10-Day Ruaha & Nyerere Safari with Zanzibar

The 10-Day Ruaha & Nyerere Safari with Zanzibar Extension combines Tanzania’s untamed southern wilderness with the tropical beauty of Zanzibar Island.

Around a Year

safe safari

10 Days - 9 Nights

From 2 Travellers

Overview

The 10-Day Ruaha & Nyerere Safari with Zanzibar Extension combines Tanzania’s untamed southern wilderness with the tropical beauty of Zanzibar Island. This unforgettable journey takes you through the wildlife-rich landscapes of Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park before ending with a relaxing beach escape on Zanzibar’s pristine coastline. Experience thrilling game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, exceptional predator encounters, and breathtaking scenery before unwinding on white-sand beaches overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This itinerary is perfect for travellers seeking a balance of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

10-Day Ruaha & Nyerere Safari with Zanzibar

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, transfer to the domestic terminal for your scheduled flight to Nyerere National Park. Formerly known as part of the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas. Upon arrival, transfer to your safari lodge and enjoy lunch while overlooking the wilderness. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Return to your lodge before sunset for dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Luxury Tented Camp


Day 2: Full Day Nyerere National Park Safari

After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive through Nyerere National Park. Explore vast grasslands, river systems, lakes, and woodlands while searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. Nyerere is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered African wild dog. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your safari. As the day progresses, wildlife becomes increasingly active around water sources. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Luxury Tented Camp


Day 3: Walking Safari & Flight to Ruaha National Park

Following breakfast, enjoy a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger and professional guide. Learn about animal tracks, native plants, birds, and the smaller details of the ecosystem often missed during game drives. Return to camp for lunch before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive while travelling to your lodge. Search for elephants, giraffes, lions, and other wildlife before dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Luxury Tented Camp in Ruaha


Day 4: Full Day Ruaha National Park Safari

Spend a full day exploring Tanzania’s largest national park. Ruaha National Park is famous for its rugged landscapes, giant baobab trees, and exceptional predator populations. Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and the rare African wild dog. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Great Ruaha River before continuing your exploration. The park’s remote wilderness provides an authentic safari experience and outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Luxury Tented Camp in Ruaha


Day 5: Great Ruaha River Safari

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the wildlife-rich Great Ruaha River ecosystem. During the dry season, animals gather along the river, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Observe elephants crossing sandy riverbeds, crocodiles basking in the sun, and hippos cooling themselves in the remaining pools. Predators are frequently observed hunting near the riverbanks. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your safari adventure. Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Luxury Tented Camp in Ruaha


Day 6: Full Day Predator Safari in Ruaha

Enjoy another exciting day in Ruaha National Park dedicated to tracking predators. The park supports one of Africa’s largest lion populations and offers excellent opportunities to observe natural predator behaviour. Search for leopards hidden among rocky outcrops, cheetahs hunting across open plains, and packs of African wild dogs moving through the bush. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your game drive through different regions of the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and your final night in the African wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Luxury Tented Camp in Ruaha


Day 7: Ruaha – Zanzibar Island

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival on the island, transfer to your luxury beach resort located on Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, or enjoying the resort’s facilities. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Beach Resort in Zanzibar


Day 8: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation

Wake up to the sound of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a full day at leisure. Relax on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy optional water sports and excursions. The island’s tropical beauty provides the perfect setting to unwind after your safari adventure. Spend the day enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before returning to your resort for dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Beach Resort in Zanzibar


Day 9: Stone Town & Spice Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich cultural heritage and fascinating architecture. Explore winding alleyways, historic buildings, bustling markets, and famous landmarks. Later, visit a traditional spice farm to learn about Zanzibar’s world-renowned spices including cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Return to your beach resort in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening by the ocean.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Beach Resort in Zanzibar


Day 10: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your resort and spend your final hours relaxing on the beach or exploring the resort grounds. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey. Your unforgettable Ruaha, Nyerere, and Zanzibar adventure concludes with memories of incredible wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes, and tropical island relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast


Safari Highlights

  • Explore Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area
  • Scenic boat safari on the Rufiji River
  • Guided walking safari with armed ranger
  • Discover Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha
  • Excellent opportunities to see African wild dogs
  • Exceptional lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings
  • Domestic flights between safari destinations
  • Relax on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches
  • Explore historic Stone Town and spice plantations
  • Perfect combination of safari and beach holiday

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

COST INCLUDES:

  • All national park entrance fees
  • Domestic flights between destinations
  • Boat safari on the Rufiji River
  • Guided walking safari
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Accommodation for nine nights
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Airport and airstrip transfers
  • Bottled drinking water during safari
  • Government taxes and conservation fees

NOT INCLUDED:

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Tips and gratuities