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A Simple Safari in Southern Tanzania

Duration
11 days
Price from
$4,932 pp.
Location
Tanzania, Africa
Rufiji River Camp

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Nyerere National Park
  • Game drives in Ruaha National Park
  • Relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar

What's Included

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • Domestic flights within Tanzania
  • All transfers

Our Tanzania specialists says:

Truly wild and richly rewarding – this Southern Tanzania trip combines the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s lesser-known parks with the idyllic charm of Zanzibar’s coastline.

If you’re looking for a safari that’s a little more under the radar but no less spectacular, Southern Tanzania delivers in spades. This trip is all about space, solitude, and incredible wildlife experiences, far from the busier northern parks. It’s ideal if you’re craving that off-grid feeling, but still want the comfort of beautiful lodges and the warm hospitality Tanzania does so well.

Our Tanzania specialist, Ottilie, says:

"Southern Tanzania is one of my favourite parts of the country. It’s got this raw, untouched feel that’s hard to explain until you’ve been - game drives where you don’t see another vehicle for hours, sunsets that stop you in your tracks, and camps that make you feel completely connected to the land. Then to finish with Zanzibar… it’s a trip that just flows beautifully."

You’ll start in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), a vast wilderness of rivers, lakes, and open plains. It’s a place that feels properly wild - hippos grunting from the water, elephants ambling along the riverbanks, lions lazing in the shade. From there, Ruaha takes things up a notch: a dramatic, baobab-studded landscape where the game viewing is some of the best in the country, especially if you’re keen to see predators. What sets both parks apart is how few people you’ll encounter - no traffic jams of safari vehicles here, just the sounds of nature and the thrill of discovering it almost to yourselves.

It’s a region we love – not only for its authenticity and character, but for how quietly it outshines more visited safari circuits. And when the safari winds down, Zanzibar awaits: think laid-back, sun-drenched, rich Swahili culture and drifting off on pristine, white-sand beaches.

After days in the bush, the contrast is pure magic - turquoise waters, soft white beaches, and a slower pace that invites you to truly unwind. Whether you’re exploring the spice-scented alleys of Stone Town or just watching dhows sail past with a sundowner in hand, it’s the perfect way to round off your adventure.

This itinerary is ideal for those who have already experienced the Serengeti or Kruger and are now seeking something more remote, more personal, and far less crowded. With vast landscapes, low visitor numbers, and the possibility of going days without seeing another vehicle, it’s a fantastic option for second - or third-time safari-goers - or anyone craving a true wilderness experience. You still get all the comfort, service, and wildlife drama - just with more space and more silence.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Tanzania

Staying at Rufiji River Camp

Upon arrival into Dar es Salaam you will head to the domestic airport to catch your light aircraft flight into the Nyerere National Park (previously known as Selous Game Reserve). You will be met on arrival at the airstrip and transferred to Rufuji River Camp where you will be staying for the next three nights on a full board basis.

Days 2 & 3 Explore Nyerere National Park

Giraffe Nyerere National Park Tanzania Unsplash

Two full days of exploring the incredible Nyerere National Park as well as making the most of the great safari activities offered including game drives, walking safaris and boating safaris.

Day 4 Fly to the Ruaha National Park

Days 5 & 6 Explore the Ruaha National Park

Day 7 Beach Time

Staying at Pongwe Beach

After breakfast return to the airstrip and catch the morning light aircraft flight to Zanzibar. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel on the beach.

Stay for four nights at Pongwe Beach in a Garden View room with breakfast included.

Days 8, 9 & 10 Time to Relax

Day 11 Home Time

Ottilie
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Duration

11 days

Location

Tanzania, Africa

Price from

$4,932 pp.

Price Includes

  • Accommodation and meals as listed
  • All transfers, private guides, and fees where stated as included
  • Activities and excursions mentioned as included

Price Excludes

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Single Supplements
  • Admission fees, activities and gear not mentioned as included.

Price is based on two people sharing, excluding international flights.

The trip includes all accommodations and activities specified above. Rooms and meals are as follows:

  • 3 nights at Rufuji River Camp, Selous National Park – full board
  • 3 nights at Ruaha River Camp, Ruaha National Park – full board
  • 4 nights at Pongwe Beach, Zanzibar – B&B
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When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.

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Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912

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