Tanzania’s southern regions offer a unique and exclusive safari experience. These parks are far less crowded than their northern counterparts. This 8-day Southern Tanzania Circuit Safari takes you through Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), two of the country’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
The journey begins in Dar es Salaam, from where you will fly or transfer to the parks. In Ruaha National Park, you will encounter dramatic landscapes with rocky outcrops, rolling hills, and vast savannah plains. Ruaha is home to one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and abundant antelope species. Its rugged scenery also provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Next, explore Nyerere National Park, where the Rufiji River and its lakes create a contrasting environment of waterways and floodplains. Here, enjoy walking safaris, game drives, and boating excursions. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of birds. Each activity allows you to see the park from a different perspective and immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
This safari is ideal for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking diversity in landscapes and experiences. From the rugged bush of Ruaha to the tranquil waterways of Nyerere, each day offers new wildlife encounters and stunning scenery. Along the way, stay in luxurious lodges, including Jabali Ridge in Ruaha and Roho ya Selous in Nyerere, ensuring comfort in the heart of the wilderness.
Experience the southern treasures of Tanzania in an intimate and exclusive way. This 8-day circuit combines adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, making it a journey you will never forget.
8 Days
6 Nights
LUXURY SAFARI
2-7
English, France, Germany, Spain
Dar es Salaam Arrival: Warm welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Ruaha National Park: Explore vast savannahs, rocky outcrops, and spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and antelopes.
Walking Safaris: Experience wildlife up close on guided walks in Ruaha and Nyerere.
Nyerere National Park: Enjoy game drives and boating excursions on rivers and lakes.
Birdwatching: Spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the Rufiji River.
Photographic Opportunities: Capture wildlife against dramatic landscapes and river scenes.
Luxury Accommodations: Stay at Jabali Ridge, Roho ya Selous, and Serena Hotel for comfort in the wild.
Cultural Experiences: Optional visits to local Maasai communities and guided insights into traditional life.
Exclusive Safari: Fewer crowds and private safari experiences for intimate wildlife encounters.
Sundowners in the Bush: Enjoy drinks while watching the sun set over Tanzania’s pristine southern landscapes.
Can be customized
Can start any day
Luxury Safari
Private Safari
Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari team. From the airport, transfer to Serena Hotel for your overnight stay.
Take time to relax and recover from your flight. If your schedule allows, explore the city’s vibrant markets, shops, and cafés. Discover the culture, cuisine, and history of Tanzania’s largest city, or arrange a short guided tour to experience the local atmosphere.
Dar es Salaam serves as the gateway to southern Tanzania’s hidden safari gems, providing a comfortable and convenient stop before your wildlife adventure begins.
Accommodation: Overnight at Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast at Jabali Ridge, transfer to Dar es Salaam International Airport for your light aircraft flight to Nyerere National Park. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to Roho ya Selous, located in the heart of the park’s core game-viewing area.
Settle into your luxurious canvas tent, then enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views of Lake Nzerakera. In the afternoon, relax before tea, followed by your first game drive. Nyerere is home to a high density of wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and, if lucky, wild dogs.
Your safari experience is flexible and customizable. Options include:
Walking safaris through the Miombo woodlands to discover wildlife and bird species up close.
Boating safaris to explore the lakes and rivers, observe hippos and crocodiles, and watch bird colonies.
Catch-and-release fishing for those who enjoy angling.
Each day begins with a morning safari activity, followed by lunch and relaxation at the camp. In the afternoon, embark on another game drive, walking, or boating excursion. Sundowners on the water’s edge offer the perfect way to end each day, with the sounds and sights of the African bush all around.
Accommodation: Overnight at Roho ya Selous, Nyerere National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at Roho ya Selous, you will board a light aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park, offering stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s southern wilderness. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a game drive to Jabali Ridge, a luxurious camp perched atop a rocky kopje overlooking a breathtaking valley dotted with iconic baobab trees. The dramatic scenery here provides the perfect backdrop for your safari adventure and incredible photographic opportunities.
Your days at Jabali Ridge are highly flexible and tailored to your preferences. Start your mornings with walking safaris, exploring the bush on foot with a knowledgeable guide to observe wildlife up close, or embark on morning or full-day game drives across Ruaha’s vast landscapes, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and diverse antelope species. Picnic lunches in the bush can be arranged for a more immersive experience, or enjoy a relaxed lunch back at camp overlooking the valley.
Afternoons offer time to relax and rejuvenate—lounge by the infinity pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply soak in the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. As the afternoon turns to evening, set out on a second game drive, culminating in sundowners in the bush, where you can enjoy drinks as the sun sets over Ruaha’s rugged plains. For an unforgettable perspective, nocturnal drives reveal some of the park’s elusive night creatures, such as leopards and owls, adding an exciting dimension to your safari.
Evenings at Jabali Ridge are equally memorable. Dine under the stars with gourmet cuisine prepared by expert chefs, accompanied by the sounds of the African bush. Over three days, your stay at Jabali Ridge combines adventure, luxury, and wildlife immersion, offering a deep connection with Tanzania’s untamed southern wilderness.
Accommodation: Overnight at Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Jabali Ridge, taking in the last views of Ruaha’s dramatic landscapes and the wildlife roaming the valley below. After savoring the tranquility of the bush, your guide will transfer you to Ruaha airstrip for your light aircraft flight back to Dar es Salaam International Airport.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be assisted with your international departure formalities. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a chance to enjoy a brief stopover in the city for a last taste of Tanzanian culture and cuisine, or simply relax and reflect on the unforgettable safari experiences of the past week.
This marks the conclusion of your 8-day Southern Tanzania Circuit Safari, leaving you with memories of exclusive wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations. From the high density of elephants and lions in Ruaha to the waterways and walking safaris of Nyerere National Park, this safari has offered a unique and intimate view of southern Tanzania’s hidden wilderness.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure: Dar es Salaam International Airport, Tanzania
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