Discover the hidden wonders of southern Tanzania with our Exclusive 6-Day Selous and Ruaha Safari Itinerary. This adventure takes you through two of the country’s most spectacular and least crowded wildlife destinations — Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) and Ruaha National Park. Over six unforgettable days, you’ll witness abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and authentic African experiences far from the crowds of the northern safari circuit.

From riverine forests and wetlands in Selous to rolling hills and savannah plains in Ruaha, this itinerary offers the perfect combination of big game viewing, scenic drives, and cultural immersion. It’s ideal for travelers who want a truly private and immersive safari experience in Tanzania’s southern wilderness.

Why Choose the Selous & Ruaha Safari?

1. Exceptional Wildlife Diversity

Experience the best of both worlds:

• Selous Game Reserve: Renowned for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of antelopes along the Rufiji River.

• Ruaha National Park: Home to large lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs, as well as huge elephant herds.

2. Scenic Contrasts

• Selous: Dense riverine forests, wetlands, and iconic baobab trees.

• Ruaha: Rolling hills, miombo woodlands, and open savannah plains perfect for big game viewing.

3. Exclusive Safari Experience

Both parks are less visited, offering private game drives, relaxed schedules, and intimate wildlife encounters.

4. Ideal Duration

At six days, this itinerary allows a deep exploration of both parks while providing adequate time for game drives, boat safaris, and relaxation.

Safari Overview

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations: Selous Game Reserve & Ruaha National Park
Safari Type: Luxury or Mid-Range Wildlife Safari
Starting Point: Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar / Iringa
Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season) for optimal game viewing; November – May (green season) for lush landscapes and birding.

Detailed 6-Day Selous & Ruaha Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Selous Game Reserve – The Riverine Paradise

Morning:

Arrive at Selous Game Reserve via flight from Dar es Salaam or drive (approximately 6–7 hours). Upon arrival at Mtemere or Siwandu Airstrip, your safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge or tented camp.

Afternoon:

After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive along the Rufiji River. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and various antelope species in their natural habitat.

Highlights:

• Hippos and crocodiles in the Rufiji River

• Elephants grazing along riverbanks

• Lions resting under baobabs

• Over 400 bird species including fish eagles and storks

Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Selous Safari Camp / Siwandu Camp / Beho Beho Safari Camp

• Mid-Range: Rufiji River Camp / Sand Rivers Selous

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive and Boat Safari in Selous

Morning Game Drive:

Begin the day with a morning game drive, exploring Selous’ vast wilderness. Observe elephants, buffaloes, lions, and rare antelopes along the floodplains and miombo woodlands.

Midday:

Return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch.

Afternoon Boat Safari (Optional):

Take a boat trip on the Rufiji River, an incredible opportunity to see:

• Hippos and crocodiles up close

• Waterbirds including herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles

• Elephants drinking at riverbanks

• Unique photographic opportunities of wildlife in riverine habitats

Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Morning:

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Selous to capture wildlife in the early morning light.

Midday Transfer:

After breakfast, transfer to Ruaha National Park (approx. 5–6 hours by road or via domestic flight). Along the way, enjoy scenic views of southern Tanzania’s countryside.

Afternoon:

Arrive at your Ruaha lodge or camp and enjoy a short evening game drive. Explore areas near the Great Ruaha River and spot elephants, lions, and hippos.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Jabali Ridge / Ruaha River Lodge / Ikuka Safari Camp

• Mid-Range: Mdonya Old River Camp / Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Start early to catch Ruaha’s wildlife in the cool morning hours.

Morning:

Explore the park’s Mwagusi and Jongomero Rivers, where lions, leopards, and elephants are abundant.

Wildlife Highlights:

• Lions and leopards

• Large elephant herds

• Buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and rare antelopes like sable and kudu

Midday:

Enjoy a bush lunch or return to your lodge for a relaxed meal.

Afternoon:

Continue your safari along Ruaha’s rolling hills and miombo woodlands. Capture photographs of dramatic landscapes, wildlife interactions, and scenic sunsets.

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Optional Walking Safari

Morning:

Choose between a guided walking safari or a traditional game drive. Walking safaris offer an intimate experience of Ruaha’s flora, fauna, and smaller wildlife species.

Midday:

Return to your lodge for brunch and some leisure time.

Afternoon:

Take an afternoon game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. Focus on riverbanks, floodplains, and woodland areas for elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Ruaha. Capture any last wildlife sightings before heading back to your lodge for breakfast.

Transfer to Msembe Airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Depart with memories of one of Africa’s most authentic and exclusive safari experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Selous Game Reserve:

• Selous Safari Camp: Luxury lodge with river views and personalized service.

• Siwandu Camp: Exclusive, intimate tented camp in the heart of Selous.

• Sand Rivers Selous: Boutique luxury lodge with elegant accommodations.

Ruaha National Park:

• Jabali Ridge: High-end lodge with panoramic views of Ruaha’s savannahs.

• Ruaha River Lodge: Riverside tented lodge with excellent wildlife viewing.

• Ikuka Safari Camp: Intimate and comfortable, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

• Big Five: Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and occasionally rhinos in Ruaha

• Hippos and crocodiles along Selous rivers

• Plains species: zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, elands, and kudu

• Rare African wild dogs in Ruaha

• Over 500 bird species across both parks, including fish eagles, hornbills, and kingfishers

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Best for game viewing as animals congregate near rivers and waterholes.

• Green Season (November–May): Lush scenery, birdwatching, and waterfall views.

Safari Extensions

• Mikumi National Park: Add 1–2 days to include this “mini-Serengeti.”

• Udzungwa Mountains: Hiking and waterfall adventure.

• Zanzibar: Relax on white sandy beaches after your safari.

Packing List

• Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal medication

• Reusable water bottle

• Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings

Safari Tips

• Follow your guide’s instructions for safety.

• Neutral clothing blends better with wildlife surroundings.

• Bring cash for tips or small purchases at lodges.

• Charge cameras and devices nightly; wildlife encounters are frequent and fleeting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I get to Selous and Ruaha?
Flights are available from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Iringa. Road transfers are also possible for those who prefer scenic drives.

Q2: Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes. Both parks are family-friendly with safe lodges and guided activities suitable for children.

Q3: What animals will I see?
Expect elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.

Q4: Can this safari be customized?
Yes. Add Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, or a Zanzibar beach extension for a longer adventure.

Q5: Are walking safaris available?
Yes, some lodges in Ruaha offer guided walking safaris with armed rangers.

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Conclusion

The Exclusive 6-Day Selous and Ruaha Safari Itinerary offers a private, immersive, and unforgettable adventure through southern Tanzania. From the riverine landscapes of Selous Game Reserve to the dramatic hills and plains of Ruaha National Park, each day brings extraordinary wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and authentic African experiences.

Travelers will enjoy abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and exclusive lodges, making this safari perfect for those seeking adventure, photography opportunities, and intimate encounters with Africa’s iconic species.

Pack your binoculars, camera, and adventurous spirit — the southern wilderness of Tanzania awaits with its lions, elephants, and untamed beauty on this exclusive Selous and Ruaha safari.