Luxury Southern Tanzania Fly In Safari
Seasonal Information
Explore the wildlife-rich and unspoilt wilderness areas of southern Tanzania’s game reserves on safari. Explore the waterways and plains of the Selous Game Reserve by boat, vehicle and foot, before searching for big cats in Ruaha National Park, home to 10 percent of Africa’s lion population.
- Big 5 Game Experience
- Walking Safaris in Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve
- Boating Safaris with Sundowners
- Uninhabited and unspoilt areas, home to 10% of Africa’s lion population
The Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest protected area uninhabited by man at 55 000km², with plentiful wildlife impossible to tally, inclusive of fabulous lion prides, elephants, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles and the world’s largest population of wild dogs. The Rufiji River is the main water source for this region and during the dry season, large amounts of animals gather around the water’s edge. As well as brilliant boating safaris, there is also fishing on offer. Experiencing the migration from Mozambique’s Niassa Game Reserve in the dry season is a phenomenal opportunity with an estimated 64 000 elephants crossing between the two parks.
Ruaha National Park is one of the lesser travelled parks, however the largest national park in Tanzania at 20 226km², it is rich in foliage and wildlife, in a landscape of remote beauty. This untouched ecosystem has unique game like the greater kudu which cannot be found in any other national park. The great Ruaha River is the main water source and is considered the lifeline of the park. It is also responsible for hydroelectric power for the country at Mtera and Kidatu dams. There is excellent game viewing and 571 bird species with notable species such as the Ruaha Red-billed Hornbill.
On arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, you will then take an internal light aircraft flight to Selous Game Reserve (15 kg luggage limit per person; soft bags required for all flights on this itinerary) where you will be met at the airstrip and driven a short distance to camp. The transfer itself will be your first taste of the wildlife you will find in this stunning reserve. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and taken to your luxurious tent and have time to freshen up and relax by the pool before your afternoon boat safari. This relaxing safari will allow you to peacefully watch the array of wildlife come to the water’s edge and later enjoy a sundowner before returning to camp.
For the next 2 days, each morning and afternoon you can choose from the safari activities on offer. Game drives are a good way of exploring farther afield and seeing the larger wildlife and predators. Selous is home to a superb variety of wildlife including good populations of lions and leopards, and Africa’s largest population of wild dogs. Walking safaris are a real treat and offer a slower pace for learning about the flora and fauna of Selous. Boat safaris on the lake are particularly lovely in the afternoon, combined with a spot of fishing or sundowners, and are a good chance to get up close to pods of hippo and bird colonies nesting on small islands.
Depart on a short morning game drive to the airstrip to fly to Ruaha National Park, an hour and a half’s flight away. On arrival in Ruaha, a guide from Kwihala will meet you and take you on a short drive to your next camp, exploring this very different landscape on the way. Settle in, unwind and freshen up before heading to the dining tent for a delicious lunch served in a shady spot overlooking the sandy river. Rest during the heat of the day before afternoon tea is served and you set off on an afternoon drive, searching for the big cats and other wildlife that make this park such a rewarding safari destination. In the evening, enjoy drinks around the campfire before a three-course dinner alfresco, surrounded by lanterns and often the sounds of elephants in the distance as they search for water.
Over the next 2 days, Safari activities take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when the wildlife is most active. You will head out with expert guides on game drives to explore farther afield, on walking safaris to seek out the smaller details and learn how to track wildlife from prints and signs in the bush, and on night drives to watch nocturnal species. Breakfast is often a picnic to maximise your explorations, and you will return to camp for lunch and a siesta.
After breakfast, you will head to the airstrip for your onward travel arrangements but not before having one final Game Drive on the way.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Baggage Allowance
- This is limited to 15Kgs per person for domestic flights, including hand luggage
- Soft sided bags are recommended for Safari in East Africa due to limited space on safari vehicles
- Baggage and personal effects are at owners risk throughout the tour and baggage’s insurance is highly recommended
- Assistance at Dar Airport, transfers in Selous and Ruaha
- Roho ya Selous – 3 nights full board accommodation, all house drinks (except champagne), game drives, guided walks, boating safaris, fishing, transfers to/from Mbuyu and Siwandu airstrips and to/from Roho ya Selous, limited laundry service
- Kwihala Camp – 3 nights full board accommodation, all house drinks (except champagne), game drives, night drives, guided walks, transfers to/from nearest airstrip and to/from Kwihala Camp, limited laundry service
- Pack entrance fees are included
- Services of Camps & lodge English-speaking guides during shared game drives
Included Domestics Flights
- Scheduled flight Dar Es Salem to Selous
- Scheduled flight Selous to Ruaha
- Scheduled flight Ruaha to Dar Es Salem
- All Local &International Flights + Taxes
- Visas
- Walking safaris, bar drinks, gratuities, insurance, items of a personal nature
- Travel & Personal accident insurance
- Tips & personal expenses such as telephone calls
- Excursions not detailed in the above program
Seasonal Information
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