Boat, walking and game-drive safaris in Nyerere and Ruaha, far from the crowds
Sample itinerary. Routes, travel times and the style of accommodation are typical for this journey. Your named lodges, final schedule and price are confirmed in your personal quotation, and everything can be adjusted.
Overview
Southern Tanzania is wild, vast and wonderfully quiet. This journey takes you to two of the country’s largest protected areas: Nyerere National Park, where the Rufiji River creates a world of channels and lakes, and Ruaha National Park, a rugged landscape of baobabs, rocky hills and dry riverbeds known for its big predators.
What makes the south special is variety. Alongside classic game drives you can explore by boat among hippos and crocodiles on the Rufiji, and — where park rules and your camp allow — set out on foot with an armed ranger to learn the smaller details of the bush.
It is a strong choice for returning safari-goers, travellers who value space and solitude, and anyone who wants a more adventurous, less-visited side of Tanzania. It pairs easily with a few days on Zanzibar or Mafia Island.
Day by day
Day 1
Julius Nyerere International Airport → Dar es Salaam
You are met at Julius Nyerere International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city on the Indian Ocean coast. Relax after your flight and enjoy dinner by the sea.
Day 2
Dar es Salaam → Nyerere National Park
This morning you travel to Nyerere National Park, either by light aircraft (recommended) or by road. The flight gives you a first view of the Rufiji floodplains; the road journey is long but shows you rural Tanzania along the way.
After settling into your camp, head out on an afternoon game drive around the lakes, where elephant, giraffe, buffalo and lion come to drink.
Day 3
Nyerere National Park
Today brings a completely different perspective: a boat safari on the Rufiji River and its connected lakes. Glide past pods of hippos and basking crocodiles, and watch elephants come down to the water’s edge while kingfishers, fish eagles and storks hunt along the banks.
The rest of the day is spent on game drives, with time to relax at camp during the heat of midday.
Day 4
Nyerere National Park
Where permitted by park regulations and offered by your camp, set out in the cool early morning on a guided walk with an armed ranger. Walking safaris focus on tracks, plants, insects and birds — the details you miss from a vehicle — and bring a real sense of being in the wild.
In the afternoon, a final game drive in Nyerere.
Day 5
Nyerere National Park → Ruaha National Park
Today you transfer west to Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote parks. Travel is by light aircraft (recommended) or by road; the road journey is very long, so most travellers choose to fly.
Ruaha’s landscape of baobabs, rocky outcrops and the Great Ruaha River is dramatic, and your first afternoon game drive may already bring sightings of elephant, greater kudu or lion.
Days 6–7
Ruaha National Park
Two full days to explore Ruaha. The park is known for large lion prides, big elephant herds, and the chance to see both greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope. Cheetah, leopard and wild dog are also present, though harder to find.
Days follow the rhythm of the bush: early morning and afternoon game drives, with the option of a full-day drive with a picnic along the Great Ruaha River.
Day 8
Ruaha National Park → Dar es Salaam
After a final early game drive and breakfast, you fly back to Dar es Salaam in time to connect with your international flight, or continue to Zanzibar or Mafia Island for a beach extension.
Travel times are typical estimates and vary with road conditions and wildlife sightings.
Where you’ll stay
Choose the style that suits you — named properties are proposed in your quotation, subject to availability.
Clean, comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps, usually just outside the park gates or in nearby towns such as Karatu, with en-suite bathrooms, hot water and simple, hearty meals. Some nights in the Serengeti may be in basic fixed tented camps inside the park. Ideal if you want the full safari experience and would rather spend on time in the parks than on the room.
Our reference standard: well-run safari lodges and tented camps with spacious en-suite rooms or tents, good food and friendly service, located inside or close to the parks so you spend less time on the road. Many have a pool, a lounge and views over the bush.
Intimate luxury lodges and high-end tented camps in prime wildlife areas, with generous rooms, private decks, fine dining and attentive service. Some include extras such as a set number of drinks, laundry or private vehicle options — details depend on the property and are confirmed in your quote.
The fine print, made clear
Before you go
More answers in our Travel Guide & FAQs.
Price / Request a quote
Prices depend on your travel dates, group size and accommodation style, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll send a clear, itemised quotation — no obligation.
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