Discover the untamed beauty of Southern Tanzania with Facile Safaris on a 10-day safari through the Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park) and Ruaha National Park, offering an intimate exploration of some of Africa’s largest and least-visited wilderness areas. This tour immerses you in Selous’ sprawling waterways teeming with hippos and crocodiles, Ruaha’s predator-rich savannas dotted with baobabs, and a cultural introduction in Dar es Salaam, featuring game drives, walking safaris, boat trips, and interactions with local communities. With expert guides, mid-range to luxury tented camps, and domestic flights for seamless travel, Tanzania southern safaris by Facile Safaris deliver a remote, authentic adventure for wildlife and nature lovers.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Coastal Welcome
Your safari begins as you arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where a Facile Safaris representative greets you and transfers you to the comfortable Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, a mid-range hotel by the harbor. After settling in, join a guided afternoon tour of the city, visiting the National Museum to explore Tanzania’s history and the bustling Kariakoo Market for a taste of local life. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, featuring coastal dishes like grilled prawns and coconut rice, preparing you for the wilderness ahead.
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Selous – Into the Wilderness
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, now part of Nyerere National Park. Check into the Selous River Camp, a mid-range tented camp overlooking the Rufiji River. Join an afternoon boat safari along the river, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds like the African skimmer, with your guide sharing insights on the ecosystem. Savor a sunset dinner at the camp, with the river’s gentle flow and wildlife calls creating a serene ambiance.
Day 3: Selous – Game Drives and Wildlife
Rise early for a morning game drive in Selous, exploring its open plains and woodlands to spot elephants, giraffes, and wild dogs, with your guide navigating for optimal sightings. Enjoy a bush breakfast under an acacia tree, followed by an afternoon game drive to seek lions and leopards, with Selous’ vastness ensuring uncrowded views. Return to Selous River Camp for a relaxing evening, with a communal dinner featuring Tanzanian dishes like ugali and nyama choma, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters.
Day 4: Selous – Walking Safari and Village Visit
Start with a guided walking safari in Selous, tracking smaller wildlife like bushbuck and learning about medicinal plants, accompanied by an armed ranger for safety. After a picnic lunch, visit a nearby village to interact with local communities, learning about their fishing traditions and trying a traditional dance. Return to Selous River Camp for a free afternoon, perhaps relaxing by the river. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, with a menu of grilled fish and local vegetables, celebrating Selous’ remote charm.
Day 5: Selous – Full-Day Exploration
Dedicate the day to a full-day game drive in Selous, venturing deeper into the reserve to explore lakes and channels, spotting buffalo, zebras, and birds like the saddle-billed stork, with a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint. Your guide will focus on tracking elusive predators like cheetahs, maximizing your wildlife sightings. Return to Selous River Camp in the late afternoon, with time to unwind. Savor a hearty dinner by the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures in this pristine wilderness.
Day 6: Selous to Ruaha – Baobab Wilderness
After breakfast, fly by domestic charter from Selous to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, known for its rugged landscapes and predator populations. Check into the Ruaha River Lodge, a mid-range tented camp along the Great Ruaha River. Join an afternoon game drive, spotting lions, leopards, and elephants amidst baobab-dotted savannas, with your guide highlighting Ruaha’s biodiversity. Enjoy a sundowner by the river, followed by a dinner featuring Tanzanian specialties like kachumbari salad, with the park’s tranquility enhancing the evening.
Day 7: Ruaha – Predators and Game Drives
Begin with a morning game drive in Ruaha, focusing on its high predator density to spot prides of lions and packs of hyenas, with your guide using radio updates for sightings. Enjoy a bush breakfast, followed by an afternoon game drive to see giraffes, kudu, and birds like the Lilac-breasted roller. Return to Ruaha River Lodge for a relaxing evening, perhaps lounging on your private veranda. Savor a communal dinner under the stars, with dishes like grilled tilapia, reflecting on Ruaha’s wild beauty.
Day 8: Ruaha – Walking Safari and River Exploration
Experience Ruaha on foot with a morning walking safari, tracking antelope and learning about the park’s flora, guided by an armed ranger for an intimate perspective. After a picnic lunch, join a short game drive along the Ruaha River, spotting hippos and crocodiles, with opportunities for photography. Return to Ruaha River Lodge for a free afternoon to relax or birdwatch from the camp. Enjoy a romantic dinner by the riverbank, featuring Tanzanian cuisine like matoke, with the park’s nocturnal sounds adding to the atmosphere.
Day 9: Ruaha to Dar es Salaam – Coastal Return
After a final morning game drive in Ruaha, seeking cheetahs or rare sable antelope, enjoy breakfast at Ruaha River Lodge before flying back to Dar es Salaam. Check into the Southern Sun Dar es Salaam for a comfortable stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s coastal charm, visiting the Slipway for artisan crafts and ocean views, guided by your Facile Safaris representative. Savor a farewell dinner at a harborside restaurant, featuring Swahili dishes like biryani, reminiscing about your wilderness journey.
Day 10: Dar es Salaam – Farewell to Tanzania
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, with time for a morning walk along the harbor or browsing local markets for souvenirs like Tanzanite jewelry or wood carvings. A Facile Safaris representative transfers you to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your departure, leaving you with memories of Selous’ waterways, Ruaha’s predators, and Tanzania’s warm hospitality, courtesy of Facile Safaris Tanzania.
Estimated Price for 2 People Sharing
The estimated cost for this 10-day Southern Tanzania safari with Facile Safaris is $7,200 for two people sharing, based on double occupancy. This includes mid-range to luxury accommodations (Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, Selous River Camp, Ruaha River Lodge), daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, all domestic charter flights, ground transfers, park fees, guided game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, cultural visits, and expert guides. Prices exclude international flights, additional meals, personal expenses, and optional activities like extra market visits. Rates are subject to availability and may vary by season, with the dry season (June–October) ideal for wildlife viewing; contact Facile Safaris for a tailored quote.
