12 Day Safari in Pristine Southern Tanzania

Name: 12 Day Safari in Pristine Southern Tanzania
Brand: 12 Day Safari in Pristine Southern Tanzania
SKU: 63588
Price: 5105 $
Availability: InStock
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$5105 Per Person

12 Day Safari in Pristine Southern Tanzania

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$ 5755

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Package Overview

If you have already been on safari before and want something more special, this trip is for you. This special fly-in safari takes you to the untouched and quiet parks of southern Tanzania—places most tourists never see. It is a real, Africa wild safari experience, with exciting flights between game parks and plenty of time to explore two amazing areas!

Explore Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks: Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Ruaha National Parks are hidden gems in southern Tanzania. Here, you will not see crowds—just nature at its best. You will go on jeep safaris to find big lion prides and rare wild dogs. You will hike through the wild bush and take a peaceful boat ride at sunset, passing elephants on the riverbank. In Ruaha, you will see stunning landscapes filled with giant baobab trees. You will also get the chance to join a night safari to spot predators after dark—a truly thrilling experience!

Stay in Beautiful and Unique Lodges: We have picked small and special places to stay, chosen for their comfort, charm, and great locations. One favorite is Ikuka Safari Camp, where you can relax with a cool drink and enjoy amazing views right from your room.

End Your Trip on a Tropical Island: After your safari, you will fly to one of the dreamy islands off Tanzania’s coast. Want to swim with whale sharks? Head to Mafia Island. Looking for peaceful luxury? Pemba Island is perfect. Or enjoy the lively culture and beaches of Zanzibar. Prefer not to end on a beach? No problem—we’ll help you choose the perfect ending.

Trip Highlights

Fly between parks for a faster, easier safari
Explore wild Nyerere and Ruaha, far from crowds
See rare wild dogs, lions, and big herds of elephants
Enjoy jeep safaris, boat rides, and walking safaris
(Optional) Sleep under the stars with fly camping
Stay in small, scenic lodges close to nature
Go on a night safari to spot animals in the dark
Flexible daily plans—safari your way
Relax on Zanzibar, Mafia, or Pemba Island
(Optional) Add Katavi for more wild adventure

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Prepare for Your Sensational Southern Circuit Tanzania Safari

When you arrive at Dar es Salaam Airport, a friendly driver from Greenway Nature Tours will be there to meet you. They will take you to your hotel, where you can relax after your flight. The hotel is comfortable and has everything you need—spacious rooms, a cozy bed, and all the modern comforts. It is the perfect place to rest and get ready for your exciting safari, which starts tomorrow!

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Slipway Hotel (Breakfast)

Semi-luxury: Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam (Breakfast)

Exclusive: Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam (Breakfast)

Day 2: Fly to Nyerere National Park and Begin Your Safari

This morning, you will be taken to Dar es Salaam Airport for a short flight to Nyerere National Park. The flight takes less than 45 minutes. When you arrive, a ranger will be waiting to greet you. On the drive to your small and peaceful lodge or tented camp, your adventure begins right away—you’ll go on a mini safari through the park as you head to your accommodation.

Once you arrive at the camp, you will enjoy a warm welcome and a tasty lunch. After that, it’s time to head out for your first real safari in the afternoon.

Nyerere National Park is in southern Tanzania and is the largest national park in the country. It was formed in 2019 and named after Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere. This huge, wild area was once part of the Selous Game Reserve. It’s known for its untouched beauty, very few visitors, and the mighty Rufiji River, which runs through the park. The river creates swamps, lagoons, and wide channels that are full of animal life. The park is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and the rare African wild dog.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on a game drive through the northern part of the park, especially near the lakes and the Rufiji River. These water-rich areas attract many animals, especially when the day begins to cool down. You may see large groups of buffalo, hippos lounging in the water, and lions resting or preparing to hunt. With a bit of luck, you might also spot wild dogs—Nyerere is one of the best places in Africa to see them. This first afternoon safari gives you a perfect introduction to the wild and beautiful world of southern Tanzania.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Lake Manze Tented Camp (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Rufiji River Camp (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nomad Sand Rivers (Full board with drinks)

Exclusive: Roho Ya Selous (Full board with drinks)

Days 3 - 4: Explore Nyerere National Park – On Land, Water, and Foot

For the next two days, you will enjoy unforgettable safari adventures in Nyerere National Park. The northern part of the park is shaped by five big lakes and the winding Rufiji River, making it perfect for different kinds of safari experiences.

