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Ruaha & Katavi: A Remote Tanzania Fly-in Safari
FromR78 140per person sharingSeasonal rates
Enquire now- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Destination
- Dar es Salaam, Katavi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
- Meals
- Full Board
- Getting there
- Fly-in (internal flights included)
- Travel
- 1 Jun 2026 to 31 May 2027
Overview
Further off the map than most safaris go
Katavi is one of the most remote national parks in Tanzania, and reaching it is half the adventure. This safari starts in Ruaha, with its big river and big herds, then flies west to Katavi, where very few travellers ever make it.
Katavi in the dry months
Katavi is a place of wide plains, woodland and seasonal waterways. As the land dries out, animals concentrate around the water that is left: hippos in remarkable numbers, alongside buffalo, zebra, giraffe, topi and the predators that follow them.
The practical side
A night in Dar es Salaam, then light-aircraft flights between the parks. Meals during the safari, shared game drives, park and concession fees, transfers and laundry are all included, so the only decision each day is half a day out or a full day with a picnic.
Highlights
- Remote KataviOne of Tanzania’s least-visited national parks.
- Ruaha National ParkThree nights beside the Great Ruaha River.
- Full days outGame drives with a picnic lunch when you want them.
- Everything on the ground arrangedFlights, transfers, meals, park fees and laundry.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
- 1night
CBD Hotel or similar
Dar es Salaam
- 3nights
Ruaha River Lodge
Ruaha National Park
- 3nights
Katavi Wildlife Camp
Katavi National Park
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1Arrival in Dar es Salaam
You are met at Dar es Salaam Airport and taken to your hotel, with help at check-in. The rest of the day is free to rest before the safari begins.
OvernightCBD Hotel or similar, Dar es Salaam
Day 2Fly to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast you are collected for your light-aircraft flight to Ruaha. A guide from Ruaha River Lodge meets you at the airstrip and you explore the park on the way to the lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive that returns at dusk.
OvernightRuaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park
Days 3 & 4Ruaha National Park
Two full days in Ruaha, where the Great Ruaha River supports an exceptional range of wildlife. Choose from:
- Early morning shared game drives
- Morning shared game drives
- Afternoon shared game drives
- Full-day game drives with a picnic lunch
Private game drives can be arranged at extra cost.
OvernightRuaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park
Day 5Ruaha to Katavi National Park
An early game drive towards the airstrip, then a flight west to Katavi. Your guide from Katavi Wildlife Camp meets you and you game view on the way to camp, with an afternoon drive that ends with sundowners.
OvernightKatavi Wildlife Camp, Katavi National Park
Days 6 & 7Katavi National Park
Two days in remote Katavi, on shared half-day game drives or full days out with a picnic lunch. Look out for large gatherings of hippos, and buffalo, zebra, giraffe, topi and predators around the remaining water.
OvernightKatavi Wildlife Camp, Katavi National Park
Day 8Katavi to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, a final game drive on the way to the airstrip and a flight back to Dar es Salaam, where you are met and helped with your onward flight or hotel.
What’s included
Everything in one price
- 8 days / 7 nights
- MealsFull Board
- Game drives & safari activities
- Park & conservation fees
- Internal flights & transfers
- Airport transfers
The full list
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as set out in the safari programme
- Two shared game drives a night in an open vehicle with a guide
- Internal light-aircraft flights
- Airport and airstrip transfers
- Airport taxes
- Park fees
- Concession fees
- Tea and coffee
- Laundry
- Internal transport as set out in the itinerary
- Meet-and-assist in Dar es Salaam
Rates
Rates by season
| Season | Per person sharing |
|---|---|
| High season1 Jul to 31 Oct 2026; 24 Dec 2026 to 4 Jan 2027 | R86 470 |
| Low season1 Nov to 23 Dec 2026; 5 Jan to 31 May 2027 | R78 140 |
Rates are in rand, per person sharing, for travel that starts within each season.
Not available for travel
- 1 April 2027 to 31 May 2027: The scheduled safari flights do not operate
Extras
Little things that add up
Optional upgrades
Ask us to add these
- Private game drives with your own vehicle and guide (extra cost)
- A three-night beach extension at Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge (priced on request)
Travelling with children
Child rates
Reduced child rates are available. Ask us when you enquire.
Good to know
The small print, in plain English
What’s not included
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Optional or private activities not part of the standard safari programme
- Personal expenses
- Anything not listed as included
Important notes
High season: 1 July to 31 October and 24 December to 4 January. Low season: all other dates.
Prices are per person sharing with at least one other adult. Minimum passenger numbers may apply.
Light-aircraft schedules can change for operational reasons, so flight times are confirmed closer to travel.
The itinerary can be adjusted: more or fewer nights, or different camps.
Rates and availability are confirmed when you book.
Rates and booking terms
Prices shown are per person sharing and are a guide: availability and the final price are confirmed in your quote.
This trip is priced in US dollars and shown here in rand, so the final amount depends on the exchange rate when you book.
Our Terms & Conditions apply to every booking.
Let’s shape it around you
Want an extra night in Katavi or a beach to finish? Tell us and we will build it in.
Tell us what you have in mind and a travel consultant will come back to you with options and a clear price.
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