Southern Wilderness Safari

Trip overview

For travellers who have done the north or simply crave true wilderness, this eight-day southern circuit pairs two of Africa's most remote parks. Ruaha delivers enormous lion prides and wild dog among dramatic baobab riverscapes, while Nyerere (the Selous) adds a completely different dimension — boat safaris on the Rufiji and guided walking safaris. Almost no other vehicles, fly-camping under the stars, and a genuine sense of being somewhere few ever reach.

Highlights

• Two of the least-visited major parks in Africa
• Boat, vehicle AND walking safaris in Nyerere
• Wild dog and huge lion prides in Ruaha
• Fly-camping night under the southern stars
• Easy Zanzibar add-on from Dar es Salaam

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 · Dar es Salaam → Ruaha

   Scheduled flight to Msembe airstrip; afternoon game drive and first night in camp on the sand river.

2. 2

   Day 2 · Ruaha — big predators

   Full-day game drive along the Great Ruaha River tracking lion, wild dog and greater kudu.

3. 3

   Day 3 · Ruaha — walking safari

   Morning armed-ranger walking safari, afternoon game drive to the Mdonya waterfalls area.

4. 4

   Day 4 · Ruaha → Nyerere (Selous)

   Flight south to the Rufiji; settle into a riverside camp with a sunset boat safari.

5. 5

   Day 5 · Nyerere — boat & game drive

   Morning boat safari on the Rufiji lakes, afternoon 4x4 game drive among hippo, elephant and buffalo.

6. 6

   Day 6 · Nyerere — walking safari

   Guided walking safari through miombo woodland, learning tracks, plants and smaller wildlife.

7. 7

   Day 7 · Nyerere — fly camp

   A day in the bush ending at a lightweight fly camp for dinner and a night under the stars.

8. 8

   Day 8 · Nyerere → Dar es Salaam

   Short morning activity, then a 45-minute flight back to Dar for your onward travel or Zanzibar beach extension.

Questions about this trip