7 days · Wildlife safari
7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
- Length
- 7 days, 6 nights
- Group size
- 2–4 guests
- Style
- Wildlife safari
- Stays
- Luxury lodges and camps
- Pace
- Moderate
- Price
- On request
Overview
About this safari
Escape the crowds on this exclusive southern circuit safari. Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Ruaha offer exceptional wildlife, boat safaris, and walking safaris - with a fraction of the visitors found in the north.
While most visitors flock to the Serengeti, Tanzania's southern parks remain gloriously uncrowded. This is where safari connoisseurs come to escape the tourist trail and experience Africa as it was meant to be.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is Africa's largest protected area. Here, you'll experience boat safaris on the Rufiji River - crocodiles sliding into the water as you drift past, hippos yawning at your intrusion, and fish eagles calling from riverside trees. Walking safaris put you on foot with armed guides, an intimate and exhilarating way to experience the bush.
Ruaha is Tanzania's largest national park and has the country's highest concentration of elephants. Lion prides here are enormous, and the Great Ruaha River draws predators from miles around during the dry season. The landscapes are dramatic - baobab-studded plains, palm-fringed rivers, and rocky kopjes.
This safari is for those who value exclusivity over convenience. Reaching the south requires flights from Dar es Salaam, and accommodation options are limited to small, high-quality camps. The reward is authentic wilderness with very few other visitors.
Highlights
- Nyerere National Park - Africa's largest
- Ruaha - Tanzania's biggest national park
- Boat safaris on Rufiji River
- Walking safaris with armed guides
- Exceptional lion and elephant viewing
- Very few other tourists
- Exclusive fly-in camps
- Wild dog sightings (Ruaha is a stronghold)
Where you'll go
7 days
Day by day
| Day | Plan | Stay | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Nyerere National Park | Lodge | – |
| 2 | Nyerere - Walking Safari | Lodge | – |
| 3 | Nyerere - Full Exploration | Lodge | – |
| 4 | Fly to Ruaha National Park | Camp | – |
| 5 | Ruaha - Big Cat Safari | Camp | – |
| 6 | Ruaha - Final Safari Day | Camp | – |
| 7 | Departure | – | – |
- Day01
Fly to Nyerere National Park
Morning flight from Dar es Salaam over the vast Nyerere wilderness. Your bush plane lands on a dirt strip, where your guide meets you. The camp overlooks the Rufiji River - the lifeblood of this ecosystem. Afternoon boat safari to spot crocodiles and hippos.
Stay: Lodge
- Day02
Nyerere - Walking Safari
Experience the bush on foot with an armed guide. Walking reveals details invisible from a vehicle - elephant tracks, dung beetles, the calls of hidden birds. Afternoon game drive focuses on the large predators that call Nyerere home.
Stay: Lodge
- Day03
Nyerere - Full Exploration
Full day exploring Nyerere's diverse habitats. We'll visit the lakes where elephants bathe, search for wild dogs along woodland edges, and cruise the river at sunset. The area has excellent lion and leopard populations.
Stay: Lodge
- Day04
Fly to Ruaha National Park
Morning flight across Tanzania to Ruaha. The landscape transforms from riverine forest to semi-arid savanna dotted with baobabs. Your camp sits along the Great Ruaha River where elephants come to drink.
Stay: Camp
- Day05
Ruaha - Big Cat Safari
Ruaha's lion prides are among the largest in Africa, and the park has exceptional leopard sightings. We'll track predators along the river where prey gathers to drink. The ancient baobabs create dramatic photographic backdrops.
Stay: Camp
- Day06
Ruaha - Final Safari Day
Last full day in the wild. Ruaha is one of the best places to see the endangered African wild dog - we'll search their known territories. Walking safari option available. Final dinner under the stars celebrates an incredible journey.
Stay: Camp
- Day07
Departure
Morning game drive followed by brunch at camp. Afternoon flight back to Dar es Salaam connecting to international departures. Depart Tanzania with memories of Africa's wild heart.
What the price covers
Included
- Return flights from Dar es Salaam
- Light aircraft transfers between parks
- Exclusive tented camp accommodation
- All meals and drinks (house wines, spirits)
- Game drives with expert guides
- Boat safari on Rufiji River
- Walking safaris
- All park fees
- Laundry service
Not included
- International flights to Dar es Salaam
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Premium champagnes
- Gratuities
When to go
The months we recommend for this trip are marked. It runs at other times too; ask and we'll tell you what to expect.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun (recommended)
- Jul (recommended)
- Aug (recommended)
- Sep (recommended)
- Oct (recommended)
- Nov (recommended)
- Dec
Questions about this safari
Why choose the southern circuit over the north?
The southern circuit offers uncrowded wilderness - you might not see another vehicle all day. Ruaha and Nyerere have exceptional predator sightings, unique activities like boat safaris, and a more exclusive, authentic safari experience.
What wildlife is special to the southern parks?
Ruaha has Tanzania's largest elephant population and biggest lion prides. It's also a stronghold for endangered wild dogs. Nyerere offers boat safaris with hippos and crocodiles, plus excellent leopard sightings.
How do I get to the southern parks?
You fly from Dar es Salaam (1-2 hour flights) directly into bush airstrips. This is part of the exclusive experience - no long drives, just immediate immersion in the wilderness.
What makes this safari unique?
This safari combines boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris with armed guides, and traditional game drives. The variety of activities and the remote, uncrowded wilderness make it special.
Is this safari suitable for first-timers?
While we often recommend the northern circuit for first-timers, safari enthusiasts seeking exclusivity will love the south. If you prioritize uncrowded wilderness over iconic destinations, this is perfect.
Guest reviews
What our guests say
★★★★★
“Traveling with kids ages 8 and 11, we were nervous about a safari. Bald Eagle created a family-friendly itinerary that kept everyone engaged. The kids are still talking about the baby elephants in Tarangire!”
The Anderson Family · USA · December 2024 ★★★★★
“The combination of safari and Zanzibar beach was perfect. We saw all the Big Five in Serengeti and then relaxed on pristine beaches. The team handled every detail flawlessly. Can't recommend highly enough!”
Emma & David Williams · Australia · September 2024 ★★★★★
“I've been on safaris in Kenya and South Africa, but Tanzania with Bald Eagle was something special. The Ngorongoro Crater is like nowhere else on Earth. The attention to detail and personalized service exceeded all expectations.”
Michael Chen · Singapore · June 2024
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