Tanzania’s southern circuit — Ruaha National Park and the vast Selous (now largely renamed Nyerere National Park) — sees a fraction of the northern circuit’s visitor numbers, offering genuinely remote, uncrowded safari country with its own distinct wildlife and, in Selous, the option of boat safaris alongside game drives.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide arranges the transfer to Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport for a scheduled light aircraft flight west, roughly ninety minutes, into Ruaha’s dirt airstrip. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
Fly to Ruaha National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeRuaha River Lodge
LuxuryJongomero Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
Exploring Ruaha’s baobab-studded landscape, Tanzania’s largest national park and home to a substantial elephant and lion population, in genuinely uncrowded conditions — Ruaha sees a fraction of the vehicle traffic the northern circuit does even in peak season.
Full Day Ruaha Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A further day exploring the Great Ruaha River area, strong for predator sightings as animals congregate near water through the dry season, when the river shrinks to isolated pools that draw wildlife from across the wider landscape.
Second Ruaha Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A light aircraft transfer east to Selous, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area at over 50,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of Switzerland. Afternoon activity on arrival, easing into the reserve’s different rhythm after Ruaha’s drier terrain.
Fly to Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeRufiji River Camp
LuxurySand Rivers Selous
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A morning boat safari along the Rufiji River for hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks, an activity unique to this ecosystem and unavailable in the northern parks, plus an afternoon game drive.
Boat Safari and Game Drive
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Further game viewing plus an optional guided walking safari with an armed ranger, a genuinely different way to experience the bush available in Selous’s private concessions in a way the more restricted northern reserves don’t generally permit.
Full Day Game Drives, Optional Walking Safari
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A final morning activity before flying back to Dar es Salaam for your onward international flight.
Fly to Dar es Salaam, Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Permits & Costs
| Ruaha park entry | ~$30 per person per day |
| Selous/Nyerere park entry | ~$30 per person per day |
| Light aircraft transfers | Required, quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Repeat Tanzania visitors, or first-timers specifically seeking a quieter, more exclusive alternative to the busier northern circuit.Tour Includes
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide at each park
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & boat safari fees
Tour Excludes
- Light aircraft fares
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance