4.9 /5
Feefo Widget starFeefo Widget starFeefo Widget starFeefo Widget starFeefo Widget star

Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Highlights

  • Stay at luxury camps & hotels with a variety of amenities throughout your trip
  • Enjoy off-the-beaten-path safaris in Southern Tanzania’s hidden gems
  • Exclusive safari experience in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nyerere National Park
  • Boat safaris in the only park in East Africa to offer the activity
  • Game drives, boat safaris, guided bush walks & night drives
  • Fantastic game viewing in both Nyerere & Ruaha National Park

Overview

This 8-day itinerary sees you exploring the hidden gems of Tanzania’s little-known Southern Circuit. These well-kept secrets are no different from their Northern Circuit counterparts like the Serengeti and Arusha National Park. The game viewing is just as exceptional, the safari experiences just as authentic, the lodges and camps just as luxurious and stylish, and the views of the untamed wilderness just as magical. The only difference between the two circuits is that one is more well-known than the other. However, this is great news for those seeking a more exclusive safari experience on the road less travelled.

Your eight days will be spent in Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks. Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is Africa’s largest stand-alone national park, as well as one of the largest in the world. The park’s 30,893 square kilometre (11,928 square miles) area is home to a large concentration of diverse wildlife, which includes healthy numbers of big cats and large game.

Like Nyerere, Ruaha National Park is a lesser-known destination in Tanzania, offering a private safari experience in the untamed landscapes filled with wildlife. The 20,000 square-kilometre (7,722 square-metre) park marries the woodlands of Southern Africa with the savannas of East Africa, making it the perfect place for a diversity of animals to thrive – including the largest elephant herds in East Africa and an excellent number of predators. To top it all off, Ruaha is designated UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its undisturbed nature and diverse wildlife.

Throughout your entire trip, you’ll stay in luxury hotels, lodges and camps that provide every comfort and convenience you would need to fully enjoy your African safari experience.

Summary

  • Tour Duration: 8 Days

Accommodations Visited

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam

1 Night
Day to day

Itinerary

arrow Back to Map
Southern-Sun-Dar-es-Salaam-Hotel2
Southern-Sun-Dar-es-Salaam-Hotel1

Day 1: Hello and Welcome to Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Detailed breakdown

Day 1: Hello and Welcome to Tanzania | 1 Night

Up arrow
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Your safari adventure begins once you touch down in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. A friendly driver from Asilia will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your home for the night.

Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel sits in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by the vibrant nightlife, fascinating culture, and buzzing markets of this Tanzanian city. The hotel itself makes for the perfect stopover after a long international flight. Spend your time enjoying the variety of facilities and services on offer. A fitness centre and sauna are the perfect way to work up a sweat, while tennis and squash courts keep your heart pumping. End your day off with a drink on the poolside terrace before a delicious dinner.

Southern-Sun-Dar-es-Salaam-Hotel2
Southern-Sun-Dar-es-Salaam-Hotel1

Day 2-4: Explore One of the World’s Largest Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks | 3 Nights

Up arrow
Nyerere, Tanzania

After breakfast at the hotel, you will head back to the airport to board your light aircraft flight to Mbuyu Airstrip in Nyerere National Park (previously known as Selous Game Reserve). Hailed as one of Africa’s greatest game reserves, Nyerere is a true hidden gem in Southern Tanzania. Remote, raw, and filled with wildlife, this region remains relatively unknown to tourists – making it the perfect safari destination for those seeking an adventure on the road less travelled.

Your time in Nyerere is spent on game drives, guided walks, and river safaris, spotting the great mix of predators and big game that roam the plains. Keep your eyes peeled for lion, crocodile, leopard, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, elephant, hippo and more of your favourite African animals. In addition to the excellent game viewing, you can also enjoy catch-and-release fishing, as well as prime birdwatching.

When not traversing the untamed wilderness of Tanzania, you can sit back and enjoy all that Roho ya Selous has to offer. Being your home for the next three nights, this luxury camp offers everything you need to experience an African safari from lap of comfort. Roho ya Selous is a simple yet stylish camp that offers beautiful suites, each of which feature a private veranda that overlooks the breath-taking views of Nyerere, as well as air conditioning systems, and indoor and outdoor showers. The communal areas play host to a central lounge and bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, complimentary laundry service and free Wi-Fi internet.

Roho-ya-Selous-Guests-enjoying-sundowners-by-the-campfire
Roho-ya-Selous-Exterior-view-of-double-room
Jabali-Ridge-Leopard-
Roho-ya-Selous-Elephants-walking-along-the-river
Roho-ya-Selous-Views

Day 5-7: Enjoy an Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari in Southern Tanzania | 3 Nights

Up arrow
Tanzania

A hearty breakfast at Roho ya Selous sees you off on your transfer back to Mbuyu Airstrip, where a light aircraft will fly you to Msembe Airstrip. You will land in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s best-kept secret. This hidden gem offers off-the-beaten-track safari adventures that are rewarding, authentic and filled with year-round wildlife experiences.

During your stay, you’ll be treated to day, afternoon, and night game drives through Ruaha, exploring the park’s diverse terrain in search of your favourite African animals. The Great great Ruaha River flows through this region, providing a permanent water source for area’s inhabitants, including the largest elephant herds in East Africa, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and spotted hyena.

Your home for the final three nights of your stay is Jabali Ridge Camp, one of the most luxurious lodges in Ruaha. This sophisticated retreat offers luxury accommodation, modern comforts, impeccable service, and unspoilt, spectacular views over the Mwagusi River and savanna. The elevated location of Jabali Ridge makes sure that each suite makes the most of its hilltop location by providing breath-taking views at every turn, while the private outdoor lounge, indoor rain shower, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi access and king-sized bed ensures that you’re kept comfortable throughout your stay. When not in your room, grab a seat in main camp’s lounge with a drink from the bar, or take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. The onsite spa is perfect for a rejuvenating treatment or relaxing massage. Then kick back with a book in the sun or under a bit of shade in one of the many spaces around the camp before enjoying a three-course gourmet dinner under the stars.

Jabali-Ridge-Exterior-room-view-
Jabali-Ridge-View-of-the-pool-area
Jabali-Ridge-Walking-safari

Day 8: Not Goodbye but See You Soon

Up arrow

All good things must come to an end! Your morning starts with a final breakfast at Jabali Ridge before you fly from Msembe Airstrip to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your return flight home. However, this is not goodbye, as we’re sure you’ll be planning your next trip to Africa the minute you sit down on the plane.

Inclusions tick icon

Inclusions

  • All meals, all house drinks (except champagne).
  • Game drives, night drives, guided walks, boating safaris and fishing.
  • Limited laundry service
  • Tourism Levy
  • Transfers to/from Mbuyu and Siwandu airstrips and to/from Roho ya Selous
  • Transfers to/from nearest airstrip and to/from Jabali Ridge
Exclusions tick icon

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Airport taxes
  • All meals and drinks not specified
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

Rates

Select your preferred currency below and view rates over specific seasons.
Country flag for USA USD Up arrow
  • Country flag for South Africa ZAR
  • Country flag for USA USD
  • Country flag for Canada CAD
  • Country flag for Australia AUD
  • Country flag for UK GBP
  • Country flag for Europe EUR
Dates Price
2022-11-18 — 2022-11-25 $5,855
2022-12-20 — 2022-12-27 $7,060
Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently. Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.