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.
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Selous – Riverside Wilderness
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.
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.
Day 4: Selous to Ruaha – Rugged Transition
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.
Day 5: Ruaha – Full Day Safari Adventure
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.
Day 6: Ruaha – Wildlife & Serenity
Enjoy a leisurely morning game drive in Ruaha, focusing on its unique mix of eastern and southern African species—think 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.
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.
Price Included:
- Accommodation: Comfortable boutique hotel in Dar es Salaam, luxury lodges in Selous and Ruaha.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) including bush picnics and lodge dining.
- 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.
Not 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).
