8 Days
The Best Of Sourthern Circuit Adventure
Tour Overview
Tour Overview
Experience an action-packed safari that introduces you to Tanzania’s Southern Circuit highlights. Discover the abundant wildlife of Ruaha National Park and the renowned Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous). For a truly immersive experience, extend your vacation with an optional five-day stay in Zanzibar, bringing your safari adventure to a perfect 13 days.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day – Julius Nyerere Intl. Airport
Upon your arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, and after clearing customs and immigration, a representative from Premier Africa Adventures will be ready to welcome you as you exit the arrivals hall. Once formalities are complete, our staff will escort you to your overnight accommodation at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. The rest of your first day in Tanzania is yours to enjoy at leisure
Overnight: Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Ruaha National Park
Right after an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival at the airstrip, your driver-guide from Premier Africa Adventures will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge or camp for lunch. Take some time to unwind and recharge before venturing out on an afternoon game drive. Ruaha offers thrilling wildlife encounters of large elephant herds and prides of lions as well as rare species like wild dogs, leopards and roan antelope. As the day winds down, return to the lodge for a well-prepared dinner and a peaceful evening under the African sky.
Overnight: Ruaha River Lodge
Alternatives: Kigelia Camp / Kokoko Camp / Jabali Lodge / Mwagusi Lodge.
Day 3 & 4: Full Day – Ruaha National Park
These two days are all about experiencing Ruaha’s incredible wildlife, with morning and afternoon game drives in the heart of the park. Each day begins with an early morning departure, taking advantage of the cooler hours to catch sight of nocturnal animals in their active state before daybreak. Expect to see lions, leopards, and perhaps even a rare glimpse of the African wild dog on the move. Afterward, return to your lodge or camp for a hearty breakfast.
Once refreshed, set off again to explore more of Ruaha’s vast landscapes, where you might encounter elephant herds, giraffes, and diverse antelope species. Lunch will be served back at the lodge, offering a chance to relax before the day’s second game drive. As the day cools, venture out for another game drive, capturing the magical wildlife activity of the late afternoon. Return in the early evening to unwind over dinner, savoring the day’s memories.
Overnight: Ruaha River Lodge
Alternatives: Kigelia Camp / Kokoko Camp / Jabali Lodge / Mwangusi Lodge.
Day 5: Fly to Selous / Nyerere National Park
Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Selous, now known as Nyerere National Park. Upon arrival, your personal guide will welcome you and take you to your lodge or camp, where you’ll unpack, unwind for a while and enjoy hot lunch.
Once you’re ready, head into the park, where sightings of the rich diversity of wildlife including elephants, Hippo, and one of the largest populations of African wild dogs await. Nyerere’s network of rivers and plains attracts a remarkable variety of animals, making a game drive here exciting and enriching. Later in early evening, you return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night surrounded by the natural beauty of this unique wilderness.
Overnight: Sand River Camp
Alternatives: Royo ya Selous Camp / Rufiji River Camp / Behobeho Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day 6: Full Day – Nyerere National Park
After an early breakfast, begin the day with a game drive through Nyerere National Park, where sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, and hyenas are often part of the morning thrill. Along the way, you may encounter giraffes browsing on acacia, zebra herds, buffalo, and an array of antelope species like the sable and greater kudu. As the day warms, return to camp for lunch, then prepare for an afternoon bush walk led by an armed ranger and your expert driver-guide. Walking in the bush gives a different perspective of the park’s ecosystem, highlighting animal tracks, unique vegetation, and smaller wildlife often missed from a vehicle. Return to the lodge for a leisurely evening and dinner under the stars.
