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.

A view of the Great Ruaha River

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

 

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:

2024
$4,850 per person sharing (July – Oct, 24 – 31 Dec)
$4,460 per person sharing (June, 1 Nov – 23 Dec) 

2025
$4,850 per person sharing (1 – 4 Jan)
$4,460 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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