lodge.

3. Day 3 – Morning Game Drive & Return to Dar es Salaam

   • Enjoy early-morning breakfast at the lodge.
   • Take a short sunrise game drive when animals are most active and the light is ideal for photography.
   • Begin the journey back to Dar es Salaam by road.
   • Arrive in Dar es Salaam in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.
   • End of safari experience.