9 Day Tanzania River Safari

On this 9-Day Tanzania River Safari you will experience the awe of the Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous National Park) and the Ruaha National Park. The Nyerere National Park is the largest game reserve in Africa with some of the most untouched areas of nature, the Ruaha National Park is set along the Great Ruaha River and is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.  Experience the beauty of the remoteness that makes these two destinations some of the best safari destinations in Tanzania.

9 Day Tanzania River Safari

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

  • Day 2

    Transfer to Rufiju River Camp, Nyerere National Park

  • Day 3 & 4

    On Safari in the Nyerere National Park

  • Day 5

    Transfer to Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park

  • Day 6 & 7

    On Safari in the Ruaha National Park

  • Day 8

    Transfer to Dar es Salaam

  • Day 9

    Departure from Tanzania

Day 1

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Today your Tanzania safari begins, you will arrive at Dar Es Salaam International Airport where a representative will await your arrival.  You will be transferred to a selected hotel for the night on a bed-and-breakfast basis before embarking on your safari the following morning.

Day 2

Transfer to Rufiju River Camp, Nyerere National Park

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred back to the airport to board your scheduled charter flight to the Nyerere National Park. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to collect you at the airstrip and transfer you to Rufiji River Camp where you will spend the next three nights. Rufiji River Camp is set along the banks of the Rufiji River, the safari tents are tastefully furnished and positioned to make the most of the river views right from your own private veranda.  The main lounge and dining area are situated along the riverbank under the beautiful trees, the perfect place for a romantic dinner or to relax and watch the sunset.

Relax in the beautiful safari tents at Rufiji River Camp
Gorgeous views of the Nyerere National Park right from the deck

Day 3 & 4

On Safari in the Nyerere National Park

The Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous National Park) spans an area of 50,000 square kilometres making it the largest National Park in Africa, with the Big 5, Little 5, plains game and some of the most stunning scenery you are sure to have an exciting time in the Nyerere National Park.  Rufiji Rover Camp offers a range of activities to keep you busy during your stay, from boating safaris to game drives and guided walking safaris.  A boating safari is a great way to explore the park and get up close to the animals you wouldn’t usually see on a game drive.  Relax by the swimming pool during the heat of the day and enjoy a decadent dinner around the boma with the sounds of the bush surrounding you.

A great way to see the Nyerere National Park is on a boating safari

Day 5

Transfer to Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park

Today you will enjoy a last morning activity and a delicious breakfast before your transfer back to the airstrip.  You will then catch your light aircraft transfer to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you and will transfer you to Ruaha River Lodge where you will spend the next three nights.  Ruaha River Lodge is situated high on the banks of the Great Ruaha River lending to some stunning views of the landscape below right from camp.  Each stone chalet is furnished with all you could need for a comfortable stay and stunning views right from your deck.  The main area has two dining areas, both overlooking the breathtaking scenery perfect for that sundowner and a cosy lounge area to relax in after dinner.

The sun streaming into your luxury chalet at Ruaha River Lodge
Dine with a stunning view of the Ruaha River

Day 6 & 7

On Safari in the Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is another large national park in Tanzania and is a great area to spot a large variety of predators.  Ruaha is home to around 10% of the world’s lion population and is the focus of many conservation efforts.  In addition to lions, you will be likely to see leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and so much more.  Ruaha is a quieter tourist destination which means the areas are truly unspoilt and remote ensuring an exhilarating safari experience.  At Ruaha River Lodge you can head out on foot with a professional guide or if you prefer a more relaxed game-viewing experience game drives are a good way to do some game-viewing.  Afternoons are spent in camp escaping the heat of the day before heading out on your late afternoon/evening activity, you return to camp in time for a delicious dinner around the campfire.

Elephant climbing the banks of the Ruaha River, Tanzania

Day 8

Transfer to Dar es Salaam

Today after breakfast and a relaxing morning in camp or one last game drive it will be time for your transfer back to the airstrip.  You will hop on your light aircraft transfer back to Dar es Salaam.  Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the night, enjoy your last night in Tanzania by heading out for dinner at one of the restaurants and reminisce over your incredible Tanzania safari.

Soak in the views from your private deck at Ruaha River Lodge
Light aircraft transfers will get you to Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park

Day 9

Departure from Tanzania

This morning or afternoon (depending on your departure flight times) you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight.

Tour Costs

2025
$5,160 per person sharing (July – Oct, 24 – 31 Dec)
$4,755 per person sharing (June, 1 Nov – 23 Dec)

2026
$5,160 per person sharing (1 – 4 Jan)
$4,755 per person sharing (5 Jan – 31 March)

$6,190 per person sharing (July – Oct, 24 – 31 Dec)
$5,780 per person sharing (June, 1 Nov – 23 Dec)

2027
$6,190 per person sharing (1 – 4 Jan)
$5,780 per person sharing (5 Jan – 31 March)

Price Includes

6 nights accommodation on a full board basis (Rufiji River Camp, Ruaha River Lodge)
All meals
Tea and coffee
Two daily game activities per day
All air and road transfers as per itinerary
Parks and Concession Fees
Laundry
2 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (A selected hotel in Dar es Salaam)

