Southern Tanzania - Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha // Born Free Safaris

Website currently under construction. Please call for updated pricing.

Call 1-800-472-3274 or Contact your Travel Advisor

Southern Tanzania - Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha

At a glance

East Africa

Tanzania

8 Days/7 Nights

June-October

Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation

Southern Tanzania - Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha

Open Vehicles - Water-Based Safari - Night Drives - Walks

8 Days/7 Nights

EXPERIENCE SOUTHERN TANZANIA

"The Selous is the real Africa" - quote by Brian Nicholson

Nyerere Game Reserve, formally Selous, and Ruaha National Park make up a massive conservation area in Southern Tanzania. Often overlooked, these parks offer a captivating contrast to the traditional northern circuit, making them an exceptional addition to any itinerary featuring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire. Situated approximately 560 miles southeast of Arusha and 160 miles from Dar es Salaam, this region remains a pristine, untouched wilderness.

Due to Nyerere and Ruaha's remote locations, the southern circuit provides a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience reminiscent of a bygone era, free from the crowds found in the easily accessible parks. It features distinct terrain defined by expansive river systems, lakes, and savannah, offering a unique, immersive encounter with nature.

In recent years, infrastructure in this area has evolved, featuring exceptional, high-end deluxe lodges that offer both luxury and seclusion. The wildlife is remarkably varied, presenting a fascinating crossover of Eastern and Southern African species. The Southern Tanzania parks boast an incredible population of large cats and are a stronghold for the rare African wild dog, as well as numerous other large species.

• Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): Situated approximately 140 miles southwest of Dar es Salaam, it is Africa's largest wildlife reserve, just ahead of the Serengeti. It has been designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site centered around the mighty Rufiji River, making it the premier location for boating safaris, walking safaris, and viewing basking crocodiles and hippos.

• Ruaha National Park: Ruaha is one of East Africa's most biodiverse areas. Renowned for its raw, dramatic landscapes and exceptional predator populations—particularly lions—Ruaha provides a true wild wilderness experience. The rich wildlife diversity will reveal itself, as expert guides lead you on walking safaris and day and night drives.

Highlights

Remote uncrowded vast wildlife areas
Two great rivers - Great Ruaha and Rufiji River
Walking Safari
Night Drives
Open vehicles
Water-Based Safari
Prime time to visit: August-October
Great contrast to Northern Parks
Excellent accommodations
Flights between parks

Day-by-day itinerary

Day
01

Nyerere National Park

Previously known as Selous
A short flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam will take you to Nyerere National Park, where you will be staying in the heart of the game viewing area. A drive to base camp and then head out on your first exploration into Nyerere.

In contrast to the parks in the north, there are waterways that run through the park. Rufiji River is the largest river system in Tanzania and acts as a lifeline of the park, creating swamps, lagoons, and waterways. This makes it ideal for boat safaris, offering close encounters with crocodile, hippo, and the excellent bird life.

All the "Big Five" make Nyerere their home but also a few of the rarer species, such as the African wild dog, the black Sable Antelope, and aardvark.

Lunch / Dinner
Day
02

Nyerere National Park

Game Drives, Nature Walks
An early start with coffee or tea brought to your room. The day begins with a sunrise game drive, taking advantage of the cool morning hours when predators like lion, leopard, and wild dog are most active.

The morning focuses on exploring the diverse habitats of Africa's largest protected reserve, including the vast miombo woodlands, open savannah plains, and the marshy areas which boast high concentrations of elephant, buffalo, and giraffe.

As the sun climbs higher and animals seek shade, a picnic lunch is typically served in a designated, scenic spot within the park, often shaded by large trees overlooking the Rufiji River.

Following lunch, the adventure continues with further exploration of the remote wilderness, maximizing opportunities for wildlife sightings, before returning to the lodge for a relaxed evening and dinner.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Days
03-04

Nyerere Game Reserve

While primarily focused on land-based game drives, walking safaris, and night drives, the lodge provides access to boating excursions as well.

During the dry season, the waterways and channels of the Rufiji River attract wildlife, offering exceptional predator sightings.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
05

Ruaha National Park

Night Drives - Walking Safari - Open Vehicles
After breakfast, fly by light aircraft to Ruaha. On arrival, you are met by your guide and out for a short game drive in Ruaha before heading to camp.

Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park with one of the most unspoiled wilderness areas, with breathtaking, diverse landscapes, and featuring a massive baobab forest and the Great Ruaha River.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
06

Ruaha Game Reserve

A walking safari is a great way to start the morning. Head out into the bush with your professional guide and experience Ruaha, not just see it. Get close to nature.

In the afternoon, join your guide on a game drive in your open vehicle. As evening approaches, there is an opportunity to search for the nocturnal "residents" on a night drive.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
07

Ruaha National Park

Your camp is positioned in a remote, pristine area of Ruaha, offering unparalleled seclusion.

Activities in Ruaha are as you wish. Speak with the camp manager and guide to discuss your preferences. You can go on the traditional game drive in open vehicles, take a guided walking safari, or, depending on your choice of camps, take a boat safari on the Great Ruaha River.

Ruaha has one of the largest buffalo and elephant populations in East Africa. Large numbers of cheetah, leopard, and endangered African Wild dog are also found within this park.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day
08

Onward Journey

Your safari comes to an end, with promises of returning and exploring more of Africa.

Fly to your next destination or your journey home via Dar es Salaam.

An excellent option is a short flight to ZANZIBAR and a few days at the beach, possibly an underwater safari as well.

Breakfast

Wishlist

Southern Tanzania - Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha

At a glance

Southern Tanzania - Nyerere (Selous) & Ruaha

Open Vehicles - Water-Based Safari - Night Drives - Walks

Highlights

Day-by-day itinerary

Available accommodation levels

Associations

Insurance