5 Days Ruaha & Nyerere Fly-in Safari

Overview

What makes this journey special

Ruaha predators & elephantsRufiji River boat safariLight-aircraft transfersIringa-based Ruaha guides

Two of Africa’s wildest parks in one trip – Ruaha’s baobab valleys and big predators, then boat safaris on the Rufiji in Nyerere, linked by light aircraft.

Ruaha and Nyerere are the two great parks of southern Tanzania, and they complement each other well. Ruaha is dry, rugged country along the Great Ruaha River, known for big lion prides, large elephant herds, greater and lesser kudu and very few other vehicles.

Nyerere, Tanzania’s largest park, is a world of lakes and river channels where boat safaris bring you close to hippos, crocodiles and birdlife, alongside game drives for wild dog and elephant.

Flying between the parks turns a long road journey into a short hop, leaving more time for wildlife. Wild Gaze is based in Iringa, the gateway town to Ruaha, so our guides know the park well.

See the journey

Destinations you will visit on this safari

Ruaha National Park Explore destination →

Nyerere National Park Explore destination →

Day by day

Your itinerary

Day 1

Dar es Salaam – fly to Ruaha

Dar es Salaam · Ruaha

Morning flight from Dar es Salaam to Ruaha. Meet your guide at the airstrip and game drive to camp for lunch. Afternoon drive along the Great Ruaha River, where elephants, giraffes and impalas come down to drink.

Tented campFull board

Day 2

Full day in Ruaha

Ruaha National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives through the baobab country and along the Mwagusi sand river, prime territory for lion, leopard and cheetah. Lunch back at camp or a picnic in the bush.

Tented campFull board

Day 3

Ruaha – fly to Nyerere

Ruaha · Nyerere

An early game drive, then the flight to Nyerere National Park. After lunch at your lakeside camp, enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lakes.

Lakeside campFull board

Day 4

Boat safari & game drive in Nyerere

Rufiji River · Nyerere

Morning boat safari on the Rufiji River for hippos, crocodiles and water birds, then an afternoon game drive looking for wild dog, lion and elephant.

Lakeside campFull board

Day 5

Nyerere – fly to Dar es Salaam

Nyerere · Dar es Salaam

A last early drive or walk, then the short flight back to Dar es Salaam to connect with your onward journey.

Breakfast

Getting there

Arrival & transfers

Starts and ends in Dar es Salaam, with light-aircraft flights between the parks. A road version from Iringa is available for a lower price.

Inclusions

What's included

Scheduled light-aircraft flights Dar es Salaam – Ruaha – Nyerere – Dar es Salaam
Game drives with professional guides
Ruaha and Nyerere park and concession fees
4 nights tented camps, full board
Boat safari in Nyerere
Drinking water