Price Excludes

International flights
Visas
Airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities
Beverages
Meals not stated

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William McCormack
20 November 2025
I cannot say enough about the service received from African Travel Agent Petru. From beginning to end it was excellent. The detail and the professionalism is to be attained by others. Ive had 3 trips over number of years and each time I am delighted with the engagement, suggestions, etc and most importantly the trips we highlights to me. Ive recommended Petru to friends and those who did reach out were also very pleased. I highly recommend this agent and company. Till we engage again, Thank you Petru and continue delivering a top service.
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20 November 2025
We’ve been booking through African Travel Gateway for over 25 years now and honestly, they’ve never dropped the ball once. They have looked after us for ages and just get what works for our family. This last trip we took the three kids (11, 9 and 6) to South Africa – Cape Town, a few nights camping in the Karoo, and then Kruger. They put the whole thing together perfectly: nothing felt rushed, everything suited the kids, and the logistics were completely painless. Cape Town was great fun (Table Mountain, penguins, the works). The Karoo nights were something else – massive sky full of stars, big campfire, total peace and quiet the kids still go on about. And Kruger… wow. We saw the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino – plus heaps of giraffe, zebra and everything else, pretty much every single drive. The guides were brilliant with the children and kept everyone safe. Everything just worked – flights, transfers, the lot. They checked in along the way and tweaked little things when we needed. Proper personal service. If you’re thinking of taking kids to South Africa, we can’t recommend African Travel Gateway enough.
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30 September 2025
A heartfelt thank you to Bianca for arranging our unforgettable journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Everything went smoothly from start to finish, and your attention to detail made all the difference. Alex and I enjoyed every moment — from the breathtaking landscapes to the incredible wildlife and the welcoming people we met along the way. It was truly the trip of a lifetime, and we are so grateful for all the care and effort you put into making it perfect. With sincere appreciation,
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02 September 2025
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04 August 2025
We had a wonderful time visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. We had a party of 10, including 4 grandchildren ages 10 and 8 and everything went beautifully. Lize did a great job helping us plan the itinerary, booking flights within Africa and identifying the best lodging and camps for us to visit. We saw the Big 5 on two separate days and also saw African wild dogs. Each of our camps in Sabi Sands, Victoria Falls and Moremi Game Reserve had a distinct style but all were welcoming and comfortable and animals proliferated. We would definitely use African Travel Gateway if we return to Africa. Thanks Lize!
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18 July 2025
Working with Lize, we crafted our second fully customized self-drive adventure through Southern Africa - this time in Northern Namibia. The itinerary was a perfect blend of rugged campsites and luxurious lodges. Lize’s expert knowledge and thoughtful advice were invaluable, everything was planned to perfection. We had the most incredible time, experiencing so much of what this stunning region has to offer, yet it feels like we’ve only just scratched the surface. We can’t wait for our next adventure!
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11 July 2025
We had an amazing trip! Petru did an outstanding job putting everything together for us! Truly couldn't imagine having a better experience. We are incredibly thankful!
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13 June 2025
Just returned from a safari with my partner and 2 friends. 3 countries South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana. We stayed at Wilderness camps, accommodation and service was great and the wildlife sightings were excellent. All the arrangements and connections went like clockwork, Thanks again Lize from ATG.
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13 June 2025
We had a wonderful trip to Africa with everything arranged by Bianca Gersbach. She was extremely attentive to our wishes, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We wanted a full overview for our first trip to Africa, and we received it. We went on Safari in 3 countries: South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. We saw so many animals! But that wasn't all, we had a delightful visit to the South African wine country, and deep-dive experiences in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. The township tours and trip to the Apartheid Museum really opened our eyes. At times, Bianca knew what we wanted better than we did. She insisted that we'd enjoy the Okabango Panhandle, and we did! It was magical. A real highlight. A less engaged travel consultant might have let me make a suboptimal choice. We also enjoyed several days in Victoria Falls. I can't praise Bianca and African Travel Gateway enough. We will certainly use them again when we decide to return, and we will return. Once is not enough!
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01 May 2025
We asked for a holiday of a lifetime for my wife's birthday ... and Lize Enderstein and ATG certainly delivered!!! We could not have experienced such a magnificent trip without all Lize's organisation and planning. It was an absolute dream! So much so, we're looking to visit again and will certainly be using Lize for our next adventure. Nothing was too much trouble and all the planning made everything work so very smoothly. We felt like royalty throughout our trip with all sorts of birthday surprises already booked at every location. Incredible!!! We are so very grateful for everything Lize arranged and can't thank her enough and would heartily recommend Lize and ATG. Jim and Melanie xxx
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29 January 2025
I have been using African Travel Gateway for about 30 years and not once have they let me down. My travels have been varied, visiting different countries and cultures in Africa, but with their help, it is always a magic carpet ride. Lize has been my contact for many years, and the intineries devised have been spectacular. She really understands our requirements and goes the extra mile to ensure all is OK. This time, we visited South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Everything was amazing. Our highlights, however, were La Fontaine in Franshoek and Camp Xakanaxa in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We HIGHLY recommend African Travel Gateway
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21 January 2025
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08 January 2025
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27 December 2024
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