Tanzania · Safari

10-Day Southern Circuit Safari and Zanzibar Escape with Rufiji Boat Safari

10 Days Round trip from Tanzania Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Nyerere National Park, one of Africa's largest protected wildlife areas
  • 02 Enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River with views of hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds
  • 03 Discover Ruaha National Park on guided game drives in a wild, remote setting
  • 04 Experience Ruaha's dramatic landscapes of ancient baobab trees, rocky escarpments, and vast savannahs
  • 05 Benefit from a more exclusive safari experience with fewer crowds than the northern parks
  • 06 Relax on Zanzibar's powder-white beaches and swim in turquoise Indian Ocean waters
  • 07 Discover Stone Town's Swahili culture, spice markets, and Arab-influenced architecture
  • 08 Combine wildlife safaris, river adventures, cultural discovery, and island relaxation in one trip

This 10-day journey through Tanzania's Southern Circuit combines thrilling wildlife safaris with a relaxing island escape. Begin in Nyerere National Park, where boat safaris along the Rufiji River reveal hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, while game drives showcase elephants, lions, and other wildlife. Continue to Ruaha National Park, famous for its dramatic landscapes, ancient baobab trees, and excellent predator sightings in a remote, unspoiled setting. The adventure ends in Zanzibar, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Swahili culture offer the perfect place to unwind. This itinerary blends authentic safari experiences, comfortable lodges, and tropical beauty for an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

This 10-day journey through Tanzania's Southern Circuit combines thrilling wildlife safaris with a relaxing island escape.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

10-Day Southern Circuit Safari and Zanzibar Escape

Day 1: Dar es Salaam / Nyerere National Park

Depart Dar es Salaam at 07:00 am for Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous. The park was named after Frederick Courtney Selous and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. Originally protected by the German Governor in 1896, it is now one of the largest conservation areas in the world.

The drive to the park follows Kilwa Road, passing through local villages before arriving at Mtemere Gate. After lunch, relax for one hour before heading out on an afternoon game drive, with the chance to see wildlife such as elephants, zebras, buffalo, lions, giraffes, and many more. Later, return to the camp for relaxation.

  • Main destination: Nyerere National Park
  • Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp. Luxury tented camp located in Nyerere NP.
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included and drinking water. Other drinks are not included.

Day 2: Nyerere National Park - Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Great Rufiji River

This park, previously known as Selous Game Reserve, is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world and is located in the southern part of Tanzania. After breakfast, you will have the chance to explore the wild beauty of Nyerere National Park.

Enjoy a private game drive in the park until afternoon, then return to the hotel for lunch and relax for a few hours. Later, embark on a boat safari on the Rufiji River, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, many wild animals, and numerous bird species for about two hours until sunset. Afterward, return to the hotel for relaxation.

  • Main destination: Nyerere National Park
  • Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp. Luxury tented camp located in Nyerere NP.
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included and drinking water. Other drinks are not included.

Day 3: Fly from Nyerere National Park to Ruaha National Park - Full Guided Game Drive

After an early breakfast, enjoy a game drive en route to the airstrip for your safari flight at 07:45 am to Ruaha National Park, arriving at 09:30 am. The park was named after the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its southeastern margin and is the focal point for game viewing.

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, taking in the wildlife and seeing what nature provides, before returning to the lodge for evening relaxation.

  • Main destination: Ruaha National Park
  • Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge. Luxury lodge located in Ruaha NP.
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included and drinking water. Other drinks are not included.

Day 4: Explore Ruaha National Park - Full-Day Game Drive

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Ruaha National Park. The unique part of this huge park is the convergence of vegetation zones, which has resulted in an unusual combination of animals, particularly greater and lesser kudu, together with sable and roan antelopes - a feature not found in other national parks in the country.

Almost as large as the Serengeti, Ruaha remains one of the most exciting game reserves thanks to its untouched nature. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with 350 different species of birds. Wildlife is concentrated along the Great Ruaha River, which is the heart of the park. You may see waterbuck, impala, and Grant's gazelle, while the shores of the Great Ruaha River are the permanent hunting ground of lion, leopard, jackal, hyenas, and African wild dog. Enjoy the fascinating beauty of Ruaha.

  • Main destination: Ruaha National Park
  • Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge. Luxury lodge located in Ruaha NP.
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included and drinking water. Other drinks are not included.

