Hidden Tanzania

Untamed Southern Tanzania

Nyerere, then Ruaha

6 days · 5 nights Nyerere · Ruaha For Repeat and adventure travellers Starts Dar es Salaam From $545 pp / night From $2,725 pp (5 nights)

Boat, walk and drive in Nyerere, then a flight to Ruaha’s baobab wilderness.

Repeat and adventure travellers From $545 pp / night From $2,725 pp (5 nights)

The story of this trip

The north is famous because it is easy to reach from Arusha. The south is quieter, and it still feels like Tanzania before the crowds arrived. Nyerere (called Selous on older maps) offers game drives, guided walks and boat safaris on the Rufiji. Ruaha, a short flight to the west, is drier and feels bigger, with excellent walking and night skies. Repeat visitors choose this trip when they want a different side of Tanzania. First-time visitors can do it too, as long as they are happy to fly.

What this safari is for

A boat safari on the Rufiji
Guided walking in Nyerere
Game drives in two southern parks
A light aircraft flight between Nyerere and Ruaha
Night skies in Ruaha

Route map

Route

From Dar es Salaam to Dar es Salaam.

Start: Dar es Salaam End: Dar es Salaam

Tracing safari roads…

Tanzania

Start Dar es Salaam (Start)
Nyerere National Park (Day 1) Flight
Ruaha National Park (Day 4) Flight
End Dar es Salaam (Day 6) Flight

Day by day

This is a working route. We confirm the camps and pace on your quote, within 24 hours.

Day 1

Fly from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere

Most guests start in Dar es Salaam, not Arusha. A short scheduled flight takes you to the Rufiji area. In the afternoon you go on a boat trip or a game drive, depending on the water and the wind. You stay in a camp that we name on your quote.

Day 2

Nyerere by water and by vehicle

You see hippo, crocodile, fish eagles and animals coming down to drink. In the afternoon you go on a game drive in a different part of the park.

Day 3

A walk in Nyerere

Walking is a regular TANAPA activity here, and it is led by a ranger. On foot you notice smells and sounds that you miss from a vehicle. We do not walk if the camp or the ranger decides against it. In the afternoon you take a game drive, or a second boat trip if the light is better on the water.

Day 4

Fly to Ruaha

Ruaha looks different, with baobabs, sand rivers, greater kudu and usually fewer vehicles than in the north. You spend the evening at camp. The skies are usually clear in the dry months, so the stars are good.

Day 5

A full day in Ruaha

You may see lion, elephant and, with luck, wild dog, but nothing is guaranteed. If the camp offers them, you can take a walk with a ranger. The pace here is slower than on the northern circuit.

Day 6

Ruaha morning, then fly out

You can take an international flight the same evening from Dar es Salaam only if the connection is realistic. Most guests sleep in Dar es Salaam or Arusha first. Zanzibar is an easy extension from Dar es Salaam and is quoted separately.

What’s included

Park and conservation fees, as set out on your quote
Private 4×4 with pop-up roof and driver-guide
Lodges or camps in your chosen class, named on your written quote
Meals on safari, as provided by the camp or lodge
Bottled water in the vehicle
Meet-and-greet in Dar es Salaam or as quoted
Scheduled light aircraft between Nyerere and Ruaha, as quoted
Boat safari and walking where the park and camp allow

What’s not included

International flights
Tanzania visa
Drinks at lodges and camps
Hot-air balloon safari
Tips for guides and camp staff
Travel insurance (you arrange it; we recommend it on every safari, and it is required for Kilimanjaro). We can add a medical policy to your quote on request
Laundry
Personal items
Optional night drives, where the park allows them

When to travel

June to October is best for walking, boating and game viewing in the dry country. The long rains (March to May) flood some southern camps, and we will tell you if your dates fall in that period. Light aircraft flights are part of this trip.