Jeep Safari Adventures

Each day, you will head out in a safari jeep to explore the wild northern region of the park. The lakes and river attract huge numbers of animals, so you will have a great chance of seeing wildlife. Massive herds of buffalo roam here—over 140,000 of them—and the park is home to around 40,000 hippos. Even more exciting, there are an estimated 4,000 lions, making this one of the best places in all of Africa to see these big cats.

You might even spot a pride of lions in action. Nyerere is also one of the top places to see the rare African wild dog, which is a real treat for any wildlife lover.

Morning safaris include a peaceful coffee or tea break in the bush, and afternoon drives end with a beautiful stop to enjoy the sunset on foot.

Relax with a Boat Safari

One of the most relaxing ways to explore Nyerere is by boat. In the afternoon, when the light turns golden, you will glide down the Rufiji River. You will likely spot crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks and elephants coming down to drink. As the sun sets, hippos begin to stir and slowly rise from the water to feed. You will also see many colorful birds like kingfishers, storks, and bee-eaters, adding beauty to the peaceful scene.

Walk Through the Wild – Walking Safari

Nyerere is one of the few parks in Tanzania where walking safaris are allowed. This is a special chance to truly feel the wild around you. You’ll wake up early and walk through the bush with an armed ranger, following animal tracks, listening for sounds, and spotting signs of wildlife. Being on foot in such a wild place is exciting—you might come across animals up close! Along the way, you’ll also learn about insects, birds, and plants that you’d usually miss from a jeep.

Fly Camping – Sleep Under the Stars (Optional)

If you are feeling adventurous, you can spend a night in the heart of the wilderness with an experience called fly camping. A small, simple camp is set up deep in the bush. As the sun sets, you relax by the fire with a drink, and your chef prepares a tasty meal. At night, you fall asleep to the sounds of nature, with only the stars above you. It’s a magical way to feel truly connected to the African wild.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Lake Manze Tented Camp (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Rufiji River Camp (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nomad Sand Rivers (Full board with drinks)

Exclusive: Roho Ya Selous (Full board with drinks)

Day 5: Fly to Ruaha National Park & Begin a New Safari Adventure

Today is a very special day—you are heading to one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets! After breakfast, you will take a short transfer to the airstrip in Nyerere for your morning flight to Ruaha National Park. When you arrive, a friendly ranger from your cozy lodge or tented camp will be there to welcome you. You will have time to settle in and enjoy lunch before heading out in the afternoon for your first Ruaha safari.

Discover Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is the largest national park in Tanzania, created when it was joined with the Usangu Game Reserve in 2008. Even though the park is huge, very few people visit, making it feel wild, peaceful, and truly untouched. The landscape is rugged and beautiful, filled with massive baobab trees and wide-open views. The Great Ruaha River runs through the park, drawing many animals to its banks, especially during the dry season.

Afternoon Jeep Safari

In the late afternoon, you will go on a jeep safari through this wild and stunning park. As the day begins to cool, animals start to move, and it’s the perfect time for sightings. The golden light of the setting sun makes the scenery even more magical and ideal for taking amazing photos. It is a peaceful and thrilling way to end the day in one of Africa’s most beautiful wild places.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Mdonya Old River Camp (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Ruaha River Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Ikuka Safari Camp (Full board with drinks)

Exclusive: Asilia Jabali Ridge (Full board with drinks)

Days 6 - 7: Discover the Wild Beauty of Ruaha

These two days are all about exploring the amazing wildlife and landscapes of Ruaha National Park. Each day begins early with a light breakfast and your first safari adventure of the day. You can choose how you want to spend your time—whether with a full morning safari, a relaxed afternoon drive, or a special walking tour. The staff at your lodge will help you plan the perfect day based on what you feel like doing. This way, every day is flexible and made just for you.

Exciting Jeep Safaris

Jump into your open jeep with your expert guide and set off into the wild. One of the best places to explore is near the dry riverbeds, where large herds of elephants often dig for water using their trunks. You will also search for the rare greater kudu, a large antelope found mainly in Ruaha. This park is full of surprises—you may even see cheetahs, which are more common here than in other parts of southern Tanzania. Ruaha is truly wild, and the sightings can be thrilling. It’s not unusual to see a pride of lionesses hunting prey like giraffes, crocodiles, or even baby elephants. In the morning, you will stop at a scenic spot for coffee or tea. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a peaceful sundowner, sipping a drink while watching the sun set over the savannah.

