7 Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Nyerere and Ruaha
Explore southern Tanzania's two great wilderness parks by light aircraft, with boat safaris and walks in Nyerere and predator-rich game drives in Ruaha.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Route
- Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park – Ruaha National Park – Dar es Salaam
- Start / end
- Starts and ends in Dar es Salaam (airport transfers included; Zanzibar start or finish possible)
- Best time
- The dry season, roughly June to October, is best for both parks; many camps close during the long rains, typically around April and May.
- Trip style
- Activities led by the camps' guides in open 4x4 vehicles and boats, usually shared with other guests, with seats on scheduled light aircraft and comfortable mid-range tented camps.
Tour overview
Southern Tanzania offers a wilder, quieter safari than the north, and this itinerary combines its two flagship parks. In Nyerere National Park, the Rufiji River and its lakes create a water-rich world best explored by boat and on foot, with a good chance of seeing endangered African wild dogs.
A short flight then takes you to Ruaha National Park, a dramatic land of baobabs, rocky hills and sand rivers known for its big lion prides and huge elephant herds. Linking the parks by light aircraft means little time on the road and lots of time in the bush.
This safari suits travelers who have done the northern circuit, and first-timers who want remote wilderness and a variety of activities. It also pairs perfectly with a Zanzibar beach stay.
Highlights
- Boat safaris among hippos and crocodiles on the Rufiji River
- Guided walking safaris in both parks
- Good chances of seeing African wild dogs
- Big lion prides and elephant herds in Ruaha
- Light-aircraft flights between parks
- Remote wilderness with very few other visitors
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Fly Dar es Salaam to Nyerere
After a transfer to the airport in Dar es Salaam, fly by scheduled light aircraft to Nyerere National Park, a flight of about 45 minutes. Your camp guide meets you on the airstrip and drives you to camp, spotting impalas, giraffes and baboons along the way. Settle in over lunch, then head out on an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River or one of the lakes, gliding past hippos, crocodiles and elephants drinking at the water's edge as the sun goes down.
Day 2Nyerere Game Drives
Spend the day on game drives around the network of lakes north of the Rufiji. This area supports elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions and leopards, and it is one of the best places in Africa to look for the endangered African wild dog. Birdlife is spectacular, with fish eagles, storks and kingfishers along the shore. Choose a full day with a picnic lunch or return to camp for a rest during the heat of the day before an afternoon drive.
Day 3Walking Safari and Boat Trip
Start the morning with a guided walk accompanied by an armed ranger, learning to read tracks, identify trees and birds and approach wildlife quietly on foot. Return to camp for brunch and a siesta. In the late afternoon, take a second boat safari to explore channels and lagoons you have not seen yet, or switch to a game drive if you prefer. Enjoy a final evening in Nyerere with dinner under the stars.
Day 4Fly from Nyerere to Ruaha
After a morning activity and breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for the scheduled flight west to Ruaha National Park, which takes around 1.5 hours. Your Ruaha guide meets you at the Msembe airstrip, and the landscape is immediately different: rocky hills, giant baobabs and the wide Great Ruaha River. Game drive to camp, settle in over lunch, then enjoy an afternoon drive along the river, where elephants, giraffes and kudu are frequently seen.
Day 5Ruaha Game Drives
Set out early to look for Ruaha's famous lion prides, which are often found resting in the sand rivers or near water. The park is also home to leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and wild dogs, along with greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope in some areas. Return to camp for lunch and a rest during the heat of the day, then head out again in the afternoon, finishing with a sundowner overlooking the river.
Day 6Walking Safari and Full Day in Ruaha
Begin with a morning walking safari with an armed ranger, a thrilling way to experience Ruaha's wilderness up close. Later, take a picnic lunch and explore further into the park, perhaps along the Mwagusi sand river, an area known for good predator sightings. Your guide will tailor the day to what you most want to see. Return to camp at dusk for your final dinner of the safari and a last evening listening to the night sounds of the bush.
Day 7Morning Game Drive, Fly to Dar es Salaam
Enjoy a final early game drive before breakfast and packing up. Your guide transfers you to the airstrip for the scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the afternoon. You are met and transferred to your hotel, or you can connect to an international flight or a flight to Zanzibar if you are adding a few days on the beach. We hope southern Tanzania's wild beauty stays with you for a long time.
What is included
- Scheduled flights Dar es Salaam – Nyerere, Nyerere – Ruaha and Ruaha – Dar es Salaam
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with professional guides
- Boat safaris in Nyerere National Park
- Guided walking safaris with armed rangers
- Nyerere and Ruaha National Park entrance and conservation fees
- 6 nights' accommodation in tented camps as listed
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water and airport transfers in Dar es Salaam
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory for this trip)
- Tips for guides, pilots and camp staff
- Alcoholic and premium drinks unless stated
- Optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris
- Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
Good to know
- Light aircraft typically allow around 15 kg of luggage per person in soft-sided bags.
- Walking and boat safaris are subject to park rules, water levels and minimum ages (often around 16 for walking).
- Both parks are hot and low-lying; bring sun protection, neutral-colored clothing and insect repellent, and ask your doctor about malaria prevention.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose southern Tanzania over the north?
The south is far less visited, so you share sightings with very few vehicles. It also offers boat and walking safaris that are not widely available in the northern parks.
Can we add Zanzibar at the end?
Yes. Flights from Ruaha can connect to Zanzibar, usually via Dar es Salaam or Nyerere, making it easy to finish with a beach stay.
Can we visit in the green season?
Some camps stay open in November, December and early in the year, and the landscapes are lush. However, the dry season from about June to October offers the most reliable game viewing.
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