Tanzania safari
3-Day Ruaha Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
Overview
Zanzibar’s beaches pair well with a short, wild contrast, and Ruaha National Park provides one. Early flights carry you from the island, via Dar es Salaam, to an airstrip inside this large and remote park in southern-central Tanzania, and you are out on a game drive by late morning.
Ruaha sees only a small share of Tanzania’s safari visitors. Its big elephant herds, its lions and its baobab-studded bush are the draw, along with the feeling of having a great deal of country to yourself. The Great Ruaha River is the park’s lifeline, and much of the wildlife gathers along it.
Tanzania Tourism Safaris keeps the logistics simple. All flights between Zanzibar and Ruaha, two nights at a luxury camp, every game drive in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, all meals and local drinks are part of the price. You fly out of the park late on the third morning and are back on the coast by early afternoon, so the trip slots neatly between beach days. It suits travelers who are short on time but still want a proper wilderness experience.
Tour highlights
- Flights from Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam included
- Game drive within an hour or two of landing
- Two nights at a luxury camp in Ruaha
- Elephants, lions and the Great Ruaha River
- All meals and local drinks included
- Back on the coast by early afternoon on Day 3
Day by day
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Day 1 Morning Flights from Zanzibar to Ruaha Stay Luxury camp in Ruaha National ParkMeals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start: your flight leaves Zanzibar at about 7:30 am and connects through Dar es Salaam, landing at an airstrip in Ruaha at around 10:00 am. Exact times depend on the airline’s schedule. Your guide meets you with the Land Cruiser and sets off on a game drive straight away, stopping for a hot picnic lunch in the bush. You reach camp in the afternoon, with time to settle in before dinner.
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Day 2 A Full Day Along the Great Ruaha River Stay Luxury camp in Ruaha National ParkMeals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a whole day ahead and a picnic packed, your guide can range widely. The river is a good place to start, since impala, waterbuck and elephants come to drink and lions and other predators patrol its banks. Hippos and crocodiles hold the deeper pools. Inland, the bush opens into stands of baobab and patches of grassland. Return to camp in the late afternoon for a shower and a relaxed dinner.
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Day 3 Sunrise Drive and Flight to the Coast Meals Breakfast, Lunch
After an early breakfast, head out at first light, when the air is cool and predators are often still on the move. Your guide then brings you to the airstrip for a flight scheduled at about 11:45 am, back to Dar es Salaam or on to Zanzibar. From there you can carry on with your island holiday or connect to your flight home, with the sound of the bush still fresh in your memory.
Prices by season
Per person in US dollars. The price depends on when you travel and how many travelers share the trip.
| Season | 1 traveler | 2 travelers | 4 travelers | 6 travelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season 1 Mar – 31 May | $5,697 | $3,798 | $3,381 | $3,221 |
| High season 1 Nov – 20 Dec and 6 Jan – 29 Feb | $5,997 | $3,998 | $3,559 | $3,391 |
| Peak season Now 1 Jun – 31 Oct and 21 Dec – 5 Jan | $6,663 | $4,442 | $3,954 | $3,767 |
Tour price includes
- Flights Zanzibar–Dar es Salaam–Ruaha and back
- Airport meet and greet with private transfers
- Two nights in a luxury camp in the park
- All meals as listed, with local alcoholic and soft drinks
- Game drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser (up to 7 travelers)
- English-speaking local guide
- National park fees and taxes
- Departs with a minimum of two travelers
Tour price excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and other personal spending
Questions about this safari
Is two nights in Ruaha enough?
It is enough for a real taste of the park: one long full day plus shorter drives on arrival and before you leave. If you can spare more time, our 5-Day Ruaha Tented Camp Safari from Dar es Salaam gives you four nights and a slower pace, with room for a guided walk.
Can I start from Dar es Salaam instead of Zanzibar?
Yes. The flights route through Dar es Salaam anyway, so you can join or leave the trip there. Tell us where you will be staying before and after the safari, and we will arrange the connections and update the quote.
How much luggage can I bring on the small planes?
Light aircraft have strict weight limits, and soft-sided bags fit the hold far more easily than hard cases. We confirm the current allowance when you book. If you are carrying beach gear you will not need on safari, ask your Zanzibar hotel whether it can store a bag while you are away.
Before you go
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