This safari heads to Tanzania’s wild south — Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha — for boat safaris, big elephant herds, strong predator action and a real sense of remoteness, far from the northern crowds.
This is a private departure that can start on dates to suit you, with your own guide and 4×4 throughout. The day-by-day plan below is a suggested flow — we tailor lodges, pacing and extensions to your wishes.
9-Day Nyerere & Ruaha Southern Safari takes you through Tanzania's most celebrated national parks. Each day is a different landscape, a different wildlife encounter.
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Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
You are met on arrival in Dar es Salaam and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay and trip briefing.
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Day 2: Nyerere National Park (Selous)
You fly by light aircraft to the first camp and begin your safari. Nyerere — the former Selous Game Reserve — is one of Africa’s largest protected areas: raw, remote and best explored by boat safari on the Rufiji River, with big herds of elephant and buffalo and rare wild dog. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 3: Full day in Nyerere National Park (Selous)
A full day exploring Nyerere National Park (Selous). Nyerere — the former Selous Game Reserve — is one of Africa’s largest protected areas: raw, remote and best explored by boat safari on the Rufiji River, with big herds of elephant and buffalo and rare wild dog. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 4: Full day in Nyerere National Park (Selous)
A full day exploring Nyerere National Park (Selous). Nyerere — the former Selous Game Reserve — is one of Africa’s largest protected areas: raw, remote and best explored by boat safari on the Rufiji River, with big herds of elephant and buffalo and rare wild dog. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 5: Full day in Nyerere National Park (Selous)
A full day exploring Nyerere National Park (Selous). Nyerere — the former Selous Game Reserve — is one of Africa’s largest protected areas: raw, remote and best explored by boat safari on the Rufiji River, with big herds of elephant and buffalo and rare wild dog. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 6: Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest park and one of its best-kept secrets — huge elephant herds, big lion prides and excellent wild-dog sightings, with very few other vehicles. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 7: Full day in Ruaha National Park
A full day exploring Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest park and one of its best-kept secrets — huge elephant herds, big lion prides and excellent wild-dog sightings, with very few other vehicles. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 8: Full day in Ruaha National Park
A full day exploring Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest park and one of its best-kept secrets — huge elephant herds, big lion prides and excellent wild-dog sightings, with very few other vehicles. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 9: Departure from Dar es Salaam
After a final morning you transfer to the airport in Dar es Salaam for your departure flight.
The displayed figure is an indicative planning reference. Final pricing requires current supplier, permit, flight, park-fee and exchange-rate confirmation.
- Park and conservation area entry fees
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Domestic light-aircraft flights as per the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as specified on safari
- Drinking water during game drives
- Airport transfers
- Government taxes and VAT
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal items, drinks and laundry
- Optional activities unless stated
Extend with a Zanzibar beach stay, a hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti, a Kilimanjaro day hike, or extra nights in any park. Ask us to tailor this trip to you.
Boat safari
A boat safari on the river or lake for hippo, crocodile, elephant and superb birdlife.
Included
Game drives in a 4x4
Morning and afternoon game drives in a private vehicle with a pop-up roof and a window seat guaranteed.
Included
Sundowner on the plains
Sunset drinks at a scenic viewpoint as the day's light fades over the savannah.
Included-
Are boat safaris included?
Only if the selected Nyerere camp and quotation explicitly include them.
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How are Nyerere and Ruaha connected?
Scheduled or charter flights are usually required; the exact operating days must be confirmed.
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When is the best season?
The dry season is generally strongest for road access and concentrated wildlife, but camps vary.
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Is this route suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes for guests comfortable with remote camps and flight-dependent logistics.
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