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.
11-Day Nyerere, Ruaha & Zanzibar 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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4
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: Fly to Zanzibar
After a final morning you transfer to the airstrip and fly to Zanzibar, where you are met and taken to your beach hotel.
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Day 10: Stone Town & spice tour
Explore the historic lanes of Stone Town and a working spice farm.
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Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar
At leisure until your transfer to the airport 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
- Flight to Zanzibar
- Zanzibar beach accommodation (bed & breakfast)
- 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
Stone Town & spice tour
A half-day tour of historic Stone Town and a Zanzibar spice farm.
From $40 pp
Safari Blue ocean cruise
A full-day dhow cruise with snorkelling, sandbanks and a fresh seafood lunch.
From $90 pp-
Is this a private safari?
Yes. Every departure is private, with your own driver-guide and 4×4. You choose the dates and we tailor the trip to you.
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When is the best time to travel?
The dry season (June–October) offers the easiest game viewing, while the green season (November–March) brings lush scenery, newborn wildlife and fewer vehicles.
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What is included?
Park fees, a private 4×4 with guide, accommodation and meals as listed, drinking water on game drives and airport transfers. International flights, visa, insurance and tips are extra.
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Can you customise this itinerary?
Yes — this is a sample itinerary. We adjust the route, lodges, pace and extensions (Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, balloon) to suit you.
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