Southern Tanzanian Safari Circuit overview:

Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit experience:

The South of Tanzania is the ‘hidden gem’ of this magnificent country. A visit to the Selous Game Reserve is a 'must' if you want to travel the Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit and Ruaha is regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the country.

This Southern Tanzania safari combines both these legendary areas and will provide an unforgettable Southern East African Safari experience. There are many exciting modes to experience the game in the parks and each day will be filled with adventure and learning about the Tanzanian wilderness.

Days 1 - 3: Selous Game Reserve

You will depart from Dar es Salaam domestic terminal at 10:30 for Selous Game Reserve. The reserve is named after Englishman, Frederick Courtney Selous - conservationist, hunter, explorer and author. Selous Game Reserve varies from rolling grassy woodlands and plains, to rocky outcrops cut by the Rufiji River - thelifeblood of the park, whose tributaries form a network of lakes, lagoons and channels. The plane swoops over the Rufiji River on its approach landing, a dramatic arrival to the World Heritage Site and one of the largest Conservation areas in Africa.

After a short transfer to Rufiji River Camp, you will be welcomed and have time to enjoy your comfortable tent, before departing on an afternoon game activity. This Tanzania safari lodge is an environmentally friendly tented camp, well elevated on a high bank with excellent views across the Rufiji River and the grassy plains. This Tanzania safari lodge consists of a main section housing the restaurant, lounge areas, bar, library and swimming pool. Twenty ensuite tents, all well equipped with private balconies, offer magnificent views of the constant flow of animals coming down to drink at the river.

Spend your days on game drives, accompanied by highly experienced rangers, experts of the Selous Game Reserve and animal behaviours, or on a boat safari exploring the main course of the river to the many lateral canals and various lakes. Selous is one of the very few parks in Tanzania where you can take a walking safari. Accompanied by an armed ranger, this is a thrilling way to experience Africa – close up and personal in the Tanzanian bush.


The Selous wildlife is spectacular, with some of the largest mammal and reptile populations in Africa, namely buffalo, elephants, hippos, wild dogs and crocodiles. Other wildlife include the wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, zebra, eland, the greater kudu, sable antelopes, giraffe, baboon, vervet and blue monkeys, and the black and white colobus monkey. There is a large population of predators including lions, leopards, cheetah and the spotted hyena.

Over 440 bird species are documented residents of the Selous Game Reserve - yellow-billed, marabou and spoonbill stocks, Goliath and grey herons, ibises, egrets and pelicans as well as the numerous birds of prey like eagles, falcons, kites, etc.

Days 4 - 7: Ruaha National Park

After breakfast and a short game drive, you will depart to the airstrip for the flight to Ruaha National Park. On arrival at Ruaha River Lodge, you will have time to unpack and freshen up before you depart on your afternoon game drive.

This Tanzania safari lodge, situated in the Ruaha National Park, is built on a rocky hill with spectacular views of the Great Ruaha River. Built from natural stone and thatched roofs, the lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Ruaha River Lodge is divided into three camps – each with a private dining area and bar, so that groups of ten people or more can enjoy their own exclusive camp. Accommodation comprises of twenty individual rondavels/bandas with screened windows, ensuite bathrooms and private verandas.

Ruaha National Park derives its name from the Ruaha River, which flows along its south-eastern border. Ruaha National Park is extremely interesting as it presents the transition zone where southern African and eastern African Species of flora and fauna overlap, therefore, it has unique variety of animals, birds and vegetation. Animals include Grant’s gazelle, roan antelope, eland, kudu, sable, did-dik, impala and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Burchell’s zebra, Maasai giraffe, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, bat-eared fox, wild dog, spotted and striped hyena are also seen.

You will rarely meet any other vehicles on your game drives around Ruaha's extensive and well-maintained road network. Highly trained English speaking guides will lead you on morning and evening game drives. Alternatively you can choose to enjoy a full day game drive with picnic lunch. Ruaha River Lodge offers you the opportunity to experience a guided walk along the Ruaha River, with a lift back to the lodge once you reach your destination.

Days 8: Flight to Dar es Salaam

After a full morning game drive ending at the airstrip (picnic lunch provided) you will depart at 13:45 to fly back to Dar es Salaam arriving late afternoon. Your Southern Tanzania safari circuit itinerary ends here.

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