Discover Southern Tanzania: 8-Day Nyerere & Ruaha Mid-Range Safari

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam.

After your journey, this first day is designed for rest and relaxation, allowing you to settle in comfortably before your safari adventure begins. Dar es Salaam, located along the Indian Ocean coast, offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal starting point for your trip.

You will stay at the comfortable
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam, a well-appointed mid-range hotel known for its oceanfront setting, spacious rooms, and relaxed environment.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure — you may relax by the pool, take a short walk along the beach, or simply unwind after your flight.

This overnight stay ensures a smooth connection for your scheduled flight to Nyerere National Park the following day.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam (Mid-range Hotel)

After breakfast at your hotel in Dar es Salaam, you will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve).

The flight offers beautiful aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes as you leave the coastline behind and head into one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas. This short journey allows you to reach the park quickly and comfortably, maximizing your time on safari.

Upon arrival at the airstrip, your safari guide will welcome you and begin your adventure with a game drive en route to your camp. This is your first introduction to the rich wildlife of Nyerere, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species.

You will stay at
Rufiji River Camp, a comfortable mid-range tented camp set along the Rufiji River. The camp offers a relaxed safari atmosphere, spacious tents, and beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.

After lunch and some time to settle in, you may enjoy an afternoon game drive or simply relax at the camp, taking in the natural surroundings.

In the evening, return to camp for dinner and enjoy your first night in the African bush.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp (Mid-range Tented Camp)

Today offers a unique safari experience in Nyerere National Park, focusing on one of its most distinctive activities — a boat safari along the Rufiji River.

After breakfast at Rufiji River Camp, you will set out on a guided boat excursion, allowing you to explore the park from a completely different perspective. Unlike traditional game drives, the boat safari brings you close to wildlife along the riverbanks in a calm and relaxed setting.

As you cruise along the Rufiji River, you are likely to see large pods of hippos, crocodiles resting on the shores, and elephants coming down to drink. The river is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons, making it a great experience for bird lovers and photographers.

After the boat safari, return to camp for lunch and some time to relax, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and views of the river.

In the afternoon, you may head out for a game drive or simply unwind at the camp, taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

As the day ends, enjoy dinner at the camp and reflect on a truly different safari experience that combines both land and water-based wildlife viewing.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp (Mid-range Tented Camp)

After an early breakfast at Rufiji River Camp, you will begin your journey to Ruaha National Park.

This is a longer overland transfer through southern Tanzania, offering a unique opportunity to experience the country beyond the safari parks. Along the way, you will pass through rural villages, open landscapes, and changing scenery, giving you insight into local life and the diverse environment of Tanzania.

A packed lunch will be provided, and there will be stops along the journey to stretch and refresh.

Upon arrival in Ruaha later in the day, you will head to your camp and have time to relax after the journey.

You will stay at
Asanja Ndembo Camp, a comfortable mid-range tented camp set within the natural landscape of the park, offering an authentic safari atmosphere.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short introductory game drive or simply unwind at the camp.

Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by a peaceful night in the heart of the African wilderness.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Asanja Ndembo Camp (Mid-range Tented Camp)

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast and rugged wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most remote and rewarding safari destinations.

After an early breakfast at Asanja Ndembo Camp, you will head out for a morning game drive, when wildlife activity is at its peak. Ruaha is especially known for its large lion prides and strong predator presence, making every drive exciting and unpredictable.

The park’s unique landscape, dotted with ancient baobab trees and open plains, supports a wide range of wildlife. Large herds of elephants are commonly seen, along with buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. With fewer visitors compared to northern parks, Ruaha offers a more peaceful and authentic safari experience.

After the morning safari, return to camp for lunch and some time to relax.

In the afternoon, you will head out again for another game drive, exploring different areas of the park and increasing your chances of spotting more wildlife.

As the sun sets over the dramatic landscape, return to camp for dinner and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Asanja Ndembo Camp 

Today offers another opportunity to explore the incredible wilderness of Ruaha National Park, with the option to venture deeper into the park and discover new areas.

After breakfast at Asanja Ndembo Camp, you may choose between a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch or a combination of morning and afternoon safari activities.

A full-day safari allows you to explore more remote sections of the park, including areas around the Great Ruaha River, which attracts a high concentration of wildlife. Here, you may encounter elephants gathering at the water, large herds of buffalo, and predators such as lions and leopards that often follow these movements.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can return to camp after your morning game drive for lunch and rest, then head out again in the late afternoon for another safari.

Ruaha’s diverse landscapes and low visitor numbers make each game drive unique, offering a more intimate and authentic safari experience compared to busier parks.

In the evening, return to camp to enjoy dinner and your final night in the wild surroundings of Ruaha.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Asanja Ndembo Camp (Mid-range Tented Camp)

After breakfast at Asanja Ndembo Camp, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam.

The flight offers a final aerial view of Tanzania’s vast landscapes, marking the end of your safari experience in the southern circuit.

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey through the wilderness.

You will stay again at
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam, offering a comfortable setting by the Indian Ocean.

The rest of the day is at leisure — you may enjoy the hotel facilities, take a walk along the beach, or simply relax as you reflect on your safari adventure, from the river landscapes of Nyerere to the rugged beauty of Ruaha.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam (Mid-range Hotel)

After breakfast at your hotel in Dar es Salaam, you will be transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your international departure.

As your journey comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories of southern Tanzania — from the river-based experiences in Nyerere National Park to the vast and wild landscapes of Ruaha National Park.

If you would like to explore more journeys in the future, discover our Tanzania safaris for a range of tailor-made experiences across the country.

We thank you for choosing Oreteti Safari and look forward to welcoming you again for another African adventure.