6-Day Southern Wilds (Nyerere & Ruaha National Parks)
Safari Overview
Uncrowded, vast, and exceptionally raw. Cruise past hippos and crocodiles on water boating safaris in Nyerere, then fly deep into the rugged, predator-packed valleys of Ruaha.
Key Expedition Highlights
- Scenic private boat safari on the Rufiji River
- High-thrill walking tracking tracking guides in real bush
- Witness heavy populations of rare African wild dogs
- Fly-in safari over epic, wild Baobab valleys
Full Day-by-Day Itinerary
Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Depart Dar es Salaam via air or beautiful scenic drive to Nyerere National Park. Settle in along the wide river banks. In the afternoon, embark on an peaceful sunset boat safari. Spot hippos displaying in broad pods, crocodiles lurking on low sandbars, and diverse birds nesting in riverbanks.
Nyerere National Park (Selous) Info & Metadata
Nyerere: Legendary Rufiji Waterways
Africa's largest raw wildlife reserve, dominated by the magnificent Rufiji River system and pristine forests.
- Exquisite boat safaris
- Giant hippo pods
- Rare nesting river birds
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
Nyerere Bush Walking Safari & Game Drives
Wake up with tea in your tent before embarking on an thrilling walking safari led by armed rangers and native guides. Read the clues of the bush, tracks of leopards, and medicinal properties of bark. Spend the afternoon in comfortable open 4x4 vehicles tracing resident wild dogs and pride interactions.
Nyerere National Park (Selous) Info & Metadata
Nyerere: Legendary Rufiji Waterways
A wild, unfenced reserve providing highly authentic walking encounters not permitted in northern circuits.
- Intimate animal tracking
- Rare African Wild Dogs
- Predator action
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
Nyerere to Ruaha National Park (Fly-In)
Take a scenic light aircraft flight over volcanic valleys straight into Ruaha National Park. Arrive on a remote dirt strip where giraffes often watch landings. Set out on game drives along dry riverbeds holding sandy paths where leopards and lions rest.
Ruaha National Park Info & Metadata
Ruaha: Dry Wilderness & Baobabs
A rugged Rift Valley plateau hosting spectacular baobab-stud landscapes and the critical Great Ruaha waters.
- 10% of global lion population
- Immense elephant colonies
- Stunning sand river paths
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
Ruaha Canyon Tracking & Dry Beds Explore
Spend an intense day patrolling Ruaha's dry sandy riverbeds. Elephants dig natural waterholes in the sand, while buffalo herds congregated at pools. Spot prides of lions hunting along the dry bank margins, and search for the striking Greater Kudu with curly horns.
Ruaha National Park Info & Metadata
Ruaha: Dry Wilderness & Baobabs
A true predator paradise. Famous for raw wildness, massive lion counts, leopards, and wild dog colonies.
- Kudu & Antelope varieties
- Baobab plain sunset
- Active riverbed hunts
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
Deep Ruaha Savannah and Kopje Runs
Explore the isolated northern plains of Ruaha. Follow tracks of cheetahs traversing open golden grass, and watch monkeys playing in fever trees. Sip a cool drink at sunset amidst volcanic boulders overlooking ancient baas.
Ruaha National Park Info & Metadata
Ruaha: Dry Wilderness & Baobabs
Deeply intimate game drives with virtually no other tourist vehicles around.
- Unmatched privacy
- Stargazing around fires
- Stature-rich Kudu
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
Ruaha Flight back to Dar es Salaam
Enjoy a peaceful final bush breakfast and a light morning safari drive before checking in at the local airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Ruaha National Park Info & Metadata
Ruaha: Dry Wilderness & Baobabs
One last glance at the majestic plains from your light aircraft flight.
- Epic aerial landscapes
- Winding rivers below
Lodges & Recommendation Options:
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