Walking Safaris in Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania offers a unique and thrilling experience for walking safaris. This vast, largely untouched park is a haven for wildlife, providing an opportunity to explore the African wilderness up close. The landscape, a mix of hills, savannas, and rivers, serves as a backdrop for sightings of elephants, lions, and various antelope species. The low number of tourists in Ruaha enhances the sense of adventure and connection with nature, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and serene wildlife experience.

Ruaha is a visual feast of stunning landscapes, teeming with large elephant and buffalo herds, numerous lion prides, and a diverse range of antelope. This richness in wildlife is enjoyed in relative solitude, due to the low visitor numbers in the park.

The Wildlife of Ruaha National Park

The diverse and ever-changing landscapes of Ruaha National Park foster a rich array of plant and animal life at every level. Its vast size, encompassing whole ecosystems, is crucial in supporting the park's abundant wildlife.

Ruaha stands out for its unique species that are specialized to specific habitats rather than the generalist species found across many of Africa's national parks. It is home to several near-endemic and rare species that are seldom seen in other locations. The park is particularly renowned for hosting one of the highest elephant populations globally. During the dry season, it becomes a prime spot for witnessing large gatherings of these majestic creatures, earning its reputation as one of Africa’s top destinations for elephant enthusiasts.

Leopard up a tree with an impala kill

Best Time for Walking in Ruaha National Park

The best time for walking safaris in Ruaha National Park is typically during the dry season, which runs from June to November. During this period, the vegetation is less dense, making wildlife easier to spot. Additionally, animals tend to congregate around water sources, further increasing the likelihood of encountering various species.

In the dry season, the weather is also more favourable for walking. The days are usually sunny and the temperatures, although sometimes high, are generally comfortable for outdoor activities. The risk of encountering heavy rains, which can make walking safaris challenging, is lower during this time.

However, it's worth noting that each season in Ruaha has its own unique appeal. The wet season, from November to May, brings lush greenery and an abundance of birdlife, along with the calving season for many animals. While walking safaris can be more challenging during the wet season due to thicker vegetation and wetter conditions, the park's beauty and wildlife diversity remain a strong draw.

Who offers walking safaris in Ruaha National Park?

Our friends at Kichaka Expeditions offer incredible walking safaris packages, their hosts and guides will lead you on what is arguably one of the most personal and exclusive walking experiences available in Africa. With a passion for their work and unparalleled expertise, they ensure your safety and guidance as you venture through the expansive and untouched wilderness of the beautiful Ruaha National Park.

Sample Itineraries for Walking Safaris with Kichaka Expeditions in Ruaha National Park

Kichaka Expeditions offers a unique blend of upscale “glamping” and authentic, traditional camping experiences, leading you on what is likely one of the most personal and exclusive walking adventures you can find in Africa.

THE EXPLORER ITINERARY - 3 night Adventure

If you're looking to experience Africa on foot but prefer a shorter journey or wish to combine walking with a stay at another lodge in the park, our standard walking safari is ideal. This three-night adventure, guided by our expert, will lead you through some of Ruaha's most secluded areas. You'll navigate along riverbanks, traverse hills and rocky outcrops, and explore regions seldom visited before. Each evening, you'll unwind in our cozy and quaint camp, unwinding by a roaring fire.

Day 1: Arrival and First Game

Drive Upon arrival at Msembe airstrip or another park location around noon, depending on flight schedules, your safari adventure begins. Embark on your first game drive, potentially lasting up to five hours, as you eagerly anticipate your first elephant sighting. A delightful bush lunch and refreshments will be provided on the way. You'll reach the camp by late afternoon or early evening, where our welcoming staff will help you settle in.

Day 2: Kichaka Zumbua - First Walking Experience

Your day starts with a tray of hot coffee delivered to your room, perfect for enjoying the dawn breaking over the African landscape. After a hearty breakfast, we set off for our inaugural 5-hour walking journey, covering around 10 kilometers. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, sharpening your senses and learning to read nature's signs. The afternoon offers various activities, including tracking lessons, short walks among the Kopje and Inselberg rock formations, specialist birding, and standard game drives.

Day 3: Kichaka Zumbua - Advancing into the Wilderness

Begin another day with an early morning walk after breakfast, venturing deeper into the heart of Ruaha. Utilize the knowledge from the previous day to enhance your tracking skills. Analyze every clue the wilderness offers – footprints, grass movements, droppings, and scents – as we close in on our quarry. The afternoon includes customary activities, and the evening features stargazing with a high-powered telescope, observing the African Milky Way.

Day 4: Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your journey back. Depart soon after breakfast to ensure timely arrival at Msembe airstrip for your scheduled flight or for a mid-morning drop-off at another camp in the park.

