Tanzania: From River to Wild

8 days—Explore Tanzania’s wild heart boat safaris, game drives, and untouched landscapes from Nyerere to Ruaha. An unforgettable African journey.

$3453-4799 USD

Get quote

Quick to reply to quote requests!

Safari summary

Embark on a thrilling journey through the untamed heart of Tanzania, where adventure and tranquility meet. Begin in the coastal city of Dar es Salaam before flying into the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park, home to riverine forests, hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife. Glide along the Rufiji River on a boat safari, soaking in nature from a unique perspective. Continue your expedition with a flight to Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem rich in predators, elephants, and dramatic baobab landscapes. Explore its raw, rugged terrain through immersive game drives and guided walks. From river channels to savannah plains, this safari blends diverse ecosystems, luxury camps, and expert-guided wildlife encounters into one seamless experience. Discover the soul of Africa untamed, unforgettable, and beautifully wild.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Nyerere (Selous) Ruaha
	Accesibility	This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Internal flights
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Welcome to the heart of East Africa! Upon your arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, you’ll be met with a warm Tanzanian welcome by our professional guide, who will be ready to assist you every step of the way. Sit back and relax as you’re transferred to your comfortable hotel, where you can unwind after your flight. Enjoy your first evening in this vibrant coastal city and prepare for the journey of a lifetime across Tanzania’s breathtaking wilderness.

Zimbo Golden VIP Lodge

Flight to Nyerere National Park

Nyerere (Selous)

This morning, catch a scenic flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)—a vast, untouched wilderness brimming with wildlife and raw beauty. Upon arrival, your safari adventure begins with an introductory game drive as you head to your lodge nestled deep in the bush. Take in the unspoiled landscapes and spot your first glimpses of elephants, giraffes, and maybe even lions. Settle into your tented camp and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wild.

Lake Manze Tented Camp

Full-Day Boat Safari

Nyerere (Selous)

Today is a unique highlight—a full-day boat safari along the Rufiji River. Drift through palm-fringed channels, past hippo pods, crocodiles basking in the sun, and flocks of colorful birds. A riverside picnic adds a magical touch to your day, allowing you to dine in the heart of nature. This immersive experience offers a peaceful yet thrilling perspective on the park’s wildlife and ecosystems, delivering moments you’ll never forget.

Lake Manze Tented Camp

Flight to Ruaha National Park

Ruaha

After breakfast, board your flight to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s best-kept secret and a haven for safari lovers seeking remote, untamed beauty. Upon arrival, embark on your first game drive through this dramatic landscape where baobab-dotted plains, rocky hills, and dry riverbeds hide one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. Keep your camera ready for lions, leopards, and rare antelope species. Your luxury lodge awaits with sweeping views and authentic charm.

Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Ruaha – Big Game and Raw Beauty

Ruaha

Enjoy a full day of game drives in Ruaha, where predator-prey drama unfolds in spectacular settings. Led by expert guides, track elusive wildlife and witness unforgettable moments from a pride of lions on the hunt to a solitary cheetah surveying the savannah. Break for a bush lunch and return for a sundowner as the day winds down. This is true African wilderness at its finest wild, vast, and soul-stirring.

Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Ruaha – Off the Beaten Track

Ruaha

Today offers another chance to delve deeper into Ruaha’s vast expanse. Choose between a morning walking safari for an up-close encounter with nature or continue exploring by 4x4 vehicle. Your guides share fascinating insights into the region’s ecology, from the smallest insects to the great elephants. End your day with a fireside dinner under the African sky, reflecting on the raw beauty and serenity that make Ruaha so special.

Ruaha Hiltop Lodge

Return to Dar es Salaam

Ruaha

After a final morning in the bush, catch your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a city tour, a beachfront lunch, or some souvenir shopping before your onward journey. This is a perfect time to reflect on your incredible safari experience—one filled with majestic landscapes, unforgettable wildlife, and cultural richness.

Zimbo Golden VIP Lodge

Departure – Goodbye (kwaheri)

Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. As you leave Tanzania, you take with you not just photographs, but a heart full of wild adventure, new friendships, and timeless memories. We hope your journey through Tanzania has left you inspired and we look forward to welcoming you back one day.

Here are the latest 6 tours by Nature Quest Safaris Company. See all 77 tours.