Walking Safari (optional)

If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can take a walking safari with an armed ranger. You will walk through the rugged landscape of Ruaha, spotting animals, birds, and insects along the way. The experience becomes truly thrilling when you see elephants up close or spot predators in the distance. This must be booked in advance and is only available from certain lodges.

Night Safari (optional)

As night falls, a whole new world comes alive. On a night safari, you’ll go out with a spotlight to search for animals that only come out in the dark, like genets, civets, hyenas, and even lions starting their nightly hunt. This exciting safari takes place just before dinner and must also be arranged ahead of time.

Magical Bush Meals and Sundowners

One of the most special parts of your Ruaha experience is enjoying a bush meal. It’s not just about eating—it’s about the moment. Picture yourself sitting at a beautifully set table in the middle of nature. The air is filled with the sounds of the wild—the call of a bird, the rustle of grass, or even a lion roaring in the distance. You might have a sunrise breakfast after an early safari, a picnic lunch under a shady tree, or a romantic dinner by torchlight beneath the stars. A bush meal is a true mix of comfort, adventure, and magic—something you’ll never forget.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Mdonya Old River Camp (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Ruaha River Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Ikuka Safari Camp (Full board with drinks)

Exclusive: Asilia Jabali Ridge (Full board with drinks)

Day 8: Fly to a Tropical Island

This morning, you’ll wake up with the sounds of the wild and go on your final safari in Ruaha. It’s your last chance to enjoy the beauty and excitement of this amazing park.

Later in the morning, you will take a flight to the coast of Tanzania. From there, you can continue your journey to a tropical island of your choice—Zanzibar, Mafia, or Pemba. Each island offers something special, whether you are looking for relaxing beaches, underwater adventures, or rich local culture. If you don’t want to extend your trip on the beach, that’s also perfectly fine. You can fly back home in the evening from Dar es Salaam.

Optional: Extra Safari in Katavi National Park

If you are not ready for the safari adventure to end, you can choose to add a visit to Katavi National Park—one of Tanzania’s wildest and most untouched parks. After exploring Katavi, you’ll fly on to the Swahili Coast as planned. Your travel specialist will be happy to help you plan this exciting extension if you’re interested!

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Butiama Beach (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Butiama Beach (Half Board)

Exclusive: The Manta Resort (Full board with drinks)

Days 9 -11: Relax in Paradise by the Indian Ocean

After your exciting safari, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the peaceful beauty of a tropical island. Whether you choose Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island, the next few days are all about relaxing, swimming, and soaking in the sun. If you’d like to do more than just relax, your hotel can help you book fun activities and excursions.

Zanzibar – Culture, Beaches & Fun Activities

Zanzibar is a lively and easy-to-reach island, perfect for travelers who want a mix of beach time and cultural experiences. You can enjoy the white sandy beaches, swim in the warm sea, or go on exciting trips like spice tours, snorkeling, diving, or a visit to the historic town of Stone Town. The island has lovely hotels and resorts for every budget, all near the beach. And in the evenings, you can enjoy delicious Swahili food and watch the sun set over the ocean.

Mafia Island – A Dream for Underwater Lovers

Mafia Island is quieter and great for people who love the ocean. It’s one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving. The sea here is full of life—colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and even reef sharks. From October to February, you might even swim near whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea! The whole island is focused on protecting marine life, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy nature while helping to keep it safe.

Pemba Island – Peace, Nature & Local Life

Pemba Island is a green and peaceful place, with far fewer tourists than Zanzibar. It’s covered with hills, forests, and spice farms, and surrounded by small islands, coral reefs, and bright blue sea. Pemba is great if you want quiet time, beautiful views, and amazing snorkeling. You’ll also get a real taste of Swahili culture, as the island has kept its traditional way of life. It’s a perfect mix of luxury and local charm, far away from the crowds.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Butiama Beach (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Butiama Beach (Half Board)

Exclusive: The Manta Resort (Full board with drinks)

Day 2: Enjoy the day and return flight via Dar es Salaam

Spend your last morning relaxing by the bright blue sea, enjoying the peaceful beauty of the island. In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll take a short flight from Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island back to Dar es Salaam. From there, you’ll catch your international flight home, filled with wonderful memories of your African adventure.