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How to get Dar es salaam to Ruaha national park?

Ruaha National Park in the heart of Tanzania is one of the most remote and largest parks in East Africa, with some rugged terrains, huge population of elephants, and abundant predators. The trip between Dar es Salaam, the largest city of Tanzania to Ruaha national park is an adventure along with wonderment at the changes of the Indian Ocean to the center of savannah. This is the way you can get there:

1. By Air: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option

The most convenient way to get from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park is by a domestic flight. A variety of domestic air transporters do scheduled or chartered flights between Julius Nyerere International Airport ( DAR ) and Msembe Airstrip that is within the park.

Airlines Operating This Route:

  • Auric Air
  • Coastal Aviation
  • Safari Airlink

The journeys by flights cover 2-2.5 hours depending on the flight company and the midway stops. The majority of the flights take off in the morning and will take you in awe of the beautiful aerial landscape of the various terrains in Tanzania. 

Your lodge or safari operator will typically arrange a vehicle to pick you up upon arrival at Msembe Airstrip and use it both in transfer and during the game drives.

Best for:  Short-term travellers, somewhere in the middle or higher budget range or want comfortability and efficiency.

Tip: Book flights and lodge transfers well in advance, especially during high safari season (June to October).

Note: Flights to Msembe Airstrip may not operate daily, especially during the low season (March–May). Check schedules in advance and confirm with your lodge or tour operator.

2. By Road: Scenic, Adventurous, and More Affordable

If you like road journeys or want to cover more places with the trip then road journeys from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha can be an enticing choice in consideration of time factor.

Route Overview:

  • Distance: Approximately 620–700 km depending on your route
  • Estimated Travel Time: 10 to 13 hours of driving

The most common route takes the A7 highway from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, onwards to Iringa before finally entering the park via the park’s eastern gate or Msembe Gate.

Travel Methods:

  • Self-Drive: this is only suitable for highly experienced off-road drivers because conditions are different and lack of signs especially around the park. An all terrain car is vital.
  • Private Safari Vehicle: The most common safari option is guided road tours organized by renowned tours companies. These include the visit at Mikumi National Park or Udzungwa Mountains and this is an inbuilt part of your whole safari.
  • Bus + Local Transfer: The most budget-friendly option is to take a long-distance bus from Dar es Salaam to Iringa, which takes approximately 10–12 hours. From Iringa, you will need to arrange a private transfer with your lodge or a local safari operator to cover the remaining 2–3 hours to Ruaha, as there is no direct public transport into the park

Best for: Bolder travelers, those travelling on a lower budget or those who are combining parks round the Southern Circuit.

Tip: It is not advisable to travel in the rainy season (March to May), when the weather conditions of the roads could be poor.

3. Combination: Fly-In, Drive-Out (or Vice Versa)

To have a more versatile experience, there are travelers who use fly-in, drive-out itinerary. You may fly to Ruaha and drive back through Iringa or vice versa. This will enable you to have alternative views of the park and possibly include cultural destinations such as Isimila Stone Age Site or visit villages.

The journey to Ruaha National Park is a day-long adventure in itself; getting to Dar es Salaam is an adventure in itself. Although flying takes shorter time and is more comfortable, a road trip exposes the visitor to the Tanzanian countryside better. Whether you fly, drive, or combine both, the journey to Ruaha offers a true taste of Africa’s wild beauty and remains one of the most rewarding safari experiences on the continent.

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