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Baobabs, Buffaloes & Remote Wilderness
Ruaha & Katavi - June 2027
A 7-day fly-in photographic safari through two of Tanzania’s wildest and least conventional safari destinations: Ruaha National Park and Katavi National Park. This journey is designed for photographers and wildlife lovers who are looking for space, atmosphere, remoteness and powerful wildlife encounters far away from the more travelled safari routes.

Baobabs, Buffaloes & Remote Wilderness


Ruaha and Katavi NP
Maximum 4 guests
June 3-10, 2027

Ruaha and Katavi – June 2027

Duration: 7 days
Format: fly-in safari
Photographic focus: wilderness, baobabs, wide open spaces, hippos, buffaloes, predators and remote atmospheres
Ideal for: travellers seeking authentic wilderness and very few vehicles
Value: from 6'890 USD per person sharing


Lioness photographed in Ruaha National Park during a Tanzania photographic safari
For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an experience far from Tanzania's busiest safari circuits, few journeys compare to the combination of Ruaha National Park and Katavi National Park. Together, these two remarkable destinations showcase the very essence of Southern Tanzania: vast landscapes, exceptional wildlife, dramatic light and an overwhelming sense of wilderness that has almost disappeared from many of Africa's better-known safari destinations.

Ruaha National Park is famous for its ancient baobab trees, the Great Ruaha River, impressive elephant populations and some of Tanzania's finest predator sightings. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and the endangered African wild dogs all thrive in this spectacular landscape, where wildlife photography is shaped by open spaces, warm colours, dust and dramatic dry-season light.

Katavi National Park offers a completely different atmosphere. One of Africa's least-visited national parks, it is renowned for its vast floodplains, enormous buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools, crocodiles and extraordinary feeling of isolation. Wildlife encounters often take place without another vehicle in sight, allowing photographers to work patiently in one of Tanzania's last true wilderness areas.

Travelling between the two parks by scheduled bush flights transforms the journey into a genuine fly-in safari, avoiding long road transfers and maximising valuable time in the field. Every day is designed around wildlife activity, photographic opportunities and changing light rather than fixed schedules.

With a maximum of four participants, a dedicated photographic safari vehicle and personal guidance from wildlife photographer Gabriel Haering, this photographer-led safari provides the flexibility to observe behaviour, wait for the perfect moment and create stronger, more personal wildlife images. Rather than following the traditional safari checklist, this itinerary focuses on atmosphere, composition, light and the authentic wilderness that makes Remote Tanzania so special.

the hippo pool in Katavi national park full of hippos



7-Day Remote Tanzania Fly-in Safari Itinerary


Day 1 — Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park

Fly from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park and begin your first afternoon game drive among ancient baobabs, granite hills and the spectacular landscapes of Southern Tanzania.

Day 2 — Full-Day Safari in Ruaha National Park

Spend the day exploring Ruaha's diverse habitats, following the Great Ruaha River in search of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and, with some luck, the rare African wild dogs. Every game drive is adapted to wildlife activity and photographic opportunities.

Day 3 – Another Day in Ruaha

A second full day provides maximum flexibility to revisit productive areas and follow changing wildlife behaviour. Ruaha's beautiful light, baobabs and open landscapes create exceptional conditions for wildlife photography throughout the day.

Day 4 – Ruaha to Katavi National Park

After a final morning game drive in Ruaha, take a scheduled bush flight to Katavi National Park, one of Africa's most remote safari destinations. Following lunch, enjoy your first exploration of Katavi's floodplains and extraordinary wilderness.

Day 5  —  Full-Day Safari in Katavi National Park

Spend the day exploring Katavi's rich wildlife, including vast buffalo herds, hippo pools, crocodiles, elephants and predators. With very few visitors, the park offers an authentic wilderness experience rarely found elsewhere in Africa.

Day 6 – Another Day in Katavi

A second full day allows us to explore different areas of Katavi according to current wildlife movements. The combination of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife and almost complete solitude makes this one of Tanzania's finest destinations for photographers.

Day 7 — Return to Dar es Salaam

Depending on the flight schedule, enjoy a final morning game drive before flying back to Dar es Salaam, concluding an unforgettable journey through two of Remote Tanzania's most spectacular national parks.

Single occupancy supplement: 620 USD / person

Ask for the detailed itinerary and more information by clicking here.

Why Join This Remote Tanzania Safari?


- Two of Tanzania's most remote and authentic national parks
- Fly-in safari designed to maximise time in the field
- Photographer-led safari with personal guidance throughout the journey
- Maximum of four participants
- Dedicated photographic safari vehicle with guaranteed window seat
- Ancient baobabs, seasonal rivers, floodplains and dramatic dry-season landscapes
- Excellent opportunities to photograph elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and exceptional birdlife
- An immersive wildlife photography experience far from Tanzania's busiest safari routes

Who This Safari Is For


This safari has been created for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the authentic wilderness of Southern Tanzania. It is ideal for travellers seeking outstanding wildlife photography, dramatic landscapes and the flexibility to spend more time observing animal behaviour rather than simply moving from one sighting to the next.

