Discover one of Africa’s best kept secrets
Ruaha National Park Extension
Overview
Journey to the remote Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem in East Africa. Wild, rugged and uncrowded, Ruaha offers a classic safari experience in one of Tanzania’s most diverse landscapes. Centered around the Great Ruaha River, this remote reserve is known for its immense elephant herds, rare species and dramatic scenery—an ideal extension for travelers seeking deeper wildlife immersion beyond the northern parks.
Track elephants and African wild dogs by day, search for serval and genet on a night drive, and enjoy torch-lit dinners by the river.
Gallery
Trip Highlights
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Elephants and African wild dogs
Ruaha holds Africa's highest concentration of elephants and is a stronghold for the rare African wild dog, which is reason enough for the flight south.
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Night drive for serval and genet
After dark you head out looking for nocturnal species that daytime drives never turn up: serval, leopard, bushbabies and genet.
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Species you won't see up north
Wildlife drives through riverine corridors and miombo woodlands turn up greater kudu, lion, giraffe and jackal, along with species rarely seen in northern Tanzania.
Itinerary
Itinerary 1 itinerary
Day 1: An afternoon drive in search of greater kudu and big cats
Fly from Arusha to Ruaha National Park and settle into Ruaha River Lodge, overlooking the wildlife-rich Great Ruaha River.
Explore the park’s rolling savannas, rocky hills and acacia woodlands on an afternoon wildlife-viewing drive.
Search for elephants, greater kudu, lions, leopards and rare African wild dogs in one of Tanzania’s most remote safari destinations.
Fly from Arusha to Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote wilderness areas, renowned for its rugged landscapes and exceptional wildlife diversity. Upon arrival, transfer to Ruaha River Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, where wildlife frequently gathers near the water. Settle into your accommodations and take in the beauty of this secluded safari setting.
In the afternoon, venture into the park on a wildlife-viewing drive, exploring rolling savannas, rocky hills and acacia woodlands in search of elephants, greater kudu and an impressive variety of predators. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards and the rare African wild dog as you discover the remarkable biodiversity of this uncrowded wilderness.
Day 2: A night drive in search of leopards, servals and bushbabies
Begin the day with a guided walk around camp, observing wildlife and discovering the natural beauty of Ruaha’s wilderness.
Explore the Great Ruaha River, watching for antelope, hippos, crocodiles and predators drawn to its waters.
Embark on an exciting night drive in search of elusive nocturnal wildlife, including servals, leopards, bushbabies and genets.
Begin your day with a guided walk around camp, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Ruaha National Park’s remarkable wilderness. Wildlife is often visible right from your veranda, offering opportunities to observe the natural rhythms of the African bush. Continue exploring along the Great Ruaha River, a vital water source that attracts an abundance of wildlife, from antelope and hippos to crocodiles and elusive predators. With your expert guide, discover the fascinating interactions between the park’s diverse species and their rugged surroundings.
As darkness falls, embark on an exciting night drive to discover a different side of Ruaha’s wildlife. Venture into the bush in search of elusive nocturnal species, including servals, leopards, bushbabies and genets. Under the African night sky, experience the sights and sounds of the wilderness after dark, when many of the park’s most fascinating creatures become active.
Day 3: Africa’s highest concentration of elephants
Spend a full day exploring Ruaha National Park’s diverse landscapes, from winding river corridors to expansive miombo woodlands and open savannas.
Search for large elephant herds and rare African wild dogs, two of the park’s most remarkable wildlife highlights.
Enjoy wildlife-viewing drives in search of lions, giraffes, jackals and distinctive species rarely seen in northern Tanzania.
Spend a full day exploring the remarkable wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most biodiverse and lesser-visited safari destinations. Known for its impressive elephant populations and as an important stronghold for the rare African wild dog, Ruaha offers exceptional opportunities to encounter wildlife that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Venture through sweeping savannas, winding river corridors and expansive miombo woodlands, where the park’s diverse habitats support an extraordinary variety of species.
Set out on wildlife-viewing drives with your expert guide, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, jackals and elusive African wild dogs. Keep an eye out for distinctive antelope species and other wildlife rarely encountered in northern Tanzania. With its rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife and remote atmosphere, Ruaha offers an unforgettable safari experience far from the crowds.
Day 4: Depart Ruaha for a restful day room in Dar es Salaam
Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a day room to rest and prepare for your onward journey before heading to the international airport.
Accommodations
Dates, Prices & Info
We recommend a 4-day stay, with prices starting at $4500 per person. Contact a Thomson Safari Specialist for details and to customize your extension.
Group Size
Extensions are custom additions to your safari itinerary. You may or may not be with other Thomson guests, but you’ll still enjoy small group travel.
What's Included
Your extension package includes all accommodations, meals, park fees, services of guides and drivers, and internal air as noted in your itinerary.
Not Included
International airfare is not included.
Additional costs may include tips for your guides, drivers and staff, bar beverages, laundry service, phone calls, passport and visa fees, souvenirs, and travel insurance.
Your pre-departure packet includes visa application instructions and information on travel insurance and tipping.
Important Information
A 20% deposit is required to reserve your space. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full payment is due 90 days prior to the first land day of the trip.
Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to Thomson Safaris. At the time we receive the cancellation, all moneys will be refunded less the following cancellation charges:
91 days or more before departure: cancellation fees equal the amount of your deposit
90 to 61 days before departure: 50% of the package price is non-refundable
60 to 46 days before departure: 65% of the package price is non-refundable
45 days or less before departure: 100% of the package price is non-refundable
No partial refunds will be given for unused meals, hotel rooms, airport transfers, etc., for any reason whatsoever. Thomson Safaris reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations, park fee increases, fuel surcharges, taxes, etc. Accommodations are subject to change.
Travel Insurance
Thomson strongly encourages you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit to protect your investment, as we are not able to make changes to our cancellation policy for any reason. Travel Guard comes highly recommended by our guests.
Getting There & Getting Home
Ruaha extensions may be scheduled before or after your safari, and may align best with international flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport. Please check with your safari consultants or trip managers before making any flight arrangements.