9 Days / 8 Nights Southern Tanzania Safari
Safari Overview
This 9-day Southern Tanzania safari takes you off the beaten path into remote, untouched wilderness areas rich in wildlife and raw natural beauty. Experience fewer crowds and more intimate encounters in the vast landscapes of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and the rugged, predator-rich Ruaha National Park.
This journey combines classic game drives with unique activities such as boat safaris and walking safaris, all while staying in comfortable lodges and tented camps.
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Style: Mid-range / Luxury Lodge Safari
Route: Dar es Salaam → Nyerere → Ruaha → Dar es Salaam
Safari Map
Dar es Salaam
Nyerere National Park
Ruaha National Park
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Relax after your journey and enjoy a safari briefing in preparation for your Southern Circuit adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight to Nyerere National Park.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your lodge. After lunch, enjoy your first afternoon game drive in this vast reserve, home to elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and wild dogs.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Game Drives in Nyerere National Park
Spend a full day exploring Nyerere National Park with morning and afternoon game drives.
The park is known for its diverse habitats, including rivers, lakes, and open plains. Wildlife sightings may include elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and large herds of buffalo.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the lodge and continue your safari in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Boat Safari & Walking Safari (Nyerere)
Today offers a unique safari experience.
In the morning, enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you can get close to hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife.
In the afternoon, take a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, giving you a chance to experience the bush on foot and learn about tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Nyerere – Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Ruaha National Park.
Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in Ruaha, known for its rugged landscapes and high concentration of predators.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full Day Ruaha Safari
Start with an early morning game drive in Serengeti, a prime time for witnessing predators in action.
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon and enjoy panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Settle into your campsite, enjoy dinner, and spend the night overlooking the crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ruaha Exploration
Another full day in Ruaha allows deeper exploration of the park’s diverse landscapes, including rocky hills, baobab forests, and river systems.
Your guide will take you to wildlife-rich areas for the best chances of seeing predators and large herds of animals.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ruaha – Return to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for relaxation or optional city exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Experience Highlights
What is Included
- Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
- Concession/ Camping Fees.
- Daily game drives while on Safari.
- A professional driver/ guide.
- All Taxes and VAT
- Meals as per itinerary.
- Drinking water while on safari.
What is not Included
- International flights.
- Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Tips
- WiFi (If requested, additional charges will be incurred).
- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
- Drinking water while on safari.
- Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.