Do we have to fly between the parks?

In practice, yes. The road between Ruaha and Nyerere is long, rough and eats two days. The bush flight takes about ninety minutes and is a highlight in itself.

7 Days / 6 Nights · Classic

Ruaha & Nyerere Wilderness

The south at full scale

The Journey

Overview

Two of the largest protected areas on the continent in a single week, linked by a short bush flight. Ruaha brings baobab country and some of Africa's biggest lion prides; Nyerere brings the Rufiji River, boat safaris and walking. Between them you will see very few other vehicles.

Highlights

Ruaha's exceptional lion and kudu populations
Boat safari among hippo and crocodile on the Rufiji
Walking safari with an armed ranger
Bush flight between the two parks
Genuine wilderness — a fraction of the north's visitors

At a glance

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Style: Classic
Destinations: Ruaha · Nyerere (Selous)
Best for: Repeat safari-goers · Wilderness lovers · Walking and boat safari enthusiasts
Pricing: Tailored to season, lodges and group size — request a personal quote.

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Day by Day

How the journey unfolds

Day 1

Fly to Ruaha

A morning flight from Dar es Salaam to the Msembe airstrip, then a game drive to camp along the Great Ruaha River.

Days 2–3

Ruaha

Two full days working the river and the escarpments — elephant digging for water in the sand, greater kudu in the miombo, and prides large enough to take on buffalo. Night drives available from camp.

Day 4

Fly to Nyerere

A bush flight east into the Selous ecosystem. Settle into a river camp and take an afternoon drive through borassus palm country.

Day 5

Boat safari on the Rufiji

A morning on foot with an armed ranger, then an afternoon by boat — crocodiles on the sandbars, elephants crossing between islands, and the river turning copper at sunset.

Day 6

Lakes & channels

A full day exploring the oxbow lakes by vehicle and boat, with a picnic lunch in the shade and time to simply sit and watch.

Day 7

Fly to Dar

A last morning drive, then the short flight back to Dar es Salaam for onward connections or a Zanzibar extension.

What's included

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
All park entrance and concession fees
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Drinking water throughout the safari
Airport transfers
24/7 support from our Dar es Salaam office
Bush flights Dar–Ruaha–Nyerere–Dar
Boat safari and guided walking safari

Not included

International flights and visas
Travel insurance (we can arrange this for you)
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Gratuities for guides and camp staff
Items of a personal nature
Night drives in Ruaha (payable at camp)

Good to Know

Questions, answered

Fewer species in a single drive, far fewer vehicles, and activities the north cannot offer — boats and walking. Most travellers do the north first and the south second, then argue about which they preferred.

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