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11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS · SAMPLE ITINERARY

11-Day Luxury Southern Tanzania: Nyerere & Ruaha

Remote rivers, boat safaris and baobab hills in two of Tanzania’s wildest and least-visited parks.

Overview

Remote rivers, boat safaris and baobab hills in two of Tanzania’s wildest and least-visited parks. 11-day route through Dar es Salaam, Nyerere, Ruaha, with your own guide and vehicle and accommodation chosen for location and atmosphere.

This is an inspirational sample itinerary. Every journey is tailor-made — route, pace and accommodation can all be adjusted to suit you.

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Nyerere, Ruaha
Ideal for
Experienced safari travelers seeking solitude and something different from the north.
When to travel
Best from June to October, the dry season, when wildlife concentrates near water. Many southern camps close during the long rains (roughly April–May).
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DAY BY DAY

The journey.

Wildlife sightings, migration movements and river crossings depend on nature and are never guaranteed.

  1. Day1
    Dar es Salaam

    Arrival in Dar es Salaam

    You are met at Julius Nyerere International Airport and transferred to a quiet hotel by the Indian Ocean. Southern Tanzania safaris begin here, with short scheduled flights into the parks the next morning.

    An easy evening to recover from your journey.

    Stay: Coastal hotel in Dar es SalaamMeals: Dinner
  2. Day2
    Nyerere (Selous)

    Fly to Nyerere National Park

    A short light-aircraft flight carries you over forest and floodplain to Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The Rufiji River and its lakes shape a landscape quite unlike the northern plains.

    An afternoon game drive gives a first sense of the area, with opportunities to see elephant, giraffe, hippo and a wide range of birdlife. Your private guide keeps the day unhurried, with time to linger wherever the moment deserves it.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  3. Day3
    Nyerere (Selous)

    Boat Safari on the Rufiji

    Nyerere is one of the few Tanzanian parks where boat safaris are possible. Glide along the Rufiji River and its channels, watching hippo, crocodile and waterbirds from water level.

    The afternoon brings a game drive through palm-fringed lakes, where wild dog are occasionally seen, though never guaranteed. Your private guide keeps the day unhurried, with time to linger wherever the moment deserves it.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  4. Day4
    Nyerere (Selous)

    Walking Safari in Nyerere

    Set out on foot with an armed ranger and your guide, where camp location and park rules allow. Walking reveals tracks, plants and the quieter details of the bush.

    Return for brunch and a rest in the heat of the day, then an afternoon drive along the lakes.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  5. Day5
    Nyerere (Selous)

    Lakes of Nyerere

    A full day exploring the chain of lakes — Tagalala, Manze and Siwandu — where palms reflect in still water and animals come down to drink.

    Your private guide keeps the day unhurried, with time to linger wherever the moment deserves it. Return to camp for a sundowner by the river.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  6. Day6
    Ruaha

    Fly to Ruaha National Park

    Fly west to Ruaha, a rugged wilderness of baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River. It is remote and sees relatively few visitors, which gives it a wonderfully wild atmosphere.

    Game drive on the way to camp. Your private guide keeps the day unhurried, with time to linger wherever the moment deserves it.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  7. Day7
    Ruaha

    Ruaha River Valleys

    Explore the Great Ruaha and Mwagusi sand rivers, where wildlife often gathers in the dry season. Ruaha is known for its large predator populations and greater kudu, with opportunities to see lion, elephant and many antelope species.

    Your private guide keeps the day unhurried, with time to linger wherever the moment deserves it. Picnic lunch beneath a baobab breaks up a long, rewarding day.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  8. Day8
    Ruaha

    Ruaha at Your Own Pace

    Another full day in Ruaha: an early start for the best light, or a walking safari where your camp offers one. Rocky outcrops and dry riverbeds make for memorable scenery.

    An evening sundowner looks out over the valley as the light fades over the hills.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  9. Day9
    Ruaha

    Ruaha on Foot

    Where your camp offers it, a morning walking safari with an armed ranger follows sand rivers and game paths, focusing on tracks, birds and the small details of the bush.

    An afternoon drive explores the hills and baobab woodland further from camp.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  10. Day10
    Ruaha

    Mwagusi & Baobab Country

    A last full day following the Mwagusi sand river and the baobab-dotted hills, with time to revisit any area that captured your imagination.

    Dinner under the stars to close your time in the south.

    Stay: Upscale riverside or bush camp in a remote settingMeals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  11. Day11
    Ruaha – Dar es Salaam

    Fly to Dar es Salaam & Depart

    A final morning drive, then a light-aircraft flight back to Dar es Salaam.

    Connect with your international departure, or continue to Zanzibar on request.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Included

  • Private safari vehicle and professional English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation as described in upscale camps and lodges
  • Meals as indicated, with drinking water on safari
  • Park entrance, crater and conservation fees
  • Airport and in-country transfers
  • Domestic light-aircraft flights where shown in the itinerary
  • 24/7 in-country support

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Optional activities such as balloon flights unless agreed
  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Personal expenses and premium drinks

Customization note

Change the length, swap a park or upgrade a stay. We will shape this journey around you.

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