7 Days Southern Tanzania safari

7 Days Southern Tanzania Safari

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day safari exploring the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes of Southern Tanzania. This adventure takes you through iconic national parks, including Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, offering up-close encounters with the Big Five, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Tanzanian culture. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking a diverse safari experience in a serene, less-traveled region.

Safari Highlights

• Game drives in Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park.

• Chance to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.

• Boat safari along the Rufiji River for birdwatching and hippos.

• Walking safari experiences with expert guides.

• Spectacular sunset views over the African savannah.

• Cultural interaction with local Maasai communities.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Activities:
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. Take some time to relax and refresh after your flight. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and an overview of your upcoming safari adventure.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Dar es Salaam
Meals: Dinner included
Highlight: First taste of Tanzanian hospitality and the bustling city atmosphere.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam → Selous Game Reserve

Activities:
After breakfast, depart for Selous Game Reserve, either by scenic road transfer or domestic flight. Upon arrival, embark on your first afternoon game drive, exploring one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and maybe even a lion or leopard in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Selous Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlight: A thrilling introduction to Tanzania’s rich wildlife in a pristine wilderness setting.

Day 3: Exploring Selous Game Reserve

Activities:
Spend a full day in Selous with morning and afternoon game drives, venturing deep into the reserve to spot hippos in rivers, crocodiles on the banks, and large herds of buffalo. Optionally, take a boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you can enjoy birdwatching, spot aquatic wildlife, and admire the beauty of the riverine landscape.

Accommodation: Selous Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlight: Experience both land and water-based wildlife encounters in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 4: Selous → Ruaha National Park

Activities:
After an early morning game drive in Selous, transfer to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second-largest park, famous for its remote wilderness and large elephant herds. Enjoy the scenic journey through rural Tanzania, stopping for photos and wildlife sightings along the way.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlight: Witness the contrast between Selous’ riverine environment and Ruaha’s savannah and woodland landscapes.

Day 5: Ruaha National Park Safari

Activities:
Today, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Ruaha. This park is home to large predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as numerous herbivores like giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Your guide will help you track wildlife and share insights into the park’s unique ecology and conservation efforts.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlight: Immersive wildlife experience in one of Tanzania’s most untamed national parks.

Day 6: Ruaha – Cultural Visit

Activities:
Start the day with an early game drive, enjoying the morning activity of wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a local Maasai village, where you can interact with the community, learn about their traditions, and observe daily life in one of Tanzania’s most iconic cultures. This is a chance to gain cultural insight and understand the relationship between local people and wildlife conservation.

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlight: Combine wildlife adventure with an authentic cultural experience.

Day 7: Ruaha → Dar es Salaam / Departure

Activities:
After breakfast, transfer back to Dar es Salaam for your onward flight. If time permits, enjoy a short city tour, visiting markets, local shops, or the coastline before heading to the airport. Your safari concludes with memories of Tanzania’s rich wildlife and culture.

Meals: Breakfast included
Highlight: Farewell to the wilderness and a smooth return to urban Tanzania.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary

• Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced English-speaking guide

• Park entrance and conservation fees

• Maasai village visit and cultural interaction

• Game drives and optional boat safari in Selous

Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights unless specified

• Travel insurance and visa fees

• Personal expenses, tips, laundry, souvenirs

• Optional activities not listed