Day 1: Arrival - Flight to Ruaha

Morning pickup from your Dar es Salaam/Kilimanjaro/Arusha hotel for transfer to the airport. Scenic 2-hour flight to Ruaha, spotting the changing landscapes from coastal plains to the rugged Great Rift Valley.

Upon arrival at Msembe Airstrip, meet your private guide and enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge/camp. The afternoon introduces you to Ruaha's signature baobab-studded landscapes and elephant herds. Sunset drinks at the riverbank before dinner.

Accommodation Options:
- Midrange: Ruaha River Lodge or Jongomero Camp
- Luxury: Jabali Ridge or Asanja Ruaha

Day 2: Full Day Wilderness Exploration

Dawn game drive along the Great Ruaha River - prime territory for lion, leopard, and over 570 bird species. Return for brunch, then relax during the midday heat at your lodge's infinity pool overlooking wildlife at waterholes.

Afternoon walking safari (luxury option) or 4WD game drive to Mwagusi Sand River, where predators ambush prey at drying water sources. Sundowner cocktails at a scenic kopje (rock outcrop) with 360° wilderness views.

Evening spotlight drive (luxury camps only) to spot nocturnal species like civets, genets, and honey badgers before returning for dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Remote Sector Game Drives

Full-day expedition to Ruaha's wild western sector with picnic lunch. Explore the Mdonya woodlands where rare sable and roan antelope graze, and the Jongomero River valley known for wild dog sightings.

Luxury option includes a private fly-camp lunch in the bush with chef-prepared meals. Visit ancient rock paintings at Nyanywa and track elephant migration routes with your guide's expert commentary.

Return via the iconic "Baobab Circuit" - photographing these ancient trees silhouetted against the setting sun. Bush dinner with traditional Tanzanian dishes at your camp.

Day 4: River Focus & Cultural Interaction

Morning boat safari (water levels permitting) or riverside game drive observing hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Visit a nearby village (midrange) or private Maasai cultural experience (luxury) learning about coexistence with wildlife.

Afternoon at leisure - optional massage at luxury camps or visit to the park's anti-poaching unit headquarters. Evening night drive with thermal imaging equipment (luxury camps) or stargazing session identifying southern constellations.

Day 5: Final Game Drive - Departure

Sunrise walking safari (luxury) or game drive focusing on photographic opportunities. Breakfast at camp before transferring to the airstrip with final wildlife sightings en route.

Flight returns you to Dar es Salaam/Kilimanjaro/Arusha by early afternoon. Choose to:

• Connect to international flights (JRO/DAR)
• Extend in Arusha (add Serengeti/Ngorongoro)
• Continue to Zanzibar (beach extension)