5-Day Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Wildlife Safari

Overview:

Discover Tanzania’s Hidden Wilderness Gems!

If you’re craving an authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari, this 5-day adventure to Ruaha National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park is the perfect escape. Experience the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s largest national park, where predators roam vast savannahs, and immerse yourself in the lush rainforests of Udzungwa, home to rare primates and stunning waterfalls.

This unique safari blends big game viewing, hiking, and birdwatching, offering something for both nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

✔ Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
✔ Destinations: Ruaha National Park & Udzungwa Mountains National Park
✔ Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season) for wildlife, November – May for lush landscapes & waterfalls
✔ Safari Type: Private or Group Tour
✔ Activities: Game drives, hiking, walking safaris, birdwatching

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park – Enter the Wild

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight or scenic drive from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote safari destination. Known for its high concentration of lions, majestic baobabs, and the Great Ruaha River, this park offers an untouched and wild safari experience.

After checking in at your lodge or tented camp, set off on an afternoon game drive, tracking elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and elusive predators like leopards and cheetahs. Watch as the sun sets over the golden plains, painting the sky in breathtaking hues.

🛏 Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge / Mdonya Old River Camp
🍽 Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Ruaha – Big Cats & Elephants Galore

Today is all about exploring Ruaha’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife. With fewer crowds than Tanzania’s northern parks, Ruaha offers a true wilderness experience, where you can enjoy sightings of the Big Five without distractions.

You’ll traverse open grasslands, rocky kopjes, and dense miombo woodlands, encountering large pride of lions, herds of elephants, and rare African wild dogs. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Great Ruaha River, where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun.

Return to camp for a relaxing evening under the stars, listening to the distant roar of lions.

🛏 Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge / Mdonya Old River Camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Safari in Ruaha – Transfer to the Udzungwa Mountains

Start the day with a morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. Spot hyenas returning from their night hunts, watch cheetahs scanning the plains, or catch a glimpse of the colorful lilac-breasted roller in flight.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a lush rainforest paradise. Arriving in the afternoon, take time to settle into your lodge before preparing for your hiking adventure the next day.

🛏 Accommodation: Hondo Hondo Forest Camp / Udzungwa Falls Lodge
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hiking in Udzungwa – Sanje Waterfalls & Primate Encounters

Udzungwa Mountains is often called the “Galápagos of Africa” due to its incredible biodiversity. Home to rare primates, including the Iringa red colobus monkey and Sanford’s mangabey, this park offers a completely different safari experience.

Today, embark on a hike to Sanje Waterfalls, a spectacular 170-meter-high cascade hidden in the rainforest. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to medicinal plants, unique bird species, and playful monkeys swinging through the canopy. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear plunge pools before descending.

After your hike, relax at camp and soak in the beauty of the tropical forest.

🛏 Accommodation: Hondo Hondo Forest Camp / Udzungwa Falls Lodge
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Morning Birdwatching & Return to Dar es Salaam

Wake up to the sounds of birdsong and enjoy a morning nature walk, spotting some of Udzungwa’s 400+ bird species, including the Udzungwa forest partridge—found nowhere else in the world!

After breakfast, begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel or airport for your onward journey.

🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Why Choose This Ruaha & Udzungwa Safari?

✅ Remote & Wild – Experience Tanzania’s untouched landscapes, away from tourist crowds.
✅ Diverse Wildlife & Activities – Game drives, hiking, walking safaris, and birdwatching in one trip!
✅ Big Five Safari – Ruaha is home to large lion populations, elephants, leopards, and more.
✅ Lush Rainforest & Waterfalls – Hike through Udzungwa’s pristine forests and swim under waterfalls.
✅ Perfect for Adventurers & Nature Lovers – A mix of safari, hiking, and cultural experiences.

What’s Included & Excluded?

✅ Included in the Safari Package:

✔ Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✔ Accommodation in comfortable lodges or luxury tented camps
✔ Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
✔ Park entry fees for Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains
✔ Guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls
✔ Bottled drinking water during game drives

❌ Not Included:

✖ International flights
✖ Visa fees & travel insurance
✖ Optional activities (e.g., night game drives, cultural visits)
✖ Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
✖ Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, etc.)

Pricing & Booking for 2025-2026

💰 Mid-Range Package: Starting from $2,200 per person
💎 Luxury Package: Starting from $3,600 per person
👥 Group Discounts Available (for 4+ travelers)

📅 Book Your Adventure Today!
Would you be ready for an unforgettable safari beyond the usual tourist trails? Contact Macpace Tours to plan your customized Ruaha & Udzungwa safari for 2025-2026!

Extend Your Safari with a Zanzibar Beach Holiday! 🏝️

After five thrilling days of wildlife adventures, why not unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar? Extend your trip with a 3 to 5-day beach retreat and experience:

🌊 Crystal-clear turquoise waters & white sandy beaches
🛶 Exciting activities like snorkeling, diving, and spice tours
🏡 Luxury beach resorts & boutique accommodations
🌅 Spectacular sunsets & fine Swahili cuisine

📌 Recommended Add-Ons:
✔ 3-Day Zanzibar Beach Escape – Perfect for relaxation
✔ 5-Day Zanzibar & Stone Town Experience – Culture & beach combo
✔ Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling & Dolphin Watching

💰 Add-on Prices Start From: $600 per person

📩 Contact Macpace Tours today to customize your Ultimate Wildlife & Zanzibar Safari Package! 🌍✈️