By Category
Popular Destinations
Not Sure Where to Start?
Let us craft a bespoke itinerary based on your interests, budget, and travel dates.
Climbing Routes
Machame Route
Whiskey Route
Resources
Explore Tanzania
Discover More
All Destinations →From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the spice islands of Zanzibar.
Overview
The Southern Tanzania Explorer takes you far from the tourist trail into the vast, untamed wilderness of Tanzania's southern circuit. This 9-day expedition combines two of Africa's largest and most remote protected areas, Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), for an authentic safari experience that harks back to the golden age of African exploration.
Unlike the busy northern circuit, the southern parks receive a fraction of the visitors yet offer equally impressive, often superior, wildlife encounters. Ruaha's unique position at the crossroads of East and Southern African ecosystems means you can see species found nowhere else in Tanzania, while Nyerere's Rufiji River system supports the largest population of African wild dogs on the continent.
The diversity of safari activities sets this itinerary apart: traditional game drives are complemented by boat safaris on the Rufiji River, guided walking safaris with armed rangers, and the chance to explore some of Africa's most remote and beautiful landscapes. This is safari for the purist, the explorer, and the wildlife enthusiast who seeks something beyond the ordinary.
Why You'll Love This Safari
Your Journey
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport and transfer to your hotel on the coast. Evening briefing about your upcoming southern adventure.
Morning bush flight to Nyerere (Selous). Arrive at your riverside camp. Afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River spotting hippos, crocodiles, and kingfishers.
Morning guided walking safari with armed ranger. Track wildlife on foot and learn bush skills. Afternoon game drive through the diverse habitats. Sundowner by the river.
Full day exploring the park searching for African wild dogs, lions, elephants, and sable antelope. The vast landscapes and lack of other vehicles make every encounter feel exclusive.
Morning flight to Ruaha National Park. Arrive at your bush camp on the Great Ruaha River. Afternoon game drive along the river spotting large elephant herds and predators.
Full day exploring Ruaha with morning and afternoon game drives. The park supports large lion prides, leopards, and over 570 bird species. Bush picnic lunch under a baobab tree.
Morning walking safari followed by an afternoon game drive focusing on the Great Ruaha River ecosystem. Watch for greater kudu, sable antelope, and wild dogs.
Early morning game drive for final wildlife encounters. Afternoon at leisure at camp. Farewell bush dinner celebrating your southern expedition.
Morning bush flight back to Dar es Salaam. Connect with your international departure or extend with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
What to Expect
More Adventures
An 8-day northern Tanzania safari blending Arusha, Tarangire, and the Serengeti with boutique lodges, scenic flights, an…
The ultimate 10-day safari covering all major northern circuit parks: Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro…
Combine the thrill of a Serengeti safari with the tropical paradise of Zanzibar on this 8-day romantic honeymoon package…
Let us craft your dream safari. Contact our team today and we'll design a personalized itinerary just for you.
