10 Days Ruaha & Katavi Wild South-West Safari

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day safari adventure into Tanzania’s untamed south-west, exploring the majestic Ruaha and Katavi National Parks. This journey takes you through vast wildernesses, pristine landscapes, and abundant wildlife, offering the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and seclusion. Witness large herds of elephants, predators in action, and rare bird species, while staying in exclusive camps and lodges for an authentic safari experience.

Safari Highlights

• Explore the vast landscapes of Ruaha National Park, home to over 500 bird species and large prides of lions.

• Experience the remote wilderness of Katavi National Park, famous for its wild elephant herds and buffalo congregations.

• Exclusive game drives with professional guides for sightings of leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos.

• Optional walking safaris along Ruaha’s scenic riverbanks.

• Authentic bush dining under the African skies.

• Scenic drives and photographic opportunities in untouched ecosystems.

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Activities: Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your representative. Transfer to your city hotel and relax after your journey. Use the evening to refresh, rest, and attend a short safari briefing, where you will receive details about your upcoming adventure and tips for photography, wildlife spotting, and safety.

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton or similar
Meals: Dinner included

Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Ruaha National Park

Activities: Take a morning domestic flight to Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most unspoiled wildlife reserves. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll explore wide-open savannahs, baobab-dotted plains, and riverine forests. Expect to encounter elephants wandering in herds, giraffes feeding gracefully, and zebra and antelope herds grazing freely. Conclude the day with a sundowner overlooking the Great Ruaha River, a perfect moment to watch the African sky turn fiery orange as the sun sets.

Accommodation: Mwagusi Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3-4: Ruaha National Park Exploration

Activities: Spend two full days immersed in Ruaha’s wild landscapes. Each day begins with a morning game drive, when wildlife is most active, including lions on the hunt, leopards lounging in trees, and elephants moving across the plains. Return to camp for a leisurely lunch and rest during the hottest hours. In the afternoons, embark on evening game drives, capturing spectacular wildlife behavior in golden light. Optional walking safaris with armed guides provide a unique perspective on the smaller flora and fauna, including tracks, insects, and birds. Evenings are perfect for photography, storytelling by the campfire, and sundowners in the bush.

Accommodation: Mwagusi Safari Camp
Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Ruaha – Katavi National Park

Activities: Board a short domestic flight to Katavi National Park, a remote wilderness with dramatic landscapes, vast elephant herds, and pristine rivers. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive, observing elephants, buffalo, and predators in this untamed region. The isolation and untouched beauty of Katavi provide an incredible safari experience rarely encountered elsewhere. Evening at camp allows time for reflection on the day’s wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-8: Katavi National Park Safari

Activities: These days are devoted to exploring Katavi’s remote wilderness in depth. Each day includes morning and evening game drives, where you may spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of elephants and buffalo. Optional walking safaris with professional guides allow close observation of tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in Katavi’s abundant species along lakes and rivers. In the evenings, enjoy bush sundowners, wildlife photography, and storytelling under a star-filled sky, immersing yourself fully in the sounds and sights of the African bush.

Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Camp
Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Katavi – Dar es Salaam

Activities: After a final morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Afternoon and evening at leisure, allowing time to stroll along the Indian Ocean coast, shop for local crafts, or relax at the hotel pool. Reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters and photographic memories from your safari.

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Departure

Activities: Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your international flight. Take with you memories of Tanzania’s wild landscapes, close wildlife encounters, and the beauty of its remote parks.

Meals: Breakfast included

Inclusive

• Domestic flights between parks and Dar es Salaam

• Airport transfers within Tanzania

• Full-board accommodation in safari lodges/camps

• Morning and evening game drives with experienced guides

• Walking safaris with armed guides

• Park entrance fees

• Bottled water on safari drives

Exclusive

• International flights to/from Tanzania

• Visa fees and travel insurance

• Tips and gratuities

• Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses

• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime; warm layers for early mornings and evenings

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots

• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal medications

• Swimsuit for lodge pools

• Refillable water bottle

• Light rain jacket (seasonal)