7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere & Ruaha
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Nyerere National Park (Selous) → Ruaha National Park
Safari Types: Private • Fly-in/Drive • Photographic • Off-the-beaten-path
Starting Point/End: Dar es Salaam (DAR) — optional start/end in Zanzibar
Overview
A wild, quiet circuit with fewer vehicles and big rewards. Start in Nyerere for boat safaris on the Rufiji River and game drives through miombo woodland. Continue to Ruaha, famous for rugged baobab hills, big lions, and huge elephant herds. Fly between parks to save time, stay in well-located camps, and keep the day flexible with your guide.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Arrive Dar es Salaam
Meet and greet at DAR. Short transfer to your hotel, safari briefing, and time to rest after the flight.
Overnight in Dar es Salaam.
Day 2: Fly to Nyerere — Boat Safari on the Rufiji
Morning flight to Nyerere. Settle into camp, then take a relaxing boat safari to watch hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the Rufiji River at golden hour.
Overnight in Nyerere.
Day 3: Nyerere Game Drives (Optional Walking)
Morning and afternoon game drives for lions, giraffe, wild dogs (if lucky), sable, and abundant birdlife. Where permitted and subject to age limits, join an optional guided nature walk for tracks and smaller wonders.
Overnight in Nyerere.
Day 4: Nyerere → Ruaha — First Ruaha Drive
Fly to Ruaha National Park (via DAR or direct, depending on schedule). Afternoon game drive among baobabs and rocky kopjes; look for elephants, buffalo, and big cats.
Overnight in Ruaha.
Day 5: Full Day in Ruaha — Lions, Leopards & Elephants
Unhurried morning and afternoon drives along the Great Ruaha River and open plains. Scan for leopard in sausage trees and cheetah on wider flats.
Overnight in Ruaha.
Day 6: Ruaha at Your Pace (Optional Night Drive)
Second full day to deepen sightings or explore a new sector. Where lodge/concession rules allow, consider an optional night drive to look for nocturnal species.
Overnight in Ruaha.
Day 7: Fly to Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar — Departure
Short morning drive (time allowing) and flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for onward travel or beach time.
Safari Booking
Domestic flights: Dar/Zanzibar ↔ Nyerere, Nyerere ↔ Ruaha, Ruaha → Dar/Zanzibar (routing matched to your dates)
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and charging points (or high-quality camp vehicles if using camp-based activities)
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Park/conservation fees for Nyerere and Ruaha
One boat safari on the Rufiji River
6 nights in well-located lodges/tented camps (mid-range or luxury options)
Meals during safari days, with picnic lunches on full game-drive days
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
All airstrip/airport ground transfers
Government taxes and VAT
International flights
Tanzania visa and comprehensive travel insurance
Optional activities (guided walks, night drives where available), premium beverages, laundry, and personal items
Tips/gratuities for guide and lodge/camp staff
Extra nights before/after the itinerary and any services not mentioned as included