Overnight: Sand River Camp
Alternatives: Royo ya Selous Camp / Rufiji River Camp / Behobeho Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day 7: Full Day – Nyerere National Park
Start your day with breakfast before heading out for a thrilling game drive. Today, the focus is on diving deeper into the park’s unique landscape of woodlands, savannas, and waterways, discovering the hidden gems. Keep an eye out for wild dogs and, if lucky, rare species such as the puku or the rarely-seen black rhino. Return to camp for lunch and a break. Later, venture out for a canoe safari along the Rufiji River. Paddle close to riverbanks lined with crocodiles and hippos while spotting wildlife coming to drink, including elephants and various bird species like fish eagles and herons. In the early evening, enjoy a sundowner – a perfect way to wrapping up your adventure before dinner and a restful night.
Overnight: Sand River Camp
Alternatives: Royo ya Selous Camp / Rufiji River Camp / Behobeho Camp / Ruaha River Lodge
Day 8: Fly Back to Dar – Later Transfer to Dar Airport for your Flight back Home
Wake up to a delightful breakfast before your driver transfers you to the airstrip. You’ll board your flight back to Dar es Salaam, where you’ll enjoy lunch and have access to a day-use room at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your unforgettable experiences. Later in the day, you’ll be transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your flight back home or onward to other destinations.
Optional Safari Extension
Day 9: Fly to Zanzibar – Stone Town
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast before your driver brings you to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to Zanzibar Serena Hotel, where lunch awaits in a relaxed setting. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to unwind or explore at your own pace, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel, right in the heart of Stone Town.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Alternative: Swahili House Hotel
Day 10: Full Day – Explore Stone Town
After breakfast, you dive into the heart of Stone Town, where you’ll discover its vibrant mix of African, Arab, and European influences. Wander through its winding streets lined with intricately carved wooden doors, visit the lively Darajani Market, and explore the historic Sultan’s Palace Museum, which holds fascinating tales of Zanzibar’s past, accompanied by your local guide.
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant. Afterward, your guide will accompany you to a local spice farm, where you’ll discover Zanzibar’s rich legacy as the “Spice Island,” renowned for its cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and so many other spices that have been cultivated here for centuries. Alternatively, you can visit Prison Island, once used as a quarantine station and now home to a colony of giant tortoises.
Dinner and overnight stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel.
Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Alternative: Swahili House Hotel.
Day 11: Leave for Nungwi Beach
Following a satisfying breakfast, your local guide will pick you up from your hotel in Stone Town, and an adventurous road trip to Nungwi Beach commences. As the road stretches ahead, you’ll notice the shift from the vibrant Zanzibar City to the coastal vibes of Nungwi.
Upon arrival, Nungwi’s beautiful beaches greet you, with clear waters and soft sands ready to be explored as you please. You’ll have the day to unwind or dive into optional activities like snorkeling, kitesurfing along the breezy shore, or even hopping on a quad bike for an adventure around the area. The day is yours to explore and enjoy one of Zanzibar’s finest beach destinations
Overnight: Gold Hotel
Alternative: Kendwa Rock Hotel / Royal Zanzibar Resort Hotel / Essque Zalu Zanzibar / Z. Hotel
Day 12 & 13: Nungwi Beach.
These two days allow you the opportunity to enjoy plenty of time to explore and discover Nungwi – one of Zanzibar’s liveliest and most scenic beach destinations. Nungwi is mostly known for its azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and long stretches of palm-dotted, and soft-white sands. Nungwi presents a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving, with chances to spot tropical marine life just offshore. The beach is also known for its dhow-building traditions, where you can witness local artisans at work, crafting these iconic wooden boats.
Overnight: Gold Hotel
Alternative: Kendwa Rock Hotel / Royal Zanzibar Resort Hotel / Essque Zalu Zanzibar / Z. Hotel
Day 14: Final Day in Zanzibar
Finally, your Tanzania safari is wrapping up. Today you wake up and savor your final breakfast, reflecting on the experiences of the past two weeks. The morning is yours to relax or take in any last moments by the beach, depending on your flight schedule. If your departure is set for the later afternoon, you’ll have time for lunch before your transfer to Abeid Karume International Airport for your onward flight.
We hope your time in Tanzania with Premier African Adventures was everything you imagined and more. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back whenever Africa calls!
End of Tour
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