Discover the wild heart of southern Tanzania with the Top 8-Day Selous and Ruaha Family Safari Package, designed for families seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable memories. This itinerary combines the riverine landscapes of Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) with the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, offering a perfect mix of wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and family-friendly experiences.

From elephants and lions to hippos, crocodiles, and rare African birds, your family will explore two of Tanzania’s most spectacular southern parks, enjoy luxury or mid-range lodges, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Why Choose the Selous & Ruaha Family Safari?

1. Family-Friendly Wildlife Adventures

This safari is tailored for families with children, offering safe, guided game drives and accommodations designed to ensure comfort for all ages.

2. Diverse Landscapes

• Selous Game Reserve: Riverine forests, wetlands, floodplains, and baobab trees.

• Ruaha National Park: Rolling hills, miombo woodlands, open savannah, and river valleys.

3. Exclusive Safari Experience

Southern Tanzania’s parks are less crowded than northern circuits, allowing for private game drives and relaxed schedules perfect for families.

4. Ideal Duration

Eight days provide ample time to experience both parks fully while enjoying leisurely meals, lodge activities, and family downtime.

Safari Overview

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Selous Game Reserve & Ruaha National Park
Safari Type: Family-friendly Luxury or Mid-Range Safari
Starting Point: Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar / Iringa
Best Time to Visit: June – October (dry season) for optimal wildlife viewing; November – May (green season) for lush landscapes and birdwatching.

Detailed 8-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Selous Game Reserve – Welcome to the Wilderness

Morning:

Arrive at Selous Game Reserve via flight from Dar es Salaam or drive (approx. 6–7 hours). Your family will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your lodge or tented camp.

Afternoon:

After lunch, enjoy a gentle afternoon game drive, suitable for children. Spot wildlife along the Rufiji River, including:

• Hippos and crocodiles

• Elephants grazing near the river

• Lions resting under shade trees

• Waterbirds like storks and herons

Return to the lodge 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:

Set out on a morning game drive to explore Selous’ miombo woodlands and floodplains. Look out for:

• Elephants and buffalo herds

• Predators such as lions and leopards

• Antelopes including sable and impala

Midday:

Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

Afternoon:

Take a boat safari on the Rufiji River, a family-friendly way to observe:

• Hippos and crocodiles up close

• Elephants along riverbanks

• Birdlife including fish eagles and kingfishers

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Leisure in Selous

Morning:

Early morning game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. Optional walking safari for older children with armed guides to explore the flora and smaller animals safely.

Midday:

Return to lodge for lunch and family relaxation.

Afternoon:

Enjoy an evening game drive or lodge-based activities such as swimming or storytelling around a campfire (age-permitted).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, transfer to Ruaha National Park (approx. 5–6 hours by road or via domestic flight). Enjoy scenic views of southern Tanzania’s landscapes and small villages.

Afternoon:

Arrive at the lodge and embark on a short evening game drive. Spot elephants, lions, and buffaloes along the Great Ruaha River.

Accommodation Options:

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

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

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Morning:

Early morning game drive along Mwagusi and Jongomero Rivers, focusing on predator and plains species:

• Lions and leopards

• Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes

• Rare antelopes like sable and kudu

Midday:

Return to lodge for lunch and leisure.

Afternoon:

Continue game drive exploring Ruaha’s hills and river valleys. Optional photography session with sunset views over the savannah.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Family Activities

Morning:

Take a final morning game drive. Guides can adjust pace and stops to suit children, ensuring comfortable and safe wildlife encounters.

Midday:

Lunch at lodge followed by free time for family activities, swimming, or nature walks in the lodge vicinity.

Afternoon:

Optional evening game drive or storytelling session at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Final Game Drive in Ruaha

Morning:

Another early morning game drive to maximize wildlife viewing. Focus on elephants, lions, and any species not yet spotted.

Midday:

Return to lodge for brunch and relaxation.

Afternoon:

Enjoy lodge amenities or an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Morning:

Final morning game drive to capture last sightings.

Transfer to Msembe Airstrip or onward to Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar for flights. Depart with unforgettable family memories of southern Tanzania’s wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Selous Game Reserve:

• Selous Safari Camp: Luxury riverside tents with family-friendly amenities

• Siwandu Camp: Exclusive and intimate, ideal for families

• Sand Rivers Selous: Boutique luxury lodge with exceptional service

Ruaha National Park:

• Jabali Ridge: Luxury lodge with panoramic views

• Ruaha River Lodge: Riverside tented accommodation

• Ikuka Safari Camp: Comfortable and nature-focused

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

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

• Hippos and crocodiles along Selous rivers

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

• African wild dogs in Ruaha

• Over 500 bird species across both parks

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Best for wildlife viewing and family-friendly game drives

• Green Season (November–May): Lush scenery, waterfalls, and excellent birding

Family Safari Tips

• Keep children hydrated and protected from the sun

• Wear neutral-colored clothing for wildlife observation

• Take binoculars and cameras to capture family memories

• Follow guides’ instructions for safety on all game drives

• Pack snacks and essential medications for children

Packing List

• Lightweight safari clothing in neutral colors

• Comfortable shoes for game drives

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Binoculars and cameras with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal medications

• Light jacket for early morning and evening drives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, the itinerary is designed for families with children of all ages.

Q2: How do we get to Selous and Ruaha?
Flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Selous, and road transfers or domestic flights to Ruaha.

Q3: What animals can children expect to see?
Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.

Q4: Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, extensions to Mikumi or a Zanzibar beach stay can be added.

Q5: Are walking safaris safe for children?
Yes, guided walking safaris in Ruaha are offered with armed guides and are suitable for older children.

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Conclusion

The Top 8-Day Selous and Ruaha Family Safari Package is the perfect combination of adventure, wildlife, and family-friendly experiences. From the riverine forests and wetlands of Selous to the rolling hills and savannahs of Ruaha, every day offers incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Families will enjoy private lodges, guided game drives tailored for children, and unforgettable African adventures. Pack your binoculars, cameras, and adventurous spirit, and embark on a journey through southern Tanzania’s untamed wilderness on this exclusive 8-day family safari.