Southern Tanzania Safari

10 days—Southern Tanzania Highlights Safari

$6000-8000 USD

Safari summary

This safari is perfect for travelers who want:

◾Easy and affordable access from Dar es Salaam
◾To experience a safari on the river from a unique perspective
◾A variety of great activities to get out of the safari vehicle
◾Fewer safari vehicles, particularly in Ruaha
◾A unique wildlife experience for seasoned travelers

A Southern Circuit itinerary is best organised in the dry season (beginning of July to end of October) when wildlife viewing is easier and the weather is more predictable. At this time of year, the game viewing can be excellent and slightly less crowded than Northern Tanzania. At most of the lodges, you can also do further activities such as game walks, boating, and bird watching. The Southern parks can give you a sense of being more off the beaten track, and the wildlife is more hidden amongst the thickets, offering a nice sense of adventure.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Katavi Nyerere (Selous) Ruaha

Fine details

Safari highlights

Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Walking safari—with armed guard

Itinerary

Day 1

Nyerere (Selous)

Day 1, 2 & 3 Fly Dar Es Salaam to Siwandu – Game drives – Boat safaris - Sand Rivers Selous In the morning you will transfer to the domestic terminal at Dar es Salaam Airport for your flight to Siwandu Airstrip in the Selous. You will be picked up and go on a short game drive en route to Sand Rivers Selous. Over the next few days spend your time on safari either game driving, on a boat safari or walking – you have the choice of two activities each day. **Walking safaris may be available for clients staying two or more nights; subject to permission from park authorities. (This activity is paid directly) Only 200 km’s west of Dar es Salaam lies the incredible Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s least known yet wildest conservation areas. Fed by the mighty Rufiji River, the largest river in East Africa, which drains most of South Western Tanzania’s water, this reserve is home to over 1,000,000 large animals and over half of Tanzania’s elephant population. Selous is unique among reserves in Tanzania as it encompasses an area exclusively devoted to tourism, making for about 10% of the reserve’s total size.

Day 4

Ruaha

Day 4, 5 & 6  Flight to Ruaha Airstrip - Kwihala Camp In the morning you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight to Ruaha National Park. Once again you are met by a guide from the camp, who will then drive you the 20 minutes to Mwagusi. After lunch, enjoy a game activity of your choice. You will stay for three nights at Kwihala Camp. For the next two days you will enjoy two excursions per day. There is a choice of two game drives or one game drive and one boat safari. As an alternative you can opt for a full day game drive with picnic lunch. There are also early morning bird walks for guests wishing to participate. Walking safaris, accompanied by an experienced guide, is one of the highlights of staying at Kwihala Camp. Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's second largest national park and is second to none in species diversity due to its unique location between hemispheres. It boasts some of the densest lion populations in the country, so expect Big Cat adventures. Apart from the park's diverse mammal species, Ruaha National Park is a birder's paradise with 526 species & counting.

Day 7

Saadani

Day 7, 8 & 9  Flight to Dar Es Salaam Airport & flight to Saadani River Lodge You will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam Airport. From there you will catch another short flight to Saadani. A guide from Saadani River Lodge will be waiting at the airstrip to take care of you. Over the next three days you can either spend your time relaxing at the lodge on the river or book some of the half day activities which include a river safari, game drive, or walking safari (all payable at the lodge).

Day 10

Day 10  Flight back to Dar Es Salaam This morning you will enjoy your last breakfast on safari. After that you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Your safari ends here...

Here are the latest tours by Planet Africa Safaris.