THE TRAILBLAZER ITINERARY - 5 Night Walking & Driving Expedition

If you're keen on spending more time in the wilderness to explore as much of the natural landscape as possible, and you enjoy a quality game drive, this option might be perfect for you. Experience the best of both worlds with our five-night walking and driving safari combination! This adventure allows you to get up close to wildlife in a vehicle, with a significant walking journey as the core of your safari experience. The initial three days follow the format of our 'Explorer' Expedition, with full details provided below.

Day 1 - 3: Follows the Explorer itinerary above

Day 4: Kichaka Kidogo - Journey to Flycamp

On this morning, we'll leave base camp as usual, but instead of returning, we embark on a 13 km trek to Flycamp, arriving in time for lunch. Your luggage, along with a new tent and cold showers, will be ready for you. This walk will focus more on moving and less on discussion, but by now, you'll be adept enough at tracking to make your own observations and deductions. Post-walk, guests can relax in their tent's shade or engage in the usual afternoon activities.

Day 5: Kichaka Kidogo - Exploring New Terrain

After an early breakfast, we head out on foot again. Each day brings a new route and a new habitat to explore. This morning's expedition will delve deeper into the ecosystem, covering topics from the medicinal uses of trees and plants to tracking lion footprints. We'll cover a distance of 10-15 km, returning to camp for lunch and a refreshing shower. Guests then have the option to rest or participate in the afternoon's activities.

Day 6: Departure

Today starts with a more relaxed breakfast, followed by our departure back to civilization. We'll ensure a timely arrival at Msembe airstrip for your scheduled flight or provide a morning drop-off at another park camp.

The Swashbuckler Itinerary: 7 Night Walking & Driving Expedition in Ruaha

Embark on a week-long journey into the remote and wild heart of Ruaha for a comprehensive bush experience. This adventure combines walking safaris, allowing intimate exploration of the wilderness, with either full or partial-day game drives. We'll traverse different park areas, offering a complete immersion into one of Africa's most secluded regions. This itinerary isn't for the faint-hearted; a week in Ruaha can either feel like a lifetime or pass in an instant – the experience is yours to define. But one thing is certain: it's a week of thrilling adventures you won't soon forget!

Day 1: Kichaka Zumbua

Arrive at Msembe airstrip or another camp in the park around lunchtime, depending on flight times. Begin with an exciting game drive into the wilderness, possibly lasting up to 5 hours based on animal sightings. Look forward to your first elephant encounter and enjoy a delicious bush lunch en route. Arrive at the camp in the late afternoon or early evening, where our friendly staff will welcome you.

Day 2: Kichaka Zumbua

Wake to a hot coffee tray in your room, enjoying the African dawn. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a 5-hour walking safari covering roughly 10 kilometers. Tune into the rhythms of nature and hone your tracking skills. Choose from afternoon activities like tracking lessons, short walks, specialist birding, or game drives.

Day 3: Kichaka Zumbua

Set off on foot after breakfast, using the previous day's knowledge for a deeper exploration of Ruaha's wilderness. Enhance your tracking skills and spend the day deciphering nature's clues. After lunch at camp, enjoy the usual array of afternoon activities and end the day stargazing with our telescope.

Day 4: Kichaka Zumbua

Embark on a fresh route after an early breakfast for a new habitat exploration. Delve into ecosystem dynamics, from tree and plant uses to tracking lions. After covering 10-15 kilometers, return to basecamp for lunch and rest or engage in afternoon activities.

Day 5: Kichaka Kidogo

Depart basecamp for a 13 km walk to Flycamp, featuring different terrain. Your belongings await in your new camp, complete with cold showers. This walk emphasizes more distance with less dialogue, allowing for personal interpretation of the wilderness. Afternoon activities are available post-rest.

Day 6: Kichaka Kidogo

Optionally, continue walking or switch to a full-day game drive for a different perspective and a rest for the legs. Roam the park's expanses by vehicle, enjoying a bush lunch and observing varied animal behaviors. Return in the evening, feeling you've only begun to uncover Ruaha's secrets.

Day 7: Kichaka Kidogo

Refreshed, embark on your final morning walk to new destinations, following the whim of the bush – whether tracking buffalo or seeking elephants by the river. Afternoon activities follow, culminating in a fireside gathering with a refreshing drink to reminisce about the journey.

Day 8: Departure

Enjoy a well-earned lie-in, followed by a leisurely breakfast. Bid farewell to the camp crew and head to Msembe or another camp for your scheduled flight or next destination.

How to Book a Walking Safari to Ruaha National Park

Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about booking a safari to or including Ruaha National Park.

We’re also launching group walking safaris in 2025 to Ruaha so sign up to our newsletters or get in touch for more information when we launch.