7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari (Selous & Ruaha)
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7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari (Selous & Ruaha) Overview
Ideal for: Travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path safaris with fewer crowds.
Highlights:
- Explore Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest wildlife reserve.
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River – see hippos and crocodiles.
- Ruaha National Park – a hidden gem with large lion prides and rare wild dogs.
📌 Best time to visit: June – October (dry season) for the best wildlife sightings.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Southern Gateway
Arrive in Dar es Salaam and transfer to a comfortable boutique hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with coastal flavors, resting before your southern Tanzania adventure begins. The ocean breeze and city buzz set a relaxed tone for your journey into the wilds of Selous and Ruaha, promising an unforgettable safari escape.
Overnight: Hotel Blue Sapphire or similar mid-range hotel.
Meal Plan: No meals included.
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Selous
Fly to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), landing at an airstrip near your luxury lodge along the Rufiji River. Embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, lions, and wild dogs. Dine overlooking the river, the sounds of hippos and birds enhancing your first night in this vast, uncrowded wilderness.
Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Selous Boat Safari & Bush Bliss
Explore Selous with a morning boat safari on the Rufiji River, drifting past hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. After a lodge lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive through grassy plains and woodlands, capturing the park’s diverse wildlife. Return for a gourmet dinner under the stars, immersed in the tranquility of this remote southern Tanzania gem.
Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Selous to Ruaha
After a morning game drive in Selous, fly to Ruaha National Park, settling into a luxury lodge with views of rolling hills and baobabs. An afternoon game drive introduces you to Ruaha’s rugged beauty—elephants, giraffes, and predators abound. Dine on a private deck, the vast savannah stretching before you in this wild, untouched paradise.
Overnight: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Full Day in Ruaha National Park
Spend a full day on a private game drive in Ruaha, tracking lions, leopards, and large elephant herds along the Great Ruaha River. Enjoy a bush picnic amidst dramatic scenery, then continue exploring this predator-rich park. Return to your lodge for a candlelit dinner, the remote wilderness enhancing your southern Tanzania safari experience.
Overnight: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Another full day in Ruaha National Park
Enjoy a leisurely morning game drive in Ruaha, focusing on its unique mix of eastern and southern African species, think of sable antelopes and cheetahs. Relax at the lodge in the afternoon, soaking in the views, then savor a final sunset game drive. Dine under the stars, reflecting on the wild beauty of this uncrowded park.
Overnight: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Ruaha to Dar es Salaam – Farewell to the Wild
After a final morning game drive in Ruaha, fly back to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy lunch at your hotel or head straight to the airport, departing with memories of southern Tanzania’s untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife. This safari leaves you with a deep appreciation for Selous and Ruaha’s exclusive, off-the-grid charm.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Included:
- Accommodation: Comfortable boutique hotel in Dar es Salaam, luxury lodges in Selous and Ruaha.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified.
- Transportation: Domestic flights (Dar to Selous, Selous to Ruaha, Ruaha to Dar), private safari vehicle with driver/guide.
- Activities: Private game drives in Selous and Ruaha, Rufiji River boat safari.
- Guides: Expert safari rangers for all activities.
- Fees: National park entry fees.
- Beverages: Water during activities, welcome drink in Dar es Salaam.
Excluded:
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Visas: Tanzanian visa fees.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Wines, spirits, or drinks beyond what’s specified.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, additional activities, or shopping.
- Extra Activities: Walking safaris, night drives, or hot air balloon rides (available at additional cost).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parks are included in a Southern Tanzania safari?
This safari focuses on Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, two of the largest and most remote wildlife areas in Tanzania. These parks are known for vast wilderness landscapes, strong predator populations, and a true sense of adventure far from the busy northern safari circuit.
Why choose a Southern Tanzania safari instead of the northern parks?
Southern Tanzania offers a quieter and more intimate safari experience. While parks like Serengeti attract many visitors, destinations such as Nyerere and Ruaha remain less crowded, allowing you to explore wildlife in a more relaxed and authentic setting.
What animals can I expect to see in Nyerere and Ruaha?
Both parks support a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and several antelope species. Ruaha is especially known for its large elephant population and healthy lion prides, while Nyerere offers excellent chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and the rare African wild dog.
When is the best time to visit Southern Tanzania?
The dry season from June to October is often the best time for wildlife viewing because animals gather around rivers and water sources. However, the green season from November to March can also be rewarding with lush scenery, migratory birds, and fewer travelers.
How do travelers reach Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks?
Most visitors reach Southern Tanzania by domestic flights from Dar es Salaam or sometimes from Arusha. These flights land at small bush airstrips inside or near the parks, allowing you to start your safari shortly after arrival.
What activities are included in a Southern Tanzania safari?
A typical safari in this region includes guided game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park, and walking safaris with experienced guides. These activities allow you to experience the wildlife and landscapes from several different perspectives.
