Hippo with only its eyes and ears above golden water at sunset

Discover one of Africa’s best kept secrets

Ruaha National Park Extension

Overview

Explore Tanzania’s Wild, Remote Savannas, Where Elephants and Rare African Wild Dogs Roam

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.

Trip Highlights

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

Ruaha National Park

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.