7 Days Tanzania – Southern Safari Circuit

Duration

7 Days

Physical Rating

Medium

Minimum Age

4 Years +

Starting From

*Starting prices are listed per person in USD.

Destination Highlights

Arusha
Ruaha National Park
Nyerere National Park
Dar es Salaam

Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit, where untamed wilderness meets supreme tranquillity. Discover diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes in this remote and less crowded region. Explore the vast Nyerere National Park with its majestic elephants and thrilling boat safaris, and venture into the rugged Ruaha National Park, home to lions and iconic baobab forests. Experience raw Africa, away from the crowds, in this hidden gem of wildlife wonder.

Highlights

  • Explore Tanzania’s largest national park
  • Witness large populations of elephants, lions, and rare antelope species such as sable and roan.
  • Follow the Great Ruaha River, a lifeline that draws in predators and prey for thrilling wildlife interactions.
  • Discover one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas, rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty.
  • Enjoy diverse safari activities including game drives, walking safaris, and iconic boat safaris along the Rufiji River.
  • Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, wild dogs, and a wide variety of birdlife in their natural habitats.

Full Itinerary

Best time to visit:

  • June to October – Dry season, best wildlife viewing
  • January to March – Lush Landscape and Serengeti wildebeest calving season (Excellent for predators’ actions)-Hot and humid weather with possibility of little rain in January.
Day 1: Arrival day | Meeting Day

Welcome to Arusha! Your adventure begins now. Set down your bags, take a deep breath, and refresh yourself with a cold drink. This evening, you’ll meet your Safari guide for a brief overview of the exciting experiences ahead. Enjoy every moment and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Meals included: Full Board

Day 2: Ruaha National Park – Flight

Rise early, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for 7:30am drive to the airport for your 09:30am flight to Ruaha National Park. The 2½-hour flight will bring you to Ruaha, where your guide will manage park permits before a 40-minute plus drive to your lodge for lunch. Afterward, relax briefly and then set out on an afternoon game drive in Ruaha, where you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, including antelopes, lions, elephants, and more.

Accommodation: Ikuka Safari Camp or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Ruaha National Park - Full Day

A full-day game drive in Ruaha National Park promises an unforgettable adventure through one of Tanzania’s most breath-taking wilderness areas. Your day begins early as you set out to explore the park’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes. At midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park. The drive continues into the afternoon, offering more chances to spot wildlife and the beauty of Ruaha before the day end.

Optional Activity: Hot air balloon safari for a unique aerial view of the Ruaha

Accommodation: Ikuka Safari Camp or similar

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Ruaha National Park - Full Day

At sunrise, embark on a captivating 2 to 3-hour guided walking safari along the Great Ruaha River, together with an armed game ranger. This immersive experience offers the chance to observe hippos, crocodiles, lions, and various other wildlife as they gather at the river to drink. After your walk, return for a breakfast, followed by a leisurely afternoon to relax. As the day cools, continue with an exciting game drive until 6:00 pm.

Accommodation: Ikuka Safari Camp or similar

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Flight - Nyerere National Park

Today, we leave Ruaha for Nyerere national park, after an early morning drive, concluding at the park’s airstrip. A 2-hour flight brings you to your next destination, where a new guide will be waiting to greet you. Your adventure continues with an evening boat safari on the Rufiji River, offering the opportunity to spot a diverse array of birds, reptiles, and mammals along the riverbanks until 6:00 PM, return to your camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Selous Serena Camp or similar

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Nyerere National Park - Full Day

Experience a full day of adventure in Nyerere National Park, where you’ll encounter the Big Five and other wildlife across diverse landscapes. With stunning scenery and expert guidance, this game drive promises unforgettable moments in one of Africa’s most unspoiled wilderness areas. At noon, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the park, before continuing your exploration into the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Selous Serena Camp or similar

Meals:  Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7: Nyerere National Park - Zanzibar

Today marks your grand finale. Wake up early and savour your morning call at around 6:00 AM, as your walking guide and armed ranger prepare you for a wonderful nature walk. This immersive experience allows you to discover things often missed during game drives, with your guide pointing out fascinating details on the ground that reveal much about the ecosystem and its inhabitants. After a 2-hour walk, return to your camp for brunch before heading to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, concluding your unforgettable tour.

Accommodation: Riu Palace Hotel

Meals included: All-Inclusive

Planning

To make your trip planning easier, we’ve prepared a simple list of what’s included in your tour package and what’s not. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect, and you can make any additional arrangements ahead of time for a smooth and enjoyable journey!

Includes

  • English peaking Safari Guides.
  • Very comfortable safari car, 4×4 Landcruiser
  • Three meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Snacks during the game drive
  • All parks’ fees and Taxes
  • All activities mentioned under the program.
  • All accommodation under the program.
  • Zanzibar Insurance and infrastructure fees
  • Round trip transfer from JRO-Arusha-JRO or Zanzibar

Excludes

  • Tanzania Visa fee US $50 per person & US $100 per person for U.S.A passport holder
  • Laundry services
  • Optional Activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for Guides
  • International Flight 
  • Bank charges for online transfer
  • An increase of taxes and/or park fees.
  • All things of personal nature