A safari in the south is all about experience – the game rich plains of Ruaha National Park and the endless wilderness of Nyerere National Park is pretty hard to beat.

By 4x4, by boat, on foot or in a fly-camp, it is freedom like no where else in Tanzania.

Start your journey
Kigelia

Kigelia

Kiba Point

Kiba Point

Sand Rivers

Sand Rivers

Expeditionary walking camp

Expeditionary walking camp

About the area

Ruaha is wild, expedition country – it is home to huge herds of elephants and abundance of predators; leopard, lion, wild dog and hyena. Ruaha is a vast landscape. You get a tremendous feeling of anticipation when you’ve grabbed cameras and shades, and left bush camp with your Nomad guide in an open vehicle. Who knows what will be encountered, but for sure there’ll be moments of excitement, fascination and peace amongst the great beasts and herds of Ruaha.

Ruaha

Kigelia is our bush camp at the heart of the action

This understated little bush-camp has been in the beating eastern heart of the park for years, where the wildlife is most concentrated. Sorties from it, encountering the great mammals of Africa, can be thrilling and hard to tear yourself away from. So, in this camp retreat, with Nature up very close, you will find a quiet, canvas refuge, only disturbed by our elephant visitors.

Recommended stay: 3 nights

Expect to pay: $675 - $720 per person per night

About the area

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) holds a special place in Nomad’s heart, ever since Richard Bonham, together with Lizzie and Bimb Theobald created what is now the most iconic camp in the park, Sand Rivers.

Nyerere is only a few hundred feet above sea level, and this is very much revealed in the climate and landscape. It is typical of Nyerere to encounter a varied terrain with woodland, flood plains, sand rivers, lakes and the remarkable Rufiji River.

Nyerere

On the banks of the Rufiji sits Sand Rivers

Some safaris can be predictable, game drive after game drive. This is simply not the case when you stay at Sand Rivers. The camp location combined with our mission to keep hold of our adventurous spirit gives many ways to enjoy the bush. Whether its lying on a sandbar watching eagles or creeping up on grunting hippos – every day will be different.

Recommended stay: 4 nights

Expect to pay: $750 - $1,120 per person per night

Explore safari itineraries

We tailor all our safaris to your particular requirements, but we understand that it's useful to have an idea of what works best, what’s available and a ballpark cost. Have a flick through our safari itineraries and get in touch to get the ball rolling.

Reviews

E. Taylor

Review for entamanu

Best Vacation Ever

We were truly spoiled by all the staff. Accommodations are amazing. Location wonderful. But the key to this being our best vacation ever is the incredible staff. Nothing is too much bother. Everything with a smile. Truly the best.

T. Kadlecek

Review for lamai

Magical Adventure Recommendation

Stay at Lamai Serengeti if you want a magical adventure! Enjoy a part of the Serengeti with expert guides, excellent hospitality, accommodations, and food. I would highly recommend this lodge for a first class experience.

FAQs

What I wish I knew before going on safari

Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.

What's included in a safari?

Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.

Is Tanzania a good honeymoon destination?

Absolutely. Wild, remote and deeply romantic. We believe a safari honeymoon strikes the perfect balance of adventure and calm. No two days are ever the same and what better way to kick off married life.

What are sundowners?

Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!

What is the best month to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.

How much driving is involved in a Tanzania Safari?

The driving distances on a Tanzania safari can vary depending on the area you are visiting and also your appetite for driving. Northern Tanzania allows for a full driving circuit with National Parks within reasonable distances. We love to drive when we can as we believe it allows for an exciting adventure through towns and villages and you learn so much about Tanzania and its wonderful people.

What should I take on Safari in Tanzania?

This is the trip of lifetime so you must have a good camera (or phone) to capture those wonderful memories. More importantly is a decent pair of binoculars - essential for your time in the bush. Sunscreen and insect repellant should be in the bag as well as a good water bottle, although you will be provided with a Nomad water bottle as part of your stay - hydration is really important on safari and in dry climates. Check your luggage restrictions with your tour operator as there are restrictions on luggage allowance for domestic flights in Tanzania. Also, if you react to insect bites be sure to bring antihistamines. It is a good idea to carry loperamide (commonly sold as Imodium) just in case.

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.

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