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Destinations

Arusha National Park Lake Manyara National Park Mafia Island Mahale Mountains National Park Mkomazi National Park Mount Kilimanjaro Ngorongoro Crater Nyerere National Park Ruaha National Park Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park Zanzibar
Northern Circuit Southern Circuit Western Circuit Eastern Circuit Coastal Circuit

Travel Style

Honeymoon Escapes High-End Luxury Family Friendly

Adventure

Hot Air Balloon
Calving Season Jan - Mar (Ndutu) River Crossing Jul - Oct (Mara)

Currency

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Southern Circuit 7 Days

7 Southern Tanzania Grand Safari

Starting from $2,974 per person

Multi-Destination
Private & Exclusive
Family

About this Journey

This 7-day itinerary is a premier Luxury and High-End expedition into the remote and untamed heart of Tanzania's Southern Circuit, designed for the intrepid traveler seeking profound wilderness and exceptional biodiversity. Featuring exclusive accommodations such as Rufiji River Camp and Ruaha River Lodge, it ensures comfort in some of Africa's most pristine and secluded settings. The journey offers an immersive exploration of two iconic yet distinct parks: beginning with the vast, riverine ecosystems of Nyerere National Park (Selous), renowned for its wild dogs and black rhino, before embarking on an epic overland journey to the rugged, baobab-dotted landscapes of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest park, famous for its large elephant herds and dramatic predator sightings. This itinerary is characterized by its sense of true adventure, covering significant distances to connect these two giants of conservation, and is ideal for seasoned safari enthusiasts looking to experience the raw, uncrowded beauty and remarkable wildlife concentrations of Southern Tanzania in a single, transformative journey.

Daily Schedule

7 Stops
Day 1

Arrive Dar es Salaam.

Upon your arrival at Nyerere International Airport (time to be advised), you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodation. As you settle in, you will have the opportunity to relax after your journey and take in the surroundings. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served, allowing you to savor local flavors and prepare for the exciting days ahead. After dinner, you can unwind and rest comfortably, enjoying a peaceful overnight stay in preparation for the adventures to come.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeMediterranean Hotel
LuxuryDar es Salaam Serena
Day 2

Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park.

We begin our adventure with an early morning departure from Dar es Salaam, heading southwest to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve. The journey spans about 230 kilometers and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, including time for stops and park entrance formalities. Upon arrival, we enter the park and begin our first exciting game drive, exploring the diverse habitats ranging from woodlands and grasslands to the river systems of the mighty Rufiji River. Nyerere is one of Africa’s richest ecosystems and home to the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino. We enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize our time in the wild. In the late afternoon, we head to our lodge or tented camp within the park for dinner and an overnight stay, immersed in the untouched beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeLake Manze Camp
LuxuryRufiji River Camp
Day 3

Nyerere National Park.

We spend the entire day immersed in further game drives and exploration within the vast expanse of Nyerere National Park. This park, with its rich network of rivers, open plains, and dense woodlands, offers some of the most diverse wildlife sightings in Tanzania. As we continue our search for the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino, we also have the chance to encounter wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, particularly around the Rufiji River. The day includes a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas, allowing us to remain deep in the bush without returning to camp. After an exciting day of wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes, we return to our accommodation within the park for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay, enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeLake Manze Camp
LuxuryRufiji River Camp
Day 4

Nyerere National Park – Ruaha National Park.

After an early breakfast, we will depart from Nyerere National Park and begin our journey towards Ruaha National Park. The drive is long and scenic, covering approximately 600 km, which can take around 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. We will carry packed lunches to enjoy en route while taking in the diverse landscapes of southern Tanzania, transitioning from the lush lowlands of Nyerere to the rugged, semi-arid terrain of Ruaha. Upon entering Ruaha, we’ll begin our first game drive within the park, offering a chance to spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife unique to this vast wilderness. As the sun begins to set, we’ll game-drive our way to our special camp inside the park, arriving in time for a warm dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeRuaha Hilltop
LuxuryRuaha River Lodge
Day 5

Ruaha National Park.

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast and untamed wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote safari destinations. After an early morning wake-up, we will head deep into the bush with our packed lunch, allowing for an uninterrupted day of game drives and wildlife viewing. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha offers a dramatic landscape of baobab-studded plains, rocky escarpments, and the winding Great Ruaha River — a lifeline that attracts a high concentration of wildlife. Throughout the day, we will search for iconic species such as elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and possibly even the endangered African wild dog. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy the park’s rich avian diversity. As the day winds down, we’ll make our way back to the lodge or camp in the early evening for a well-deserved dinner and a restful overnight stay under the stars.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeRuaha Hilltop
LuxuryRuaha River Lodge
Day 6

Ruaha National Park.

Today is fully dedicated to game drives and exploration within the vast and remote Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of its best-kept secrets. Covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha is famed for its dramatic landscapes, baobab-studded plains, and the winding Great Ruaha River, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife. As we venture deeper into the park, we search for its iconic inhabitants, including large prides of lions, herds of elephants, leopards, and rare species such as the sable and roan antelopes. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 570 bird species recorded. We enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize our time in the bush. After a thrilling day of discovery and photography, we return to our lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation Options
Mid-RangeRuaha Hilltop
LuxuryRuaha River Lodge
Day 7

Travel Day.

After an early morning breakfast and checkout from your camp or lodge in Ruaha National Park, we prepare for your departure. You’ll be transferred to the nearby Ruaha airstrip, a scenic drive through the park that may offer final glimpses of wildlife along the way. From the airstrip, you will board a domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of your unforgettable southern Tanzania safari. As you soar above the rugged terrain, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife encounters that made this journey truly special.
End of Itinerary
Accommodation Options

Package Inclusions

Included

  • * All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • * Hotel and lodge accommodation as detailed
  • * All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • * Bottled drinking water
  • * Services of various local guides
  • * All National Park entrance and camp site fees
  • * All food - breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
  • * Donations and payments to local community projects
  • * Flight from Ruaha National Park to Dar es Salaam

Excluded

  • * International flights
  • * Travel and personal accident insurance
  • * Visa, passport, vaccinations, and medicines
  • * Tips (While tipping is not obligatory, it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guide's hard work and dedication in making your trip memorable. A recommended amount is US$30 per day per guest.)
  • * Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
  • * Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
  • * any additional services requested
Free PDF

Safari Packing List

Essential items, health tips, and travel advice prepared by our experts.

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2025/2026 Rates (USD)

Service Tier 1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4 Guests 5 Guests 6 Guests 7 Guests 8 Guests 9 Guests 10 Guests
Mid-RangeComfort Lodges $4,110 $3,695 $3,358 $3,190 $3,089 $3,022 $2,974 $3,190 $3,139 $3,089
LuxuryPremium Camps $4,643 $4,175 $3,795 $3,605 $3,490 $3,415 $3,360 $3,605 $3,547 $3,490

Frequently Asked Questions

Our safari prices typically include park fees, accommodation as per your chosen tier (Mid-Range, Luxury, or Exclusive), private 4x4 vehicle, professional English-speaking guide, all meals on safari, and Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover. International flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses are not included.

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At Visit Tanzania, every itinerary is adjustable. Our specialists work closely with you to customize this trip to your exact preferences.

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