10 Day big game Southern Tanzania safari

Your adventure begins with an early morning bush flight from Arusha, routing via Serengeti National Park and Tabora for refueling, before arriving at Katavi National Park around midday. Upon landing, your safari starts immediately as you enjoy a scenic game drive on the way to camp.

After settling into your tented suite at Chada Katavi, enjoy a delicious lunch and a moment of relaxation beneath the shade of towering acacia trees. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive across Katavi’s vast floodplains. This remote park is famous for its incredible concentration of wildlife — expect to encounter elephants, hippos, buffalo herds, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

As the sun sets, return to camp for sundowners around the fire, followed by a gourmet dinner. The evening ends under a brilliant canopy of stars, the perfect introduction to Southern Tanzania’s wild beauty.

On your last full day in Katavi, rise early for one more morning adventure across the plains. This is the perfect time to revisit your favorite wildlife spots or explore new areas you haven’t yet seen. The early morning often brings incredible sightings — lions returning from a hunt, elephants gathering near water, or antelope moving gracefully through the tall grass.

Return to camp for a leisurely brunch and take some time to soak in the atmosphere of this extraordinary place. In the afternoon, enjoy a slow-paced safari drive, capturing your last photographs and creating lasting memories of this remote park. Alternatively, take a guided walk to fully appreciate the quiet, wild soul of Katavi.

As the day ends, your final sundowner here will be extra special — a chance to reflect on the past few days surrounded by untouched wilderness. After a farewell dinner at camp, fall asleep to the distant grunts of hippos and the roar of lions, knowing Katavi has given you a truly authentic safari experience.

After breakfast at Chada Camp, it’s time to leave Katavi and continue your Southern Tanzania adventure. You’ll take a scenic bush flight or drive to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest protected area. During the journey, enjoy spectacular views of rolling hills, baobab forests, and wide savannahs stretching to the horizon.

Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to Kigelia Ruaha Camp, where you’ll settle into your comfortable tented accommodation. After lunch and a brief rest, head out for your first game drive in Ruaha. The park is famous for its abundant wildlife, including large elephant herds, lions, leopards, and the rare African wild dogs. The Great Ruaha River brings life to the dry savannah, attracting a variety of animals and offering excellent opportunities for photography.

As the afternoon turns to evening, stop for sundowners at a scenic viewpoint, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. Return to camp for dinner, and enjoy the unique ambiance of Ruaha — a wild, rugged, and less-visited safari destination. Tonight, sleep under a sky full of stars, ready for another full day of exploration.

Wake up early at Kigelia Ruaha Camp for a hearty breakfast before heading out on a full day of game drives in Ruaha National Park. This park is renowned for its diversity of wildlife and dramatic landscapes, including baobab-studded plains, rocky outcrops, and the life-giving Great Ruaha River.

Spend the morning tracking elephants, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. Your expert guide will share insights about animal behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation efforts in this remote wilderness. Along the riverbanks, spot hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife thriving in this unique ecosystem.

Return to camp for a midday lunch and short rest, then set out again in the afternoon for more exploration. Ruaha’s vastness allows you to venture off the main routes, giving a sense of true wilderness and private encounters with wildlife. The golden light of late afternoon is perfect for photography, capturing dramatic silhouettes of elephants and acacia trees against the sunset.

End your day with sundowners at a scenic viewpoint, enjoying the quiet beauty of the bush. Return to camp for a delicious dinner and share stories of the day’s sightings. Sleep under the star-studded sky, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness, fully immersed in the magic of Ruaha.

Wake up early at Sand Rivers Selous Lodge and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full day of exploration in Nyerere (Selous) National Park. Start with a morning game drive in your open-sided 4x4 vehicle. The park’s vast landscapes, from riverine forests to open savannahs, provide excellent opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. Predators such as lions and leopards are also commonly seen in this remote wilderness.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a mid-day rest, taking time to relax by the Rufiji River and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on a river safari to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a rich diversity of birds. Gliding quietly along the river allows for close wildlife encounters without disturbing the animals, offering a unique contrast to vehicle-based game drives.

Later in the day, step out for a guided walking safari. Walking slowly through the bush gives you an intimate perspective on the ecosystem — from animal tracks and insects to the smaller details of the flora that sustain the wildlife.

End your day with sundowners along the river, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, and listen to the sounds of the African wilderness. Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner under the stars, reflecting on a day full of immersive wildlife experiences and the tranquility of Selous.

This day is designed to let you connect deeply with the rhythms of the bush, offering a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation in one of Tanzania’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Wake up early at Sand Rivers Selous Lodge for a hearty breakfast before venturing out on a full day of exploration in Nyerere (Selous) National Park. Start with a morning game drive in your open-sided 4x4 vehicle, allowing you to cover more ground while observing elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species in their natural habitat. Your guide will share insights into animal behavior, tracking, and the park’s unique ecosystems.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a mid-day rest, taking time to relax on the riverbank and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, a perfect opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, while quietly observing wildlife without disturbing them. The combination of vehicle and boat experiences allows for a comprehensive view of Selous’ diverse habitats.

Later, take a guided walking safari along designated trails. Walking slowly through the bush gives you a close-up perspective of tracks, plants, and the smaller creatures that contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity.

End the day with sundowners at a scenic viewpoint, sipping a drink while watching the sun set over the river and listening to the ambient sounds of the African wilderness. Return to the lodge for a delightful dinner, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and the serenity of Selous.

This full day is designed for deep immersion, letting you absorb the rhythms of the bush, observe wildlife at leisure, and experience Selous in a way that is both relaxed and unforgettable.

On your final morning at Sand Rivers Selous Lodge, wake up early to enjoy one last morning game drive. The quiet of dawn provides excellent opportunities to see elephants, lions, and other wildlife as they begin their day. This is your chance to capture final photographs and soak in the untouched beauty of Nyerere (Selous) National Park.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and a short period to pack and relax, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past days. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you may enjoy a brief walking safari or river excursion in the morning to savor the serenity of the park one last time.

Afterward, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your bush flight back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, marking the conclusion of your 10- or 11-day Southern Tanzania safari. During the flight, enjoy aerial views of the rivers, plains, and woodlands, taking in the vastness of Tanzania’s wilderness one final time.

Your safari ends with memories of remote landscapes, abundant wildlife, and immersive wilderness experiences, leaving you with a lasting appreciation for Southern Tanzania’s iconic parks: Katavi, Ruaha, and Nyerere (Selous). This journey is a true celebration of Africa’s wild heart.