Tanzania's Untamed South

Classic

Tanzania's Untamed South

Classic
Tanzania's Untamed South main view
Tanzania's Untamed South view 2Tanzania's Untamed South view 3Tanzania's Untamed South view 4
Tanzania's Untamed South view 5

Trip Overview

All-inclusive. Everything arranged. No hidden logistics.

SAFARIFly-in Safari
COUNTRYTanzania
REGIONNyerere National Park,
Ruaha,
Songo Songo Archipelago
DURATION10 Nights
TRANSPORT4 bush flights included

Is This Safari Right for You?

BEST FOR

Off-the beaten-pathSeasoned safari goersAdventure seekers

WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

ElephantsWild dogsHippos

STAY STYLE

Comfortable remote tented campsBarefoot island lodge

Where This Safari Takes You

This journey explores Tanzania's wilder southern circuit, pairing the riverine wilderness of Nyerere with the rugged, predator-rich landscapes of Ruaha before ending on secluded Fanjove Island. It is designed for travelers who want big wildlife, open space, and a more remote feel than the country's better-known safari routes. Expect bush flights, boat safaris, game drives, walking safari possibilities, and a castaway-style Indian Ocean finale far from the usual beach crowds.

Route at a Glance
Dar es Salaam1 night
Overnight in Dar es Salaam before flying into Tanzania's southern wilderness the next morning.
Bush flight + transfer (3hrs)
Bush flight + transfer (3hrs)
Nyerere3 nights
A vast southern wilderness of rivers, lakes, woodland, and open plains, with game drives, boat safaris, walking, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Bush flight + land and boat transfers (5 hrs)
Bush flight + land and boat transfers (5 hrs)
Ruaha3 nights
Remote, rugged, and deeply wild, Ruaha is known for baobab landscapes, elephants, predators, and very low vehicle density.
Bush flight + land and boat transfers (1h40)
Bush flight + land and boat transfers (1h40)
Fanjove Island3 nights
A secluded island escape in the Songo Songo Archipelago, with white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling, kayaking, and barefoot castaway charm.
Bush flight (1h10)
Bush flight (1h10)
Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR)Departure
Return directly to Dar es Salaam International Airport for your onward flight home.
All transport between stops is included

Transfer times are estimates and include road transfers. Bush flights are scheduled and shared.

Tanzania's Untamed South route map
1

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania's coastal gateway and the natural launch point for the southern safari circuit, with easy flight connections into Nyerere, Ruaha, and the islands.

2

Nyerere

A vast, river-fed wilderness of lakes, channels, woodland, and open plains, offering a quieter experience with game drives, boat safari and walking safari.

3

Ruaha

Remote and rugged, Ruaha is one of Tanzania's wildest safari regions, known for baobabs, elephants, predators, big landscapes, and very few vehicles.

4

Fanjove Island

A secluded island chain off Tanzania's coast, where Fanjove Island delivers a barefoot, castaway-style beach escape after safari.

Best Time to Go

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Peak (Best Game Viewing)
Shoulder Season
Lush, Short Rains
Closed

Key Highlights

Peak SeasonJuly - October
Best ValueSeptember
Fewer CrowdsJune and November
High temperatures in certain months: up to 95F (35 C) in the daytime from October to March.

Planned Accommodations

Your trip includes these camps and lodges or similar alternatives of comparable style and standard if availability changes.

Hyatt Regency

or similar
Dar es Salaam1 Night

A comfortable waterfront hotel in central Dar es Salaam, ideal for an easy arrival night before flying into safari country.

  • Easy arrival night
  • Private road transfer access
  • Pool, spa, and dining

Roho ya Selous

or similar
Nyerere National Park3 Nights

Comfortable tented camp in Nyerere, set near Lake Nzerakera with access to game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.

  • Wilderness feel
  • Pool
  • Boat Safari
  • Walking Safari

Laba Jongomero

or similar
Ruaha3 Nights

A secluded tented camp in one of Ruaha's wildest areas, with baobab landscapes, strong predator country, and very low vehicle density.

  • Spa by the river
  • Pool
  • Private guide and vehicle
  • Remote Ruaha setting

Laba Fanjove

or similar
Songo Songo Archipelago3 Nights

A remote private island escape with barefoot charm, white sand, turquoise water, and a castaway-style finish after safari.

  • Private island Lodge
  • Barefoot beach escape
  • Dolphin watching (seasonal)
  • Various watersports

What's Included

All accommodationAll transportAll mealsHouse drinksExpert local guidesAll activitiesAirport meet & greetAll taxes & park feesVisas & fees24/7 concierge support

Not Included

International flightsGratuitiesTravel insurancePersonal expensesPremium wine & spirits

Daily Itinerary

Most days on safari include an early game drive, midday rest, and evening safari activity.

Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to the Hyatt Regency.


Settle in, rest after your international flight, and enjoy an easy overnight before flying into Tanzania’s southern wilderness the next morning.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled bush flight to Beho Beho Airstrip, approximately 1 hour. On arrival, continue by road transfer to Roho ya Selous, approximately 90 minutes.


Settle into camp before heading out for your first afternoon game drive or gentle introduction to the area, depending on arrival time.

