Unknown, but much loved Southern Tanzania!
Unspoilt nature, lots of animals, little tourism and very varied safari areas. Small-scale accommodations, personal service, fantastic guides and great respect for people and the environment.
The national parks in southern Tanzania have so much to offer!
Your journey begins in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). In this park you can take walking-, jeep- and boat safaris. It’s really great to cruise the Rufiji River, see the hippos and crocodiles up close and the other animals on the banks. (Also read our blog about this).
After this you will visit the pristine, rugged Ruaha National Park. This largest national park in Tanzania has very diverse nature and large groups of animals around the large Ruaha river.
You end this safari on the beach of the relaxing tropical island of Mafia.
- Travel schedule Click to view
- Dar es Salaam Day 1
- Nyerere / Selous Day 2 - 5
- Ruaha Day 6 - 8
- Ruaha - continued Day 9 - 10
- Mafia Island Day 11 - 15
- Back home Day 16 - 17
Travel schedule
The safari starts with four nights in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). The large Nyerere National Park is mainly known for the many rivers and lakes, the large groups of elephants and buffalos. Sailing among hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds is an unforgettable experience.
You will then spend six nights in Ruaha National Park at two different locations. An impressive and remote park with a wide variety of landscapes and animals. You will find the last population of wild dogs here.
You can relax and/or do water sports on the tropical island of Mafia. This authentic green island has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for divers and (adventurous) travelers looking for something special.
Dar es Salaam
The journey starts in Dar es Salaam; the capital of Tanzania. You will be met at the airport and enjoy your first evening in a comfortable hotel on the water in a suburb of Dar es Salaam. A nice place to enjoy a snack and drink in the evening after the flight.
Nyerere / Selous
After breakfast you will leave with your driver and private jeep for the scenic and unique Nyerere National Park. On the way there you will enjoy changing landscapes with villages, beautiful plains and hills. The road is unpaved and somewhat bumpy, but the views more than make up for it. If you would rather fly, that is of course also possible.
The coming days will be filled with adventurous safaris by jeep. But you also take a boat safari and sail across the many rivers and lakes to get a good look at the animals from the water.
You are far away from the hustle and bustle and slowly become part of this atmospheric and diverse nature.
Ruaha
From Nyerere National Park you fly to Ruaha National Park.
In an open jeep you will spend the next few days exploring this rugged and unspoilt park that owes its name to the Ruaha River. The river attracts many animals all year round. Impalas, waterbucks, lions, elephants, buffalos and the endangered African wild dog, among others, live in this park. Ruaha also has a lot to offer for bird watchers.
You spend the night just outside the park in a protected wildlife area, a beautiful area very suitable for exploring on foot. In addition to these walking safaris, you can take (open) jeep safaris here, also in the evening if you want.
It is also possible to visit a market or a village in the area.
Ruaha - continued
After a delicious breakfast you drive to your next lodge in a completely different and magnificent location in the park.
Ruaha National Park is so large that it is certainly worthwhile to further explore the park with its variety of landscapes from a second location. Grasslands, hills, acacia and miombo forests, baobab trees and the beautiful Ruaha river, riverbeds and rock formations; you’ll find it all here.
From an open jeep you can thoroughly enjoy the safaris, nature and animals.
Mafia Island
You say goodbye to the guide and fly to Mafia Island. A beautiful flight with special views. For the next five days you will enjoy sun, sea and beach on the friendly and relaxed green island of Mafia.
Mafia Island is known for its untouched nature, crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. Far from the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy the rhythm of the waves on the remote, beautiful white sandy beaches. Or let the abundant marine biodiversity invite you to snorkel or dive.
Mafia Island, with its friendly and hospitable people, is the ideal destination for those looking for a remote, unspoilt holiday experience.
Back home
In the evening you fly completely rested but full of new impressions from Mafia Island – via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi – back to Amsterdam where you arrive the next morning.
You might just come here again, because Tanzania takes you to your heart and does something to you. It will change you. For good.
Trip details
Your safari in the Nyerere and Ruaha national parks will be in an open jeep, together with any other lodge guests.
Safari per day or half day? By boat, on foot or by jeep? Or would you rather take a walk to the nearby village? You decide.
The journey ends on the tropical island of Mafia.
Highlights
- Various landscapes
- Local encounters
- Jeep safaris in unspoilt nature reserves
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
- Walking safaris
- Beautiful domestic flights
- The underwater world around Mafia
- Authentic laid-back island feeling
Price indication
Comfort accommodations */**:
€ 4120 p.p. for 2 people
€ 3635 p.p. for 4 people
Select accommodations *:
€ 7455 p.p. for 2 people
€ 7120 p.p. for 4 people
Exclusive accommodations *:
€ 11300 p.p. for 2 or 4 people
Note: This is the price for the most common travel period. This may be lower in the low season, favorable exchange rate, the number of travelers and/or children. This may be slightly higher during public holidays or less favorable exchange rates.
* = View the options on our overview page and use the ‘filter’ to select your favorite accommodation.
** = With the comfort choice, the order of the journey is structured slightly differently.
Including
- All transfers
- Small-scale and attractive accommodations
- All meals
- Safaris in a 4WD jeep, on foot and boat with a very knowledgeable guide
- Entrance fees to National Parks
- Domestic flights
- SGR guarantee
Excluding
- International flight
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Tips
- Optional activities
Gallery
Experience the unspoiled Tanzanian nature together in the lesser-known south of Tanzania and conclude on the tropical island of Mafia, off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.
Need help creating your trip?
Have a look at other example trips that can be fully adapted to your wishes or
contact us directly!