Ruaha • Selous/Nyerere • Mikumi
8 Days | Remote, Off-the-Beaten-Path Safari
Overview
While most visitors flock north, the true wilderness lies south. This itinerary takes you to Tanzania’s best-kept secrets—vast parks where you can go an entire day without seeing another vehicle. Walking safaris, boat safaris, and wildlife encounters that feel truly wild.
Two full nights in Selous/Nyerere allow for a full day of water-based activities.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Dar es Salaam
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). Your Blue Eagle representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Evening: Briefing and dinner.
- Accommodation:Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel
- Meals:Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Ruaha National Park
Tanzania’s Best-Kept Secret
Morning flight from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha (approx. 2 hours). Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park, yet receives a fraction of the visitors of the Northern Circuit.
Afternoon Game Drive: Ruaha is known for:
- Huge elephant herds
- Majestic sable and roan antelopes
- Lions, leopards, and cheetahs
- The Great Ruaha River, dotted with hippos and crocodiles
- Accommodation:Ruaha River Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Ruaha Exploration
Two Full Days in Ruaha – Day 1
Morning Game Drive: Depart at dawn. The early light illuminates the baobab-studded landscape.
Walking Safari Option: Ruaha is one of the best parks for walking safaris. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll track animals on foot, learn about medicinal plants, and feel the earth beneath your feet. (Included)
Afternoon: Continue exploring. Your guide knows the best spots for predators and the hides where animals gather.
- Accommodation:Ruaha River Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ruaha to Selous/Nyerere
Two Full Days in Ruaha – Day 2 (Morning)
Morning Game Drive: One last exploration of Ruaha before flying to Selous/Nyerere (approx. 1.5 hours).
Arrival Selous/Nyerere: Transfer to your camp. Selous (now Nyerere National Park) is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, with the Rufiji River at its heart.
Late Afternoon Boat Safari: Experience the park from the water. Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the river’s edge. The birdlife is spectacular.
- Accommodation:Selous Serena Camp
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Selous/Nyerere Exploration
Two Full Nights in Selous – Day 1
Today offers the full range of Selous experiences:
Morning: Game drive in the park’s diverse habitats—open grasslands, miombo woodlands, and riverine forests.
Afternoon: Choose your adventure:
- Boat Safari:A different perspective on the Rufiji River
- Walking Safari:Explore the bush on foot with an armed ranger
- Game Drive:Continue your search for wild dogs (Selous is a stronghold)
- Accommodation:Selous Serena Camp
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Selous/Nyerere to Mikumi
Two Full Nights in Selous – Day 2 (Morning)
Morning Boat Safari: Sunrise on the Rufiji is magical. Glide past yawning hippos and basking crocodiles as birds take flight.
After lunch, drive to Mikumi National Park (approx. 3 hours). Mikumi is often called “Little Serengeti” for its open plains and wildlife concentrations.
- Accommodation:Mikumi Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Full Day Mikumi Exploration
Mikumi offers excellent game viewing with fewer crowds.
Morning Game Drive: Look for:
- Lions on the open plains
- Elephants near water sources
- Giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest
- Hippos in the pools
Afternoon: Relax or continue exploring.
- Accommodation:Mikumi Safari Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam – Departure
Morning game drive, then transfer to Dar es Salaam (approx. 5 hours drive, or optional flight). Connect with your international departure.
- Meals:Breakfast
Price per person
From $6200
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
Destinations | Ruaha NP (2 nights), Selous/Nyerere NP (3 nights), Mikumi NP (2 nights) |
Group Size | Private (your party only) |
Accommodation | Remote bush camps & lodges |
Best Time | June-October (dry season) |
Price | From $6200 per person |