Tanzania · Safari

2-Day Ruaha National Park Safari with Great Ruaha River Game Drives

2 Days Round trip from Iringa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's second-largest park, rich in wildlife and ecosystems
  • 02 Experience thrilling game drives with chances to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and endangered wild dogs
  • 03 Enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by nature
  • 04 Dine under the African night sky beside a crackling campfire

Embark on a 2-day safari adventure in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's hidden gem teeming with wildlife. Enjoy thrilling morning, evening, and sunrise game drives as you look for majestic lions, elusive leopards, and herds of elephants near the Great Ruaha River. Relax at your lodge, take in the park's untouched beauty, and, depending on your stay, enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by nature. As night falls, dine under the stars with a crackling campfire.

Enjoy thrilling morning, evening, and sunrise game drives as you look for majestic lions, elusive leopards, and herds of elephants near the Great Ruaha River.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Iringa, Ruaha National Park
Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and Game Drives in Ruaha

Morning:

  • Arrive at Ruaha National Park early by flying into the nearby airstrip or travelling by road from Iringa. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide or lodge staff.
  • Check in to your lodge, settle in, and enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a briefing about the park and planned activities.
  • If you arrive early, enjoy a hearty breakfast before the morning game drive.

Late Morning:

  • Set out on a guided morning game drive lasting 3-4 hours. Your guide will take you to prime wildlife-viewing areas, such as the Great Ruaha River, where animals often come to drink and bathe. This is also an ideal time to spot predators like lions and leopards, as they are usually more active.

Afternoon:

  • After your game drive, return to your lodge for lunch. If you are staying in a more remote area, a packed picnic lunch may be provided for an outdoor dining experience in the midst of nature.
  • After lunch, relax at the lodge, enjoy the facilities, and soak in the surroundings. Most lodges offer a pool or an outdoor deck where you can unwind.

Late Afternoon:

  • Embark on another game drive lasting 2-3 hours, with a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife emerging as the sun sets. This is often a great time for sightings of predators such as leopards and hyenas.

Evening:

  • After your game drive, enjoy dinner at the lodge. Some lodges also offer a traditional bush dinner with a campfire and the sounds of the African night accompanying your meal.

Overnight stay at one of the lodges inside or near the park.

2
Day 02

Sunrise Safari and Departure

Early Morning:

  • For early risers, a pre-dawn game drive lasting 2-3 hours offers the chance to experience the park in the soft light of dawn. This is when animals are most active, and you may catch a glimpse of predators hunting or large herds grazing. The atmosphere is serene and magical.
  • Some lodges arrange breakfast in the bush, giving you a unique opportunity to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

Mid-Morning:

  • Return to the lodge for a quick shower and check-out. Before leaving, you will have time to reflect on your experiences and perhaps purchase a few souvenirs from the lodge shop.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon:

  • Depending on your departure time, you may choose to embark on one final game drive or a walking safari led by a professional guide, offering a deeper understanding of the park's wildlife and ecology.
  • After the game drive, depart for the airstrip or road exit for your onward journey.
Great Ruaha River, Ruaha National Park plains, Iringa

Where this trip takes you

Great Ruaha River, Ruaha National Park plains, Iringa

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Iringa 2 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in a lodge or tented camp within or near the park, with full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • All scheduled game drives as per the itinerary, including morning, afternoon, and possibly night drives
  • Entrance fees to Ruaha National Park
  • Professional safari guide and driver
  • Transfers from and to the nearest airstrip, if required
  • All meals, drinks (including water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks), and snacks provided by the lodge

What's Not Included

  • International flights to Tanzania and internal flights to Ruaha, if required
  • Personal expenses, including tips, souvenirs, and any personal items
  • Alcoholic drinks, which some lodges may charge for separately
  • Optional activities, such as walking safaris, cultural tours, or extended game drives not included in the package
  • Travel insurance, which is not typically included but is strongly recommended

What to bring

  • Anything necessary for your personal comfort and needs.

Know before you go

  1. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
  2. Ensure you are up to date on vaccinations such as Yellow Fever, and consider anti-malarial medication.
  3. The dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. The wet season (November to May) is less crowded, but wildlife may be harder to spot due to the lush landscape.
  4. Temperatures can be hot during the day (25-35°C/77-95°F) and cool at night (15-20°C/59-68°F). Dress in layers to stay comfortable.
  5. Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing for safari, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking. Don't forget a camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  6. Ruaha offers excellent photography opportunities, so bring a good camera and zoom lens to capture wildlife from a safe distance.
  7. Be respectful of local customs and the environment. Follow your guide's instructions for the safety of both wildlife and visitors.
  8. Always stay inside the vehicle during game drives unless accompanied by a guide on a walking safari.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Iringa, Tanzania
Tour start
Iringa, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Iringa.

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