Southern Tanzania — Nyerere & Ruaha Safari

About This Tour

While the northern circuit draws the crowds, Southern Tanzania remains one of Africa's last great wilderness secrets. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is the largest game reserve in Africa — larger than Switzerland — a vast mosaic of miombo woodland, lake systems, and the great Rufiji River that few travellers ever penetrate. The wildlife here is extraordinary: Africa's largest elephant population, the largest concentration of wild dogs, enormous hippo pools, and a lion population that includes some of Africa's biggest prides. Fly further inland and Ruaha National Park adds a different dimension: a drier, more rugged landscape of prehistoric baobabs and rocky outcrops where greater kudu and sable antelope roam alongside massive buffalo herds and the Ruaha River's year-round hippo pods. The defining quality of a Southern Tanzania safari is solitude — game drives where you will not see another vehicle all day.

Tour Highlights

• Africa's largest elephant population in Nyerere
• Wild dog packs — the highest density in Africa
• Boat safari on the Rufiji River — hippo, croc, and elephant at water
• Walking safari in Nyerere with armed ranger
• Ruaha's greater kudu, sable antelope, and roan
• Enormous Ruaha lion prides — up to 30 individuals
• Complete absence of tourist crowds — some days you'll see no other vehicle
• Fly-in access for maximum efficiency and dramatic arrival