adventure · Ruaha, Selous
Southern Circuit: Ruaha & Selous
An epic 12-day expedition into Tanzania's wild south — Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) — where vast wilderness, minimal tourism, and extraordinary wildlife encounters await the adventurous traveler.
- Duration
- 12d / 11n
- Group Size
- 2–6
- Difficulty
- challenging
- Price From
- $4,100
The Brief
Overview
The Southern Circuit is for travelers who want to go where the crowds don't. Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) are Tanzania's largest national parks, together covering an area larger than some European countries — yet they receive a fraction of the visitors that the northern parks do.
Ruaha is a predator's paradise, with one of East Africa's largest lion populations and healthy numbers of leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. The Great Ruaha River draws wildlife in extraordinary concentrations during the dry season, creating some of the most dramatic game viewing experiences in Africa.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is Africa's largest game reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can combine game drives with walking safaris, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, and fly-camping under the stars — experiences unavailable in the more developed northern parks.
This 12-day expedition includes internal flights between parks, walking safaris with armed rangers, boat safaris, and nights in remote bush camps. It's the safari for travelers who want raw, untamed Africa.
Highlights
Reserve
Book This Tour
Single supplement: $750
Field Log
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your Arusha hotel. Evening briefing about the southern circuit adventure ahead.
On the Manifest
What's Included
Off the Manifest
Not Included
Extend the Expedition
Add-On Activities
Nyabinghi Drumming Circle
3 hours
Ital Cooking Workshop
4 hours
Reasoning Session & Philosophy
2 hours
Maasai Village Visit
Half day (4 hours)
From the Field
Photo Gallery
Word from the Trail
Guest Reviews
“This is the real Africa. No other tourists, no queues at wildlife sightings, just raw wilderness. The walking safari in Ruaha was the most thrilling experience of my life.”
“The boat safari on the Rufiji River was magical — hippos all around us, fish eagles calling, and elephants crossing the river. The fly-camping night under the stars was unforgettable.”
Continue the Journey