6 Days - Nyerere & Ruaha Safari –
Untamed Wildlife and Remote
Nyerere Nationalpark - Ruaha Nationalpark
Highlights
On this unforgettable comfort safari, you will discover the raw and untouched beauty of Southern Tanzania, visiting the legendary Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and the vast Ruaha National Park.
These remote wilderness areas are considered one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets.
Far from the northern safari circuit, Southern Tanzania offers exceptional game viewing, dramatic landscapes, and a true sense of exploration. Only wildlife inhabits these regions – no towns, no fences, just pure nature.
Enjoy extensive game drives, a guided walking safari, and a boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River. The region is home to the famous Big Five, countless antelope species, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. With some luck, you may also encounter rare species such as African wild dogs, sable antelope, roan antelope, and the majestic Greater Kudu.
After thrilling safari days, relax in charming tented camps and end your evenings with a sundowner as the African sun sets over the wilderness.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)
Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas and a true safari hidden gem. Located in Southern Tanzania, the park is renowned for its vast, untouched landscapes, ranging from open savannahs and miombo woodlands to river systems and wetlands. The mighty Rufiji River forms the heart of the park and offers unique safari experiences such as boat safaris and walking safaris. Nyerere is home to large populations of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, and leopards, as well as the rare African wild dog. Thanks to its size and remoteness, wildlife encounters feel exclusive and far away from mass tourism.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park and represents wild Africa in its purest form. Dramatic landscapes dominated by ancient baobab trees, rugged hills, vast plains, and the Great Ruaha River create an exceptional safari setting. The park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, large buffalo herds, and excellent predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Ruaha also stands out for its rare antelope species such as sable and roan antelope, as well as African wild dogs. Remote, unspoiled, and richly diverse, Ruaha offers outstanding game viewing away from the crowds.
In the morning, you fly from Dar es Salaam by bush plane into Nyerere National Park, one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Africa. Already during the flight, you enjoy breathtaking aerial views of rivers, forests, floodplains, and roaming wildlife.
Upon landing, you are warmly welcomed and transferred to your tented camp. After lunch, embark on your first game drive, exploring the pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife of this untouched national park.
Accommodation: Tented Camp inside the park at the Rufiji River
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to discovering the incredible diversity of Nyerere National Park, covering more than 50,000 km² – four times the size of the Serengeti. Only the northeastern section is accessible for photographic safaris, ensuring an exclusive and uncrowded experience.
During game drives in open safari vehicles, you may encounter large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffalo, and with some luck, the rare African wild dog.
A highlight is the boat safari on the Rufiji River, where hippos, crocodiles, and countless water birds can be observed up close. Additionally, enjoy a guided walking safari, following animal tracks through dried riverbeds and bushland – an intimate and thrilling way to experience Tanzania’s wilderness.
Accommodation: Tented Camp inside the park at the Rufiji River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a morning game drive, you are transferred to Mtemere Airstrip for your scenic bush flight to Ruaha National Park.
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of its most diverse. The landscapes range from open savannahs and rolling hills to miombo woodlands, towering baobab trees, and dramatic river valleys lined with acacias and palms.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first exploratory game drive in Ruaha, searching for predators and large herbivore herds along the Great Ruaha River.
Accommodation: Lodge inside the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend two unforgettable days on extensive game drives, exploring Ruaha’s vast and unspoiled wilderness. This park represents untamed Africa at its best.
Ruaha is renowned for its huge elephant population, massive buffalo herds, and impressive predator sightings including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot rare species such as sable antelope, roan antelope, African wild dogs, and even the elusive striped hyena.
The Great Ruaha River attracts wildlife year-round and is home to hippos, crocodiles, and an exceptional variety of bird species. Thanks to its remoteness, game drives here are peaceful and far removed from tourist crowds.
Accommodation: Lodge inside the park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Enjoy one final early morning game drive through Ruaha National Park, soaking in the sounds and sights of the African bush.
Afterwards, you are transferred to the airstrip for your bush flight back to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of your unforgettable Southern Tanzania safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Ruaha
Soar above Ruaha National Park at sunrise on a hot air balloon, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. A truly magical way to experience Africa’s wild beauty.Night Game Drives
Experience the African bush after dark and discover nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day. With spotlights, your guide will help you spot species such as bushbabies, genets, civets, porcupines, and with luck, hunting predators.
Sundowner Experiences
Celebrate the day with drinks and snacks at a scenic spot as the sun sets over the African landscape.- Birdwatching Safaris
Southern Tanzania is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with hundreds of resident and migratory species. - Cultural Village Visits
Optional visits to local communities to gain insight into traditional Tanzanian culture and daily life.
This national park safari can easily be combined with other unforgettable experiences offered by Afrimine Tours. Extend your journey with a Kilimanjaro climb, or relax afterwards on a beach holiday along Tanzania’s coastline or on the Zanzibar Islands. A special insider tip is Mafia Island, known for its unspoiled beaches, rich marine life, and laid-back atmosphere.
Feel free to contact us – we will be happy to create a tailor-made itinerary perfectly suited to your travel wishes.
PRICE INCLUSION
Selous (Nyerere) and Ruaha safari as outlined in the itinerary
3 domestic flights: Dar es Salaam – Selous; Selous – Ruaha; Ruaha – Dar es Salaam
Two game drives per day in open safari vehicles
Activities in Nyerere National Park, including walking safari and boat safari
Transfers to and from airstrips
All national park and conservation fees
PRICE EXCLUSION
International Flights to and from the safari start/end point
Visa Fees for entry into the country
Travel & Medical Insurance
Tipping for guides, drivers, and camp staff (customary but not included)
Alcoholic & Soft Drinks (unless stated otherwise)
Personal Purchases: Souvenirs, laundry, phone bills, etc.
Optional/Extra Activities: Hot-air balloon-safari, walking safaris, night game drives
Any Government-Imposed Increases in Park or Conservation Fees: These can change without prior notice and are payable if increased after booking.