Day 5: Explore Ruaha National Park - Full-Day Game Drive

Enjoy a full-day guided game drive in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest and most unspoiled wilderness, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional wildlife diversity. The day unfolds across vast savannahs, rolling hills, ancient baobab forests, rocky escarpments, and the life-giving Great Ruaha River, which attracts animals year-round.

With an expert guide, track large prides of lions, elusive leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and impressive herds of elephants and buffalo. Ruaha is also a stronghold for greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelope, giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. Birdlife is prolific, with over 570 species, including fish eagles, hornbills, kingfishers, and colorful bee-eaters. Scenic viewpoints reveal sweeping vistas and riverine habitats where hippos and crocodiles bask. The quieter, less crowded atmosphere allows for longer sightings and authentic encounters, making this immersive game drive a perfect blend of wildlife, raw nature, and breathtaking African landscapes.

  • Main destination: Ruaha National Park
  • Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge. Luxury lodge located in Ruaha NP.
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included and drinking water. Other drinks are not included.

Day 6: Ruaha National Park / Zanzibar Archipelago Island

After an early morning breakfast, enjoy your final sunrise game drive in Ruaha National Park en route to Msembe Airstrip. Along the way, you will see the hippo pool and enjoy a nice view from the bridge. Make the most of your last safari moments, with the chance to see crocodiles, elephants, zebras, buffalo, and many more animals.

You will arrive at Msembe in time for your flight at 10:40 am to Zanzibar, arriving at 02:20 pm. This marks the end of your marvelous wildlife safari. Upon arrival, meet and greet your representative, then transfer to the resort for evening relaxation. Stay four nights on an island that holds legendary status among travelers as an exotic paradise blessed with palm-fringed shores, timeless fishing villages, and lush plantations.

  • Main destination: Zanzibar
  • Accommodation: Sultan Sands Beach Resort, located on Kiwengwa Beach, Zanzibar
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included and drinking water. Other drinks are not included.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport to catch your international onward flight at the end of your safari.

End of services

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 3 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Includes:

  • Fully guided game drives with an English-speaking professional driver-guide
  • All park fees and concession fees included
  • Game drives in private 4WD open safari Land Cruisers with opening and closing roofs
  • Game drives in shared 4WD open-sided Land Cruisers
  • All transfers during the safari
  • All meals, plus lunch boxes for game drives
  • Boat safari in Nyerere National Park
  • Domestic flights: Nyerere NP / Ruaha NP / Zanzibar Island
  • Full-board meal plan during safari and half-board in Zanzibar
  • Bottled drinking water during game drives
  • The price is inclusive of all government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

Excludes:

  • International economy flights with Ethiopian Airlines
  • Tanzania visa
  • Mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance to purchase directly
  • Yellow Fever certificate, if applicable
  • Travel & medical insurance
  • Beverages (soft and alcoholic)
  • Laundry
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Personal, medical, travel, and baggage insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Tourism Development Levy: $5 per person per night for Zanzibar hotel, payable directly
  • Government taxes or levies that may be imposed before arrival
  • Tips to the guide are highly recommended at $25 per day during the safari

What to bring

  • Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive) for safari activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
  • Light jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings on safari
  • Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
  • Camera or smartphone with extra batteries/charger for wildlife photography
  • Binoculars for better wildlife viewing during game drives
  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions
  • Personal medications and basic first aid items
  • Swimwear and beach sandals for relaxing in Zanzibar
  • Light rain jacket depending on the season
  • Travel documents (passport, visa if required, travel insurance, and copies of important documents)

Know before you go

  • Best time to travel: The Southern Circuit, including Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, is best visited during the dry season (June-October), when wildlife viewing is excellent.
  • Visa & passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania, which can often be obtained on arrival or online.
  • Vaccinations & health: Recommended vaccinations may include Yellow Fever, if arriving from endemic countries. Malaria prevention is also advised. Consult your doctor before travel.
  • Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations is highly recommended.
  • Domestic flights: Some parts of the itinerary involve light aircraft flights between parks and to Zanzibar, where luggage is usually limited to soft bags of about 15 kg.
  • Weather & climate: Expect warm temperatures during the day and cooler mornings and evenings on safari. Zanzibar is generally warm and humid year-round.
  • Safari activities: Activities may include game drives, boat safaris, and guided nature walks depending on park regulations and lodge schedules.
  • Currency & payments: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, though US Dollars are widely accepted in tourism areas. Credit cards may be accepted at lodges and hotels.
  • Responsible tourism: Respect wildlife and local cultures, follow your guide's instructions, and help preserve the natural environment during your visit.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tour start
Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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