Tanzania’s Hidden Gems of the South

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.

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.

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.

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.