10 Day Tanzania southern safari circuit Elephant & big Cat Safari

the most untrammeled safari
circuit anywhere in Africa

Only 1% of safari tourists travel to Tanzania’s “southern circuit”…

The Immense Selous Game Reserve is the centerpiece of the “southern circuit.” Most people come away from it, acknowledging it is Africa’s best. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is bisected by Tanzania’s largest river, the Rufiji. Birders will enjoy the rich variety of 400 different bird species,

including the Malagasy squacco heron, which winters in the Rufiji’s waterways, much like the Okavango Delta area in Botswana. Four boat safaris are included and offer fantastic game and bird viewing from the water, which cannot be done in the Serengeti and the rest of the “northern circuit.”

The endangered East African spotted wild dogs den in the “southern circuit” between June through August

Massive herds of Cape buffalos’ number in the thousands, huge Nile crocodiles hunt from the banks of the Rufiji, and big herds of giraffes are common in Selous. More than a million large game animals live within the borders of the 2nd largest reserve in Tanzania. Selous is four times larger than the Serengeti and twice the size of Denmark.

Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and rarely visited due to its remoteness. The scenery is spectacular, as the great Ruaha River courses through the park. It draws a high density of predators, elephants, and Cape buffalos to her bosom. Ruaha is also home to 10 % of the world’s total lion population. As for bird watching, it is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, with over 500 different species of birds that thrive in this protected area. Ruaha was originally part of the Saba Game Reserve, formed in 1910. The park later became Ruaha National Park in 1946.

Ruaha is one of the best parks for an escorted foot safari, part of your package

Imagine walking close to elephants. You may experience encounters of a close kind, yet with a knowledgeable armed guide who is exceptionally trained in bush safety.

The following is your itinerary…

day 1

Fly into Sand Rivers bush airstrip in Selous Game Reserve by chartered flight from Dar es Salaam International Airport (a 2-hour flight), Zanzibar, or Kilimanjaro International.

We’ll pick you up and escort you to your luxury accommodations at Sand River Selous (4 nights), situated on the banks of the Rufiji River with 8 stunning river view chalets. When Richard Bonham built Sand Rivers, he was offered any area in the Northern Selous. There were good reasons why he chose this site overlooking the mile-wide Rufiji River. It was the only place he wanted to be. At the heart of an intricate network of sand river channels, oxbow lakes, and open plains, Sand Rivers opens a window on the private lives of Africa’s big mammals. Creep up on elephants as they wallow in hidden lakes or drift silently by boat down the river at dusk. The property overlooks the Rufiji and offers exceptional food, a luxurious pool, and Wi-Fi that keeps you in touch back home.

day 2

Boat safari the Rufiji River.

day 3

Driving safari in Selous Reserve.

day 4

Boat safari the Rufiji.

The photos and memories of this
“trip of a lifetime” will be a rare privilege
that few travelers experience

day 5

Drive to Ruaha National Park. (2 nights)

Ruaha River Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located on the Ruaha River and offers exceptional river and bush views. Built out of local stone and thatch, the lodge is built around natural kopjes (small hills), and located on a bend in the river. All sleeping rooms are along the

riverbank, and each has its own private deck, a perfect place to set up tripods. One dining area is riverside. Watch wildlife emerge from the bush and make their way to the water to drink while you’re sipping on yours. The other dining area is on a small hill overlooking the Ruaha. They offer Wi-Fi, a bar, lounge, and full board with excellent chefs. Truly a sundowner experience as the sun sets over the river.

day 6

Boat safari the Ruaha.

day 7

Drive to another luxury lodge, Jongomero Tented Camp (3 nights), the only camp in the southwestern corner of the park located on the banks of the Jongomero Sand River and a nearby bush airstrip. The 8 classic luxury tents have solar-heated showers and exceptional river views. Experience luxury bush breakfasts, boxed lunches for game drives, and bush dinners by candlelight while serenaded by hippos. Includes Wi-Fi.

day 8

Boat safari the Ruaha.

day 9

Safari in Ruaha’s wild southern section.

day 10

Your morning starts with an escorted walk with an armed professional guide. Your adrenalin will be pumping when you get up close and personal to big game while on foot. Please schedule your charter flight out anytime in the afternoon.

The “southern circuit” safaris are from June through October only

(During the long rains, Tanzania’s southern circuit goes into its own denning mode. This means the roads are impassable, and most lodges are inaccessible and closed).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us

LUXURY PACKAGE:

Starting at $8,619 each –– $17,238 for 2 adults

*The lodges mentioned are not guaranteed as they may be sold out on the dates you require.
When this happens, we go with a comparable property in quality and price.