Overview
Escape the crowds on this 8-day luxury expedition through Tanzania's wild southern parks — Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha, home to wild dogs and mega-herds.
While most visitors flock to Tanzania's famous northern circuit, the country's southern parks offer an equally extraordinary — and far more exclusive — safari experience. This 8-day expedition focuses entirely on the south, taking you deep into two of Africa's most magnificent and least-visited wilderness areas. Nyerere National Park, formerly the Selous Game Reserve, is Africa's largest protected area at over 50,000 square kilometers. Here, the mighty Rufiji River sustains a staggering diversity of life, and the safari activities go far beyond traditional game drives to include boat safaris, walking safaris, and fly-camping under the stars. The journey continues to Ruaha National Park, a rugged and remote landscape where the Great Ruaha River has carved dramatic valleys through ancient geology. Ruaha is renowned for its massive elephant herds, some of the largest lion prides on the continent, and one of East Africa's most significant populations of endangered African wild dogs. With just a handful of luxury camps spread across an area the size of Switzerland, you will experience a level of solitude and exclusivity that is simply impossible in the north. This safari is designed for experienced travelers and wildlife enthusiasts who crave authenticity, silence, and raw, untamed Africa.
Package Highlights
Your Journey, Day by Day
Day 1
Arrival in Dar es Salaam & Flight to Nyerere
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. After a brief transit, board your bush flight south to Nyerere National Park. The aerial views of the Rufiji Delta and its labyrinth of lakes, channels, and palm-fringed islands set the scene for the wilderness ahead. Arrive at your luxury tented camp on the shores of a tranquil lake.
Overnight: Siwandu Camp, NyerereMeals: Lunch, DinnerAirport meet-and-greet at Dar es SalaamScenic bush flight to NyerereAerial viewing of the Rufiji DeltaCamp orientation and welcome drinksSunset from the camp's lakeside deckDay 2
Nyerere — Boat Safari on the Rufiji River
Glide along the Rufiji River in a motorized skiff as the morning mist lifts. Hippo pods surface and submerge around you, giant Nile crocodiles bask on sandbanks, and African fish eagles wheel overhead. The river banks are alive with kingfishers, bee-eaters, and herons. After lunch, head out on an afternoon game drive through the miombo woodland where elephants, giraffes, and wild dogs roam.
Overnight: Siwandu Camp, NyerereMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning boat safari on the Rufiji RiverHippo pod and crocodile observationWaterbird photography — fish eagles, kingfishersAfternoon game drive through miombo woodlandWild dog tracking in the late afternoonDay 3
Nyerere — Walking Safari & Lake Exploration
Experience the bush on foot with an armed professional ranger. Walking through the African wilderness engages every sense — you read tracks in the sand, identify calls in the canopy, and approach animals on their level. After lunch, explore the network of lakes by boat, searching for rare species and enjoying the serenity of this vast wilderness.
Overnight: Siwandu Camp, NyerereMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMorning walking safari with armed rangerAnimal tracking and bush craft instructionMedicinal plant identification walkAfternoon lake exploration by boatSunset fishing for tiger fish (catch and release)Day 4
Nyerere — Full Day Game Drives
Spend the entire day exploring Nyerere's far-flung sectors by vehicle. The park's sheer size means every game drive reveals new territory. Search for lion prides along the sand rivers, track herds of buffalo and eland, and watch elephants dust-bathing at midday. A bush picnic lunch keeps you in the heart of the action.
Overnight: Siwandu Camp, NyerereMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDawn game drive into remote sectorsLion and leopard tracking along sand riversBush picnic lunch in a scenic clearingAfternoon game drive to Stiegler's Gorge viewpointEvening stargazing with a southern sky guideDay 5
Nyerere to Ruaha National Park
After a final morning activity at Nyerere, board your bush flight to Ruaha National Park. The landscape shifts dramatically as you fly over the escarpment — from lush riverine forest to rugged, semi-arid baobab savanna. Arrive at your camp perched above the Great Ruaha River and enjoy your first evening game drive as the golden light bathes the valley.
Overnight: Jongomero Camp, RuahaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOptional morning game drive or walking safari at NyerereBush flight from Nyerere to RuahaScenic aerial views of the escarpmentCamp check-in and afternoon at leisureEvening game drive along the Great Ruaha RiverDay 6
Ruaha — Wild Dog & Big Cat Tracking
Ruaha is one of the best places in Africa to see endangered African wild dogs, and today is dedicated to finding them. Your guide uses radio telemetry and local intelligence to track packs across the park. The morning drive also yields encounters with Ruaha's famous super-prides of lions. In the afternoon, explore the river valley where elephants come to drink in their hundreds.
Overnight: Jongomero Camp, RuahaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerEarly morning wild dog tracking driveLion super-pride observationBush brunch overlooking a river crossingAfternoon elephant herds along the Great RuahaSunset photography from a scenic kopjeDay 7
Ruaha — Deep Wilderness Exploration
Venture into Ruaha's remote northern sector today. The landscape is raw and primordial — vast baobab forests, rocky outcrops, and dry river beds where predators lie in wait. The birdlife is exceptional, with over 570 species recorded. Return to camp for a farewell bush dinner under the stars, celebrating the extraordinary wildlife of southern Tanzania.
Overnight: Jongomero Camp, RuahaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFull-day exploration of northern RuahaBaobab forest game driveBirding walk — raptors, hornbills, sunbirdsAfternoon game drive to remote kopjesFarewell bush dinner under the Milky WayDay 8
Ruaha to Dar es Salaam — Departure
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive along the river before breakfast. Transfer to the Ruaha airstrip for your bush flight back to Dar es Salaam. Arrive in time for international connections or an optional extension to Zanzibar. Your southern Tanzania adventure concludes with memories of a wilderness that few travelers ever experience.
Overnight: N/A — departure dayMeals: Breakfast, LunchSunrise game drive in RuahaBush breakfast with a river viewBush flight to Dar es SalaamAirport assistance for onward connections
What's Included
Included
- Return domestic flights (Dar–Nyerere–Ruaha–Dar)
- All national park and conservation fees
- Full-board luxury tented camp accommodation
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Walking safari with armed ranger
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Drinking water, soft drinks, and house wines
- Laundry service at all camps
- Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Dar es Salaam accommodation (pre/post safari)
- Tanzania tourist visa
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Premium spirits and champagne
- Optional fly-camping supplement ($250 pp)
- Personal expenses
Net Rate Per Person
Where to Stay
LUXURY_LODGESerengeti Safari Lodge
Serengeti National Park
A premium lodge perched on the Serengeti kopjes with panoramic views of the endless plains and year-round wildlife from your private deck.
from $550 / night
TENTED_CAMPNgorongoro Crater Camp
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A luxury tented camp on the crater rim with breathtaking views into the caldera and easy access to crater floor game drives.
from $400 / night