Ruaha Safari Costs & Best Lodges: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. Vast, wild, and teeming with wildlife, it offers a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path safari experience than many of the continent’s busier parks. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing huge herds of elephants, rare antelopes, big cats, and stunning baobab-dotted landscapes — all without the crowds — Ruaha is your place.

But before packing your bags, two key questions often come up:

1. How much does a Ruaha safari cost?

2. What are the best lodges to stay in?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ruaha safari costs, what affects pricing, and a detailed list of the best lodges for different budgets. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to plan your trip — without nasty surprises.

Why Choose Ruaha National Park?

Before we dive into the numbers and accommodations, let’s answer the obvious: Why Ruaha?

• Largest national park in Tanzania – covering over 20,000 km², it’s bigger than some small countries.

• Uncrowded safaris – fewer visitors than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, meaning you get wildlife sightings to yourself.

• Incredible diversity – home to over 570 bird species, more than 10,000 elephants, and rare species like sable antelope and wild dogs.

• Authentic wilderness feel – minimal infrastructure and limited lodges make it feel truly wild.

The park sits in southern Tanzania, making it part of the Southern Safari Circuit, which is generally quieter and more remote compared to the famous Northern Circuit.

Ruaha Safari Costs: What You Should Expect

When budgeting for your Ruaha safari, it’s important to understand that costs can vary greatly depending on your travel style, accommodation choice, and season.

Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses:

1. Park Fees

• Foreign Adults (non-residents): $30 per person per day (low season) or $50 per person per day (high season).

• Children (5–15 years): $10–$20 per day.

• Vehicle entry fees: Typically included in your tour package.

Tip: These rates are set by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) and can change annually. Always check the latest before you go.

2. Accommodation

Lodging is where the biggest variation in safari costs occurs. You’ll find everything from budget camps to ultra-luxury lodges.

• Budget camps: $80–$150 per person per night.

• Mid-range lodges: $200–$450 per person per night.

• Luxury lodges: $500–$1,200+ per person per night.

Prices usually include full board (meals) and sometimes game drives.

3. Transport to Ruaha

Getting to Ruaha can be one of your biggest expenses if you’re not careful.

• By Air:

  • Flights from Dar es Salaam: $250–$350 per person one-way.

  • Flights from Arusha/Zanzibar: $350–$500 per person one-way.

  • Faster but more expensive.

• By Road:

  • From Iringa (nearest major town): around 2–3 hours.

  • From Dar es Salaam: 10–12 hours drive.

  • More affordable but takes time.

4. Game Drives and Activities

If not included in your package, activities cost extra:

• Half-day game drive: $50–$80 per person.

• Full-day game drive: $100–$150 per person.

• Walking safari: $50–$70 per person.

• Night drive: $50–$80 per person.

5. Other Expenses

• Tips for guides & staff: $10–$20 per guest per day.

• Drinks & snacks: Not always included in rates.

• Travel insurance & visa fees (Tanzania visa is $50 for most nationalities, $100 for U.S. citizens).

Average Cost of a Ruaha Safari Package

Here’s a quick estimate for a 4-night/5-day safari in Ruaha (per person, sharing):

1. Season of Travel

   • High season (June–October): Best wildlife viewing, higher prices.

   • Green season (November–May): Lower rates, lush scenery, great for birding.

2. Group Size

   • The more people you travel with, the lower the cost per person.

3. Lodge Location

   • Inside the park = more expensive but more convenient.

   • Outside the park = cheaper but requires extra travel time for game drives.

4. Length of Stay

   • Longer stays usually offer better nightly rates.

Best Lodges in Ruaha National Park

Now for the fun part — where to stay! Here are the top-rated lodges and camps in and around Ruaha, categorized by budget.

Luxury Lodges

1. Jabali Ridge

• Price: From $1,000 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Stunning stone and wood design blending into the landscape, infinity pool overlooking the park, exceptional service.

• Highlights: Guided walking safaris, spa treatments, and private game drives.

2. Ikuka Safari Camp

• Price: From $800 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Breathtaking hilltop views, intimate atmosphere with only 7 tents, eco-friendly operations.

• Highlights: Spacious rooms, infinity pool, expert guides.

3. Asanja Ruaha

• Price: From $650 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Luxurious tented suites with private plunge pools and panoramic views.

• Highlights: Fine dining, exclusive location, personalized safari experience.

Mid-Range Lodges

4. Ruaha River Lodge

• Price: From $300 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Iconic location along the Great Ruaha River, excellent wildlife viewing from your veranda.

• Highlights: Spacious stone chalets, open-air dining, great for families.

5. Mdonya Old River Camp

• Price: From $250 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Classic tented safari camp with an authentic wilderness feel.

• Highlights: Close to wildlife corridors, simple but comfortable amenities.

6. Tandala Tented Camp & Safaris

• Price: From $220 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Just outside the park gates, offers great value and warm hospitality.

• Highlights: Swimming pool, friendly staff, easy access to Ruaha.

Budget-Friendly Options

7. Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

• Price: From $120 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Affordable yet comfortable, perched on a hill with sweeping views.

• Highlights: Simple cottages, bar, and restaurant.

8. Sunset Mountain Lodge

• Price: From $90 per person per night.

• Why stay here: Budget lodge outside the park with basic amenities and great sunset views.

• Highlights: Ideal for travelers driving to Ruaha.

9. Tandala Campsite

• Price: From $15–$30 per person per night (camping).

• Why stay here: Bring your own tent or rent one on site.

• Highlights: Cheapest way to stay near Ruaha while still enjoying the safari vibe.

How to Choose the Right Lodge for Your Ruaha Safari

When deciding where to stay, consider:

• Proximity to the park gates or wildlife hotspots

• Your budget — remember to include park fees and transport.

• Travel style — Do you want luxury or an adventurous camping experience?

• Special interests — Photographers might prefer lodges closer to water sources, birders might choose riverine areas.

Sample Ruaha Safari Itineraries & Costs

Here are three sample itineraries to give you an idea of total costs.

1. 3 Days / 2 Nights – Budget Fly-In Safari

• Includes: Return flight from Dar es Salaam, 2 nights at Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, shared game drives, park fees.

• Cost: From $950 per person.

2. 5 Days / 4 Nights – Mid-Range Experience

• Includes: Return flight from Dar es Salaam, 4 nights at Ruaha River Lodge, private guide, all meals, park fees.

• Cost: From $2,200 per person.

3. 6 Days / 5 Nights – Luxury Safari

• Includes: Charter flight, 5 nights at Jabali Ridge, private game drives, walking safaris, all-inclusive dining.

• Cost: From $6,500 per person.

Money-Saving Tips for a Ruaha Safari

1. Travel in the green season – save up to 30–40% on accommodation.

2. Book as a group – shared costs make luxury more affordable.

3. Combine with other Southern Circuit parks – package deals can lower transport costs.

4. Consider lodges outside the park – cheaper nightly rates.

Best Time to Visit Ruaha

• June to October – Dry season, best wildlife viewing, especially around water sources.

• November to March – Green season, great for birding, fewer tourists, lower prices.

• April to May – Some lodges close due to heavy rains.

Ruaha National Park delivers some of the most authentic safari experiences in Africa — without the crowds. Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or looking for ultra-luxury, there’s a lodge that will match your budget and style.

A realistic budget for most travelers is $2,000–$3,500 for a 4–5 day safari, but you can spend less or far more depending on your choices.

With its vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere, Ruaha is perfect for travelers who want a true wilderness adventure.