Pair two of southern Tanzania’s greatest wildernesses on a seven-day journey linked by light aircraft. Begin on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park, where boat safaris, game drives and walking safaris reveal hippos, elephants and African wild dogs from a luxurious riverside camp.
Then fly on to Ruaha National Park, a rugged landscape of baobabs and rocky hills famed for huge elephant herds, large lion prides and both greater and lesser kudu. Together the parks offer a rich, contrasting portrait of Tanzania’s wild south, guided privately throughout.
Depart Dar es Salaam on a short light-aircraft flight to Nyerere National Park. Your private guide welcomes you at the airstrip and drives you to a luxury riverside tented camp for lunch. In the late afternoon, ease into the safari with a game drive along the Rufiji floodplain and a sundowner by the river.
Head out early for a game drive in search of lions, giraffe and buffalo across the open country. Relax at camp through the warm midday hours. In the afternoon, take the classic Rufiji River boat safari, watching hippos, crocodiles and elephants along the banks as fish eagles patrol the water.
Join an armed ranger for a guided walking safari, tuning into tracks, birdsong and the finer texture of the bush. Later, drive out to Lake Tagalala and its hot springs, watching for large gatherings of hippos and crocodiles. Return to camp for an afternoon of rest and a candlelit dinner overlooking the Rufiji.
After a final morning drive in Nyerere, transfer to the airstrip for a light-aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park, landing at Msembe airstrip. A guide meets you and transfers to a luxury tented camp among the baobabs. Settle in with lunch, then take an afternoon game drive along the Great Ruaha River.
Spend a full day exploring Ruaha's dramatic landscapes, where large elephant herds gather beneath ancient baobabs. Track the park's famous big lion prides and scan the rocky kopjes for leopard and cheetah. Pause for a bush lunch in the shade before continuing the search into the golden afternoon light.
Set out at dawn to look for greater and lesser kudu, among Ruaha's signature species, along with giraffe and buffalo. Follow the Great Ruaha River where wildlife concentrates around the remaining water. After a restful midday break, enjoy a final afternoon drive and sundowners over the sweeping baobab plains.
Enjoy an early breakfast and, if time allows, a short final game drive near camp. Your guide then transfers you to Msembe airstrip for the light-aircraft flight back toward Dar es Salaam. Connect there with onward arrangements or a Zanzibar beach extension.
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