Unspoilt Safari Experiences
RUAHA & SELOUS SAFARI IN SOUTHERN TANZANIA
Think back-to-basic luxury off the beaten track on this week-long Ruaha & Selous Safari in Southern Tanzania. This trip combines the game-rich plains of Ruaha National Park, with the endless plains of the Selous Game Reserve.
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park but one of the least busy places to visit. Baobabs and misty hills stretch along the horizon and are the perfect backdrop for excellent wildlife sighting opportunities. Ruaha It is home to large herds of elephants, the impressive and rare Sable and Kudu, massive herds of buffalo and zebra along with a healthy lion and leopard population. Other predators seen are cheetah, bat-eared foxes and jackals and you might see the endangered wild dog.
The Great Ruaha River is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, with its deep gorges, swirling rapids and offers excellent fishing. Crocodiles inhabit the Ruaha and Mzombe rivers, as well as a number of other reptiles. With over 400 species of birds records, Ruaha is also a bird lovers paradise. A Ruaha safari feels remote and exclusive and this area will certainly deliver just that.
A Selous Safari takes you deep into the undisturbed wilderness that is home to a spectacular array of flora and fauna. In fact, Selous’ diversity of wildlife combined with dramatic landscapes, resulted in the park being declared a World Heritage site. A Selous safari offers walking safaris, game drives and boat cruises.
Selous Game Reserve’s northern sector had its name changed to Nyerere National Park in honour of Tanzania’s first president Julius Nyerere (1922-1999). For now, we still refer to the area as Selous until such time as the new name becomes recognisable.
This 7 night Ruaha and Selous Safari in Southern Tanzania splits its time with 3 nights at Kigelia Ruaha and 4 nights at Sand River Selous camps, both run by Nomad Tanzania. Nomad Tanzania is at the forefront of sustainable safaris and community upliftment projects and promises an original and exhilarating safari experience.
Ruaha & Selous Safari in Southern Tanzania for 2023
This trip includes 7 nights’ accommodation, meals and local house drinks, all park fees for both Ruaha and Selous, all scheduled activities, charter flights throughout, and departing Dar es Salaam. * This trip can be combined with the northern Tanzania safari circuit as well as a visit to the chimpanzees of Mahahe and the white sand beaches of Zanzibar.
Families are welcome on this safari.
Day by Day itinerary
Days 01 to 04 – Kigelia Ruaha
You will board a charter flight from Dar es Salaam for the flight to Ruaha. On arrival, your wildlife experience starts with a game drive from the airstrip to camp. Your first camp is the understated Kigelia Ruaha, located in an area that provides superb wildlife sightings. Named for the sausage trees that surround the camp, Kigelia Ruaha has a light footprint with minimal impact on the surroundings.
Each of the 6 well-positioned tents blends in with the environment. Complete with stylish decor and all the comforts you would need, each tent has a large bed, solar-powered lights and a lockable trunk. The ensuite bathroom is a simple solution with a flushing loo. The outdoor safari shower is a bucket shower. Each tent has a small deck to sit out on and enjoy the views.
Game drives in open safari vehicles showcase this wild and untouched wilderness. A bush walk is encouraged, to show you a towering baobab up close along with the many other interesting things found in the bush. Kigelia Ruaha is in a high-traffic remote area of Ruaha so it is not uncommon to see elephants and other animals wandering right past your tent.
Days 04 to 08 – Sand Rivers Selous
From Ruaha, you will board a charter flight to fly the short distance to the Selous Game Reserve. A short drive sees you arrive at Sand Rivers Selous, your camp for the next 4 nights. Located on a gorgeous spot overlooking the mighty Rufiji River, Sand Rivers is located in the northern Selous, one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa. The sandbanks of the river below have crocodiles sunning themselves, hippos and waterbuck nearby and many birds flitting around.
Sand Rivers is a stylish and luxurious safari lodge offering exceptional guiding and service. Each of the stone cottages overlooks the river and there are secluded standard rooms and suites with private lounges and plunge pools available. The standard rooms are open to the view in front, the bed nestles under a large mosquito net and there is a couch set out on the deck. Ensuite bathrooms are spacious and partially open to the surrounding bush. The suites are higher on the hill and have a large bedroom, stretching to the lounge and a private plunge pool on the deck. The main areas have a lounge, library, sofas and sitting areas and a swimming pool. All with panoramic views.
Your time in the Selous (Nyerere National Park) is spent how you like, as activities are tailored to suit you. Game viewing from Sand Rivers is excellent and the activities include game drives, bush meals, boat trips, fishing, walking trips, a swim in the hot pools and more. The landscape is varied, with Lake Tagalala near as well as the Beho Beho Hills. Spend some quiet time on your private deck or in the nearby hide.
At the end of your stay, you will transfer back to the airstrip for your charter flight to Dar es Salaam and your onward travel. Perhaps connect straight to the beach from some white sand beaches and barefoot luxury.
