Ruaha & Nyerere — the Southern Wild

Overview

The parks most itineraries skip. Bigger, emptier, and the best chance in Tanzania of a morning with no other vehicle in sight.

Highlights

• Boat safari on the Rufiji
• Walking safari with an armed ranger
• Two flights, no long transfers

Photographs

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Fly to Nyerere

   A light aircraft south from Dar. The Rufiji appears about ten minutes before you land.

   Nyerere Sand Rivers All meals

2. Day 2

   Boat safari on the Rufiji

   Hippo, crocodile and the birdlife of the sandbanks — from the water, which changes everything.

   Nyerere Sand Rivers All meals

3. Day 3

   Walking safari

   On foot with an armed ranger. Slower, closer, and a different animal entirely.

   Nyerere Sand Rivers All meals

4. Day 4

   Lakes circuit

   The chain of lakes at the heart of the park, and the best chance of wild dog.

   Nyerere Sand Rivers All meals

5. Day 5

   Fly to Ruaha

   West across the highlands to Tanzania’s largest park.

   Ruaha Jongomero All meals

6. Day 6

   Great Ruaha river

   Along the sand river — elephant digging for water, and lion prides that run to twenty.

   Ruaha Jongomero All meals

7. Day 7

   Miombo woodland

   Deeper west, where most vehicles do not go. Greater and lesser kudu in the same morning.

   Ruaha Jongomero All meals

8. Day 8

   A last full day

   Yours to repeat whatever was best.

   Ruaha Jongomero All meals

9. Day 9

   Fly to Dar

   Morning flight back to the coast for onward connections.

   Dar es Salaam Breakfast

What is and is not included