5-Day Mikumi & Ruaha Safari by Road from Dar es Salaam
A private 5-day road safari from Dar es Salaam to two southern parks: Mikumi's open floodplain, then two nights in Ruaha, one of Tanzania's largest and wildest national parks.
Two Southern Parks by Road
Ruaha is usually reached by small plane, which is expensive. This trip goes by road instead: west from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi for the first night, then on through the Iringa highlands to Ruaha, where baobab-studded hills drop to the Great Ruaha River.
Ruaha is known for big lion prides, large elephant herds and a feeling of real wilderness, with few other vehicles. The drives are long, but you see the country on the way, and the price is far lower than a fly-in.
Short on time? See the 4-Day Ruaha Fly-in Safari →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Two nights in Ruaha, among lions, elephants and baobabs
- A game drive in Mikumi on the way
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- Lodges and a tented camp, full board
- Far cheaper than flying to Ruaha
Read our park guides: Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park
An early start from Dar es Salaam on the road west to Mikumi, about five hours, with an afternoon game drive on the floodplain.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near Mikumi National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
A morning game drive in Mikumi, then a long drive through the Iringa highlands to Ruaha, arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Tented camp in or near Ruaha National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Game drives along the Great Ruaha River and through baobab country, looking for lions, elephants, giraffes and kudu.
Overnight: Tented camp in or near Ruaha National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last morning game drive, then the drive to Iringa for the night.
Overnight: Hotel in Iringa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The long drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the evening. You can also fly back from Iringa or Ruaha at extra cost.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Safari
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,105 |
| 2 People | $1,555 |
| 3 People | $1,370 |
| 4 People | $1,280 |
| 5 People | $1,225 |
| 6 People | $1,185 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people travelling together, sharing rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel in Dar es Salaam
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Long drives on days 1, 2 and 5
- Camps named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Mikumi and Ruaha National Park fees and concession fees
- 4 nights in lodges, a tented camp and a hotel, full board
- Drinking water
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Flights back from Ruaha (optional)
- Tips
- Drinks not included in the meal plans
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
How long are the drives?
Day 1 is about five hours to Mikumi, day 2 most of the day to Ruaha, and day 5 a full day back. In return you pay far less than flying.
Why Ruaha?
It is one of Tanzania's largest and least visited parks, with big lion prides, large elephant herds and wild baobab landscapes.
Can we fly one way?
Yes. Flying back from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam saves the last two days; ask us for a price.
When is the best time?
June to October, the dry season, when animals gather at the river.
