9 Days Fly-In Southern Tanzania Safari Fly-In Safari
Description
This 9-day fly-in Southern Tanzania safari takes you to Tanzania's remote and exceptional southern wilderness, far from the tourist trails of the Northern Circuit. Visiting both Ruaha National Park and the vast Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve by fly-in, you discover an authentic and spectacular side of Tanzania few visitors ever see.
The Southern Circuit offers a profoundly different and rewarding Tanzania safari experience. Vast untouched wilderness, exceptional lion and elephant populations, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, and walking safaris in true wilderness create a depth of experience that is uniquely powerful and unforgettable.
Safari Highlights
Discover Tanzania's remote and wild Southern Circuit by fly-in safari
Ruaha National Park - Tanzania's largest park with exceptional elephant densities
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) - Africa's largest game reserve
Fly between remote airstrips in both Southern parks
Authentic wilderness experience away from Northern Tanzania crowds
Light aircraft provides stunning aerial views of the Rift Valley, crater, and Serengeti plains
Baggage limit of ~15 kg per person applies — we help you pack smart for maximum comfort
Air medical evacuation available from all Serengeti airstrips in under 60 minutes
Multiple airstrips across the Serengeti allow flexible routing and park zone access
Day-by-Day 9-Day Fly-In Southern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Dar es Salaam to Ruaha — Remote Wilderness Arrival
Fly from Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere Airport to Msembe airstrip in Ruaha National Park (approx. 90 minutes). Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s most remote — Ruaha sees a fraction of northern Tanzania’s visitor numbers. Your guide meets you at the airstrip for an immediate afternoon game drive through the vast Ruaha River valley. The park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant and lion populations. Check in to your remote tented camp as the sun sets over the rugged landscape.
Accommodation: Ruaha River tented camp | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Ruaha — Elephant & Lion Territory
An early 06:00 game drive into the heart of Ruaha’s stunning landscape: dramatic rocky hills, ancient baobab trees, and the life-giving Ruaha River. Ruaha is famous for its enormous elephant herds (10,000+ individuals in the ecosystem) and thriving lion population, including packs of African wild dogs. Look for greater and lesser kudu, roan and sable antelope — species rarely seen in northern Tanzania. A bush picnic lunch beside the river. Afternoon drive.
Accommodation: Ruaha River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Ruaha — Wild Dog Country & Predator Focus
The Ruaha ecosystem has one of Africa’s largest populations of African wild dogs. Your guide uses radio tracking networks to locate any active packs. Morning drive through the rocky Mwagusi River sand banks, where lions ambush prey at waterholes. Afternoon drive into the flood plain areas for buffalo herds and nile monitors. Evening game drive back to camp through the river valley.
Accommodation: Ruaha River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ruaha — Walking Safari & Bush Day
Join an optional morning walking safari with an armed park ranger — the most intimate wildlife experience possible. Walk through the bush tracking elephant prints, identifying bird calls, and approaching plains game on foot. Return for a hot camp lunch and siesta. Afternoon vehicle game drive. Campfire dinner under the vast Ruaha night sky.
Accommodation: Ruaha River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Fly Ruaha to Nyerere National Park (Selous) — Boat Safari
Morning game drive then transfer to Msembe airstrip. Board your light aircraft for the 45-minute flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) — Africa’s largest wildlife reserve. Your camp is positioned on the banks of the Rufiji River. Afternoon boat safari down the Rufiji: enormous Nile crocodiles, hippo pods, African fish eagles, yellow-billed storks, and elephant families wading across the river.
Accommodation: Rufiji River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Nyerere — Boat & Game Drive Safari
A morning boat safari drifting through the Rufiji’s diverse channels and oxbow lakes. The boat provides wildlife encounters impossible from a vehicle: eye-level with crocodiles, close approaches to hippos, and incredible birding. After lunch, a vehicle game drive through Nyerere’s woodland tracks. The park is famous for its enormous buffalo herds and wild dog packs.
Accommodation: Rufiji River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Nyerere — Walking Safari & Lake Safari
Morning walking safari through the riverine forest with an armed ranger. A unique immersive experience in this vast wilderness. Afternoon by the lake circuit — the large inland lakes support enormous concentrations of hippos (some individual lakes hold 200+ hippos), wading birds, and crocodile sunning spots.
Accommodation: Rufiji River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Nyerere — Final Full Day
A final full day in Nyerere for last opportunities with wild dogs, elephants, and crocodiles. Morning game drive targeting the woodland circuit. Afternoon boat drift. Farewell dinner at the camp with your guide, reflecting on two extraordinary southern Tanzania parks that remain Africa’s best-kept safari secret.
Accommodation: Rufiji River tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Fly Back to Dar es Salaam & Departure
Morning game drive or boat safari before your light aircraft returns you to Dar es Salaam (approx. 1 hour). Your driver meets you for a hotel transfer or onward connection to your international flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Accommodation: N/A | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes & Excludes
All national park entry and conservation fees
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide
Full board accommodation
All meals during safari
Bottled water during game drives
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
All internal Tanzania charter/scheduled flights between parks
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. The dry season (June to October) is ideal as animals gather near water sources making game viewing easier. The short dry season (January to March) is great for bird watching and the calving season. For the Great Migration river crossings, plan for July to October in Northern Serengeti. Contact us to discuss the best time for your specific interests.
Yes, all our safari itineraries are fully customizable. We can adjust the number of days, parks visited, accommodation category (budget to luxury), add Zanzibar beach extension, Kilimanjaro trekking, cultural experiences, or any other special request. Simply contact us with your preferences and we will design your perfect Tanzania safari.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive green), a warm fleece or jacket for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking confirmation.
Scheduled flights have a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) soft-sided bag limit per person. Charter flights can be more flexible. We recommend a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. We can arrange advance luggage storage at your Arusha hotel for items not needed on safari.
We typically use Cessna 208 Caravans (10-13 seats) or smaller Cessna 172/182 aircraft (3-4 seats) operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, or similar licensed Tanzanian carriers. Flights are scheduled, meaning you share the aircraft with other passengers, unless you choose a private charter option.
Light aircraft flights are occasionally delayed by weather or visibility conditions. Our operators prioritize safety above all else. In the rare event of a significant delay, our ground team adjusts the day's itinerary to minimize impact. We recommend travel insurance that covers flight delays for complete peace of mind.
Safari Details
Safari Type
Fly-In Southern Tanzania Safari
Safari Circuit
Southern Circuit Fly-In
Key Destinations
Ruaha National Park • Selous (Nyerere) National Park
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Safari Vehicle
4x4 Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof
Departure Point
Arusha • JRO Airport • ARK Airport
Best For
Adventure Seekers • Off-the-Beaten-Path • Authentic Wilderness
Safari Price
$Upon Request
Price depends on group size, accommodation category & season.
Why Book With Us
Expertise and Experience
Tailored Services
Comprehensive Planning
Client Satisfaction
24/7 Support
Contact Details
Mr. Yamat
Tour Operator
Call Us : +255 686 241 980
Email : info@safarismate.com
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