7-Day Nyerere & Ruaha Fly-In Safari
A private 7-day fly-in safari from Dar es Salaam to the two great parks of the south: three nights in Nyerere with a boat safari on the Rufiji River, then three nights in Ruaha among lions, elephants and baobabs.
Two Wild Parks by Air
Flying is the classic way to see southern Tanzania: short light-aircraft flights replace long roads, and you land at airstrips inside the parks. In Nyerere, game drives and a boat safari on the Rufiji River show you a world of hippos, crocodiles and water birds; walking safaris are possible at some camps.
Then you fly west to Ruaha, one of Tanzania's largest and least visited parks, for three nights of game drives along the Great Ruaha River. It suits travellers who want wild Africa with few other vehicles.
Want the north too? See the 11-Day Northern & Southern Tanzania Safari →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Three nights in Nyerere with a Rufiji River boat safari
- Three nights in Ruaha
- Light-aircraft flights between Dar es Salaam and the parks
- Tented camps with game drives
- Walking safaris at some camps
Read our park guides: Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park
A short flight from Dar es Salaam to an airstrip in Nyerere. Three nights with game drives and a boat safari on the Rufiji River.
Overnight: Tented camp in Nyerere National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
A light-aircraft flight west to Ruaha. Three nights with game drives along the Great Ruaha River and through baobab country.
Overnight: Tented camp in Ruaha National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last morning game drive, then the flight back to Dar es Salaam, or on to Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast
The price depends on the camps and flight fares for your dates, so we quote this safari on request. Send us your dates and we will reply within 24 hours.
On requestWe can add beach nights on Zanzibar at the end.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Dar es Salaam
- Private safari: your group only
- Small planes: soft bags, about 15 kg per person
- Camps named when we confirm availability
Includes
- Flights Dar es Salaam–Nyerere–Ruaha–Dar es Salaam
- Game drives and a Rufiji River boat safari
- Park entry and concession fees
- 6 nights in tented camps, full board
- Drinking water
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Walking safaris (where offered)
- Tips
- Drinks not included in the meal plans
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
Why fly?
The roads between Dar es Salaam, Nyerere and Ruaha are long. Flying saves days and lands you inside the parks.
What is different from the north?
Far fewer vehicles, wilder landscapes, and boat and walking safaris that the northern parks do not offer.
When is the best time?
June to October, the dry season. Some camps close in April and May.
Can we add Zanzibar?
Yes. Flights from the parks or Dar es Salaam go to Zanzibar; ask us to add beach nights.