The combination of Ruaha National Park and Katavi National Park offers remarkable diversity. Ruaha is renowned for its baobabs, elephants, predators and the Great Ruaha River, while Katavi is celebrated for its buffalo herds, hippo pools, crocodiles and one of Africa's last truly remote wilderness areas.

Travelling in a small group with an experienced wildlife photographer allows a relaxed pace, better positioning for photography and more time to work with changing light, composition and wildlife behaviour. Whether you are an experienced photographer or an enthusiastic nature traveller, this itinerary offers one of the finest wildlife photography experiences available in Remote Tanzania.

What is included

  • Private vehicle
  • Photographic guidance by Gabriel
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Two shared game activities in an open vehicle/on foot with a guide per night (walking, game drives)
  • Domestic Flights
  • Airstrip Transfers
  • Tea and Coffee
  • Laundry
  • Park and Concession fees


What is not included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
  • Anything not specifically listed under "What Is Included"

Prices and Conditions

Prices are based on the official park fees, concession fees, government taxes and the USD exchange rate valid at the time of publication. Should TANAPA or the relevant authorities increase these charges, the corresponding adjustment may be added to the safari price.

As a guideline, return flights from Europe to Tanzania currently start at approximately USD 800 per person in economy class, depending on airline, travel dates and booking period.
Gallery
Great Ruaha River landscape in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Lioness portrait in warm light during a Ruaha photographic safari
African elephant close-up photographed in Ruaha National Park
African buffalo in Ruaha National Park during a wildlife photography safari
Giraffe under acacia trees in Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Giraffe under acacia trees in Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Remote wilderness of Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania
Pelicans gathered by the water in Katavi National Park
Buffalo herd in Katavi National Park during a photographic safari
Nile crocodile resting in the grass in Katavi National Park
Hippopotamus in Katavi National Park during a Tanzania wildlife safari
Enquire
Please complete this form and indicate in the message any particularities and wishes for your trip.









Ruaha & Katavi in June 2027 – Photographer Value Ratings

The June 2027 fly-in photographic safari combines Ruaha National Park and Katavi National Park, two of Tanzania’s most rewarding wilderness destinations for photographers looking for space, big cats, buffalo herds, baobab landscapes and very low visitor density.

June marks the beginning of the dry season. Vegetation starts to open, wildlife becomes easier to locate, and the landscape still retains more colour and texture than in the late dry season. This creates an excellent balance between photographic visibility, atmosphere, wilderness and exclusivity.

Wildlife and Landscape Ratings

ParkBig FiveBig CatsGeneral WildlifeLandscapeWildlife Average
Ruaha 8 / 10 10 / 10 9 / 10 10 / 10 9.2 / 10
Katavi 8 / 10 10 / 10 9 / 10 10 / 10 9.2 / 10

Crowds, Cost, June Weather and Wilderness

The weather rating refers specifically to the June safari period, when Southern and Western Tanzania are entering the dry season. Conditions are generally pleasant, visibility improves, and wildlife starts to become more connected to rivers, floodplains and permanent water sources.

The cost-efficiency rating refers to this specific June 2027 photographic safari package rather than to the parks in isolation. Ruaha and Katavi involve remote fly-in logistics and are more expensive than easier road-based parks. However, the very low visitor density, wilderness quality, photographic mentoring and exceptional wildlife potential create outstanding value for photographers seeking a remote safari experience.

ParkCrowd ScoreCost EfficiencyJune WeatherWilderness / AtmosphereLogistics Average
Ruaha 9 / 10 8 / 10 9 / 10 10 / 10 9.0 / 10
Katavi 10 / 10 8 / 10 9 / 10 10 / 10 9.2 / 10

Birdwatching and Observable Bird Species

ParkBirdwatchingObservable Bird SpeciesBest Birding SeasonBirdwatching Average
Ruaha 7 / 10 Approx. 570+ Nov-Apr 7.5 / 10
Katavi 7 / 10 Approx. 400+ Nov-Apr 7.0 / 10

June is not the peak birding season compared with November to April, when migratory species and breeding plumage are more prominent. However, both Ruaha and Katavi remain rewarding for bird photography year-round, especially around rivers, floodplains, woodland and open savannah habitats.

Ruaha & Katavi Summary

ParkWildlifeCrowd / Cost / June WeatherBirdwatchingOverall Average
Ruaha 9.2 / 10 9.0 / 10 7.5 / 10 8.6 / 10
Katavi 9.2 / 10 9.2 / 10 7.0 / 10 8.5 / 10

Overall Photographer Value for the June 2027 Safari: 9.7 / 10

Combining Ruaha and Katavi in June offers an exceptional photographic safari for travellers seeking wilderness, low visitor density and strong wildlife potential. Ruaha contributes baobab landscapes, elephants, predators and beautiful dry-season light, while Katavi adds one of Tanzania’s most remote and uncompromising wilderness experiences.

For photographers and nature lovers looking for a remote alternative to the crowded Northern Circuit, this itinerary provides one of the strongest combinations of wildlife, wilderness atmosphere, photographic freedom and exclusivity in Tanzania.

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