This six-day overland camping safari links two of southern Tanzania greatest parks, the water-rich Nyerere on the Rufiji River and the wild, baobab-studded Ruaha. It is a proper budget adventure for travellers happy to cover long distances by road in exchange for raw, uncrowded wilderness.
You combine Nyerere boat safaris and game drives with Ruaha rugged landscapes, big elephant herds and strong lion prides along the Great Ruaha River. Nights are spent under canvas at simple camps, with your crew handling cooking and logistics so you can focus on the wildlife.
Leave Dar es Salaam in the morning and drive south for around five to six hours to Nyerere National Park, entering through the Mtemere Gate area. An afternoon game drive brings you toward the Rufiji River in search of giraffe, buffalo and elephant. You camp at a basic site near the river and enjoy dinner prepared by the safari crew.
Explore Nyerere with a morning game drive across the floodplains, watching for lion, wild dog and grazing herds. After a midday break at camp you head onto the Rufiji River for a boat safari past hippos, crocodiles and elephants drinking at the shore. Return to camp for a sundowner and another night under the stars.
Today is a long overland driving day as you travel west and inland toward Ruaha National Park, watching the landscape shift into rugged baobab country. Stops for lunch and to stretch break up the journey along the way. You arrive at your Ruaha camp in the late afternoon and settle in near the Great Ruaha River for the night.
Dedicate a full day to game drives in Ruaha, one of Tanzania largest and least crowded parks. The rolling, baobab-dotted country is famous for large elephant herds, big lion prides and dry-country species such as greater kudu. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and return to camp in the evening for dinner and rest.
Take an early morning game drive along the Great Ruaha River when predators and wildlife are most active. After breakfast you break camp and begin the long overland drive back toward the east, breaking the journey with meal and rest stops. You reach an overnight camp or lodge en route and settle in for the night.
After breakfast you complete the final leg of the overland journey back to Dar es Salaam. The changing scenery of southern Tanzania keeps the drive interesting as you travel toward the coast. You arrive in the city in the afternoon, where the safari ends or you are transferred to the airport for departure.
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