Begin the day with a game drive through Nyerere’s varied landscapes of woodland, plains, lakes, and river systems.


After lunch and time to relax at camp, head out by boat for a different perspective on the park, with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and wildlife coming down to drink.

Start early with a guided walking safari, offering a slower and more detailed look at the bush, tracks, birds, plants, and smaller details often missed from a vehicle.


Later in the day, return to the classic safari rhythm with an afternoon game drive, looking for elephants, giraffe, buffalo, predators, and plains game as the light softens.

After breakfast, transfer back to the airstrip, approximately 90 minutes, for your scheduled bush flight to Jongomero, approximately 90 minutes. On arrival in Ruaha, transfer to Laba Jongomero and settle into camp.


If timing allows, head out for an afternoon game drive in one of Tanzania’s most remote and dramatic safari regions.

Spend the day exploring Ruaha by private guide and vehicle, with morning and afternoon game drives focused on the park’s baobab landscapes, elephant herds, predator country, and wide-open wilderness.


Between activities, return to camp for lunch, pool time, or a treatment at the riverside spa.

Today can be tailored around your preferred pace. Rise early for an optional hot air balloon safari followed by a bush breakfast, or stay closer to the ground with a guided walking safari.


For guests wanting a deeper wilderness experience, seasonal fly camping may also be arranged, combining walking, campfire atmosphere, and a night under the stars. A final game drive can be included depending on the chosen activity.

After breakfast, depart Ruaha by scheduled bush flight to Songo Songo, with a connection in Dar es Salaam. Total flying and connection time is approximately 4 hours 40 minutes, including around 90 minutes in Dar.


On arrival, continue with a short land transfer to the pier, approximately 10 minutes, followed by a final 20-minute boat ride to Fanjove Island. Settle into your barefoot island escape.

Ease into island life with morning yoga, breakfast by the ocean, and a day shaped by the tides. Activities may include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a 90-minute marine safari.


The pace is intentionally slower after safari, with plenty of time to swim, read, and enjoy the island’s secluded setting.

Spend the morning exploring Fanjove’s quiet island paths by bike, or keep the day relaxed with more time on the beach and in the water.


In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional dhow cruise, weather permitting, for a peaceful final evening on the Indian Ocean.

After a final morning on the island, travel by boat to the mainland, approximately 20 minutes, followed by a short land transfer to the airstrip, approximately 10 minutes.


Fly back to Dar es Salaam, approximately 70 minutes, arriving around 18:00 for your onward international departure.

Each day can be customized based on how you feel and what you would like to see with the help of your guides and staff.

Optional Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these
curated experiences.

Hot air balloon

Hot air balloon

Drift above Ruaha at sunrise for a rare aerial perspective over one of Tanzania's most remote and dramatic safari landscapes.

$599 / person
Private safari vehicle

Private safari vehicle

Exclusive use of a safari vehicle and guide at Roho ya Selous, giving your group the freedom to set the pace and linger at sightings.

$1,800 / group
Fly camping

Fly camping

Enjoy a thrilling full-day walking safari that ends with a night sleeping in a small dome tent under the stars, completely immersed in the bush. Available mid-July to mid-November

$290 / person

Optional experiences can be added now or later.

Arrival & Practical Information

Tourist visas are required for most nationalities and are included in your trip price.

We will handle the full application process for you and simply request a few basic details when the time comes.

Please ensure:

Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your exit date
Your approved visa is printed before arrival

Arrival airport: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

Most international flights arrive in the evening
Your private driver will be waiting for you at arrivals and transfer you directly to your hotel
We are happy to recommend the best flight options based on your departure city

All internal flights are operated by small bush planes connecting conservancies and parks.

Ground transportation is provided in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles for optimal game viewing. All airport transfers are included.

Please note:

Soft-sided bags are required for bush flights
Pack in layers for temperature changes
Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for safari activities

Yes, this itinerary works well for families.

However:

Children under 6 are not permitted on this trip.
If you have children 5 or under at the time of travel, please contact us so we can help arrange for specific camps where it is allowed and have childcare support available.

Absolutely. Each day can be adjusted based on your preferences, energy level, and wildlife interests with the help of your guides and staff.

It is also possible to:

Add extra nights
Combine your safari with a post-trip beach stay

For the above options, you can contact us directly, and we are happy to advise on locations and logistics. Please also see our optional add-ons for more ways to customize your trip.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a high-risk country
For travelers over 60, a medical contraindication certificate may often be accepted in place of the vaccine
Malaria prophylaxis is not mandatory but is generally recommended
We advise consulting your doctor 4–6 weeks prior to travel

We recommend travel insurance for this trip

If you would like insurance, we recommend Yonder Insurance as they will give you several quotes from different travel insurance providers. There you can select the plan that best suits your needs based on cost and coverage.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

Thoughtfully Planned

Every transfer, permit, and detail handled for you

Expert Local Guides

Deep wildlife knowledge and conservancy access

Flexible Each Day

Adjust activities based on how you feel

Support Throughout

From first inquiry to your final transfer

Questions about this safari?

Our safari specialists are here to help.

Questions about this safari?

Our safari specialists are here to help.

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