7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari (Nyerere & Ruaha National Parks)
- Home
- Classic Safaris
- 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari (Selous & Ruaha)
7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari (Nyerere & Ruaha National Parks) 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
A representative will meet you at Julius Nyerere International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and sits right on the Indian Ocean coast. If you arrive during the day, the waterfront area around Msasani and the Kivukoni fish market give a good first taste of coastal Tanzanian life. Your southern Tanzania safari begins the following morning.
Overnight: Hotel Blue Sapphire or similar mid-range hotel.
Meal Plan: No meals included.
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (Selous)
After breakfast, you take a short domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to an airstrip inside Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. The flight takes roughly 45 minutes and the views as you descend over the miombo woodland and the Rufiji River are a good introduction to what lies below.
Nyerere is the largest national park in Africa by area, covering over 30,000 square kilometres. Unlike the northern parks, it sees far fewer visitors, which means the game drives feel genuinely remote. After settling into the lodge, we head out for an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Boat Safari on the Rufiji River, then Afternoon Game Drive
This morning we swap the vehicle for a boat. The Rufiji River runs through the heart of the park and a boat safari gives you a completely different perspective on the wildlife.
Hippos are found in large numbers along the river, often in groups resting close to the banks. Nile crocodiles are also a regular sight, and the birdlife along the water is exceptional. After lunch at the lodge, we go out for an afternoon game drive through the park’s varied terrain of open grassland, dense woodland, and seasonal wetlands.
Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Morning Game Drive, then Fly to Ruaha National Park
We do a morning game drive before checking out, then fly to Ruaha National Park. The flight between the two parks takes about an hour depending on the route.
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the least visited in the country. As you arrive, the landscape changes noticeably. The Great Ruaha River, baobab trees, and rocky outcrops give the park a rugged, wild feel that is very different from Nyerere. We head out for an afternoon game drive after settling in.
Overnight: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Full Day in Ruaha National Park
A full day in Ruaha with no transfers or flights to plan around.
Ruaha is known for its large elephant population and strong lion prides, and the park also supports leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and several antelope species including greater and lesser kudu. The Great Ruaha River is a key feature of the park, and game drives along its banks tend to be productive, especially in the dry season when animals come to drink.
We have a picnic lunch in the bush and continue exploring through the afternoon before returning to the lodge for the evening.
Overnight: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Another full day in Ruaha National Park
A second full day in Ruaha is worth having. The park is large enough that you will not cover the same ground twice, and wildlife behaviour changes from day to day.
Ruaha sits at the boundary between eastern and southern African ecosystems, which means it supports a mix of species not easily found together elsewhere. Sable antelope, roan antelope, and wild dog are among the species that bring dedicated wildlife watchers to this park specifically. We spend the day in the field with a picnic lunch, returning to the lodge in the evening.
Overnight: Ruaha Hiltop Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive, then Fly Back to Dar es Salaam
One last game drive before heading to the airstrip. The morning in Ruaha is quiet and the light is good for photography.
After the drive, we fly back to Dar es Salaam. Depending on your onward travel plans, we can arrange a hotel lunch or take you directly to the airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price Includes:
- 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.
