Nyerere & Ruaha Safari
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) • Ruaha National Park
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
About This Journey
Introduction
We combine two of Tanzania’s most remarkable and relatively untouched wilderness areas on this Nyerere and Ruaha safari.
Our journey takes us from the waterways and wildlife-rich landscapes of Nyerere National Park to the rugged, remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park. Together, these destinations offer a different side of Tanzania, away from the better-known northern safari circuit.
Nyerere is renowned for its diverse wildlife, dramatic scenery and rich variety of habitats. Its rivers, lakes, woodland and open areas support an impressive range of animals and birdlife. The park also gives us the opportunity to experience safari from the water, adding a unique dimension to traditional game viewing.
We then continue to Ruaha, where vast landscapes, giant baobabs and the Great Ruaha River create an authentic wilderness setting. The park supports large populations of elephants and buffalo, alongside giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, hippos, crocodiles, lions and leopards.
Throughout the journey, we combine exciting wildlife activities with comfortable bush accommodation, giving us plenty of opportunities to experience Tanzania’s wild landscapes at a relaxed pace.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
We arrive at Dar es Salaam International Airport, where our local representative meets us and assists with our transfer to the hotel.
After checking in, we have the remainder of the day to relax and recover from our journey.
This overnight stay in Dar es Salaam prepares us for our flight into Tanzania’s southern wilderness the following morning.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve.
Nyerere is one of Tanzania’s great wildlife destinations, with a remarkable variety of habitats supporting large numbers of animals. The wider ecosystem is particularly known for its elephants, hippos and lions, alongside many other species.
We spend the next three nights in a comfortable tented camp positioned beside Lake Nzerakera. Set among palms along the lakeshore, the camp provides an atmospheric base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
The lake also creates excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, as animals are naturally drawn towards water. Nyerere offers something particularly special for safari enthusiasts: opportunities to explore the wilderness not only by vehicle but also from the water.
Overnight: Nyerere National Park
Days 3 & 4: Exploring Nyerere National Park
We have two full days to experience the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Nyerere National Park.
Our safari activities can be adapted according to our interests and the conditions of the day.
We can venture out in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide, exploring the park while learning about its wildlife, vegetation and fascinating stories from the bush.
For a different perspective, we can take a boat safari along the Rufiji River and its tributaries. Moving quietly across the water allows us to observe wildlife from another angle. We can watch hippos and crocodiles near the riverbanks while learning about the many waterbird species that depend on this ecosystem.
We can also choose an early-morning walking safari. Setting out around dawn gives us the opportunity to explore the smaller details of the wilderness, track animal movements and discover the plants, insects and other elements often overlooked from a vehicle.
After an early start, we can return to camp and enjoy some downtime by the pool, making the afternoon ideal for relaxation and a well-earned siesta.
Day 5: Nyerere National Park to Ruaha National Park
Today we leave Nyerere and board a scheduled light aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park.
Ruaha is famous for its rugged scenery and remote wilderness character. At the heart of the park is the Great Ruaha River, whose deep gorges, rapids and seasonal water sources play an important role in the surrounding ecosystem.
As we explore the park, we encounter a landscape shaped by rolling terrain, dry riverbeds, woodland and enormous baobab trees.
Ruaha is home to an impressive collection of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, hippos, crocodiles, lions and leopards.
We spend the following nights at a classic tented safari camp located beside the seasonal Jongomero River. Its remote setting places us deep within the wilderness and creates an intimate atmosphere for our stay.
Overnight: Ruaha National Park
Days 6 & 7: Exploring Ruaha National Park
We spend two full days discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of Ruaha National Park.
Our experienced guides help us choose the best way to explore, whether we prefer traditional game drives or the more intimate experience of walking through the wilderness.
Game drives around the Jongomero area can feel particularly secluded. The camp’s remote location means we may encounter very few other safari vehicles, creating a peaceful and immersive wildlife experience.
During the dry season, we can also take part in an optional dawn walking safari, subject to the applicable park fees.
Walking through the dry riverbeds in the early morning gives us a closer connection with the landscape. With our guide leading the way, we learn about the plants, insects, birds and animals that make their home in this challenging environment.
The experience also reveals the smaller stories of the African bush, from unusual plant adaptations to animal tracks and signs that are easy to miss during a conventional game drive.
After our morning adventure, we return to camp to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 8: Ruaha National Park to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, we transfer to the airstrip for our flight back to Dar es Salaam.
Upon arrival, our Nyerere and Ruaha safari arrangements come to an end.
Our journey has taken us through two of southern Tanzania’s outstanding wilderness destinations, combining 4×4 game drives, walking experiences and boat safaris with comfortable stays in the bush.
From the waterways of Nyerere to the rugged landscapes of Ruaha, this safari offers an opportunity to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in quieter and more intimate surroundings.