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

Charlie, Ruaha

Charlie, Ruaha

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

J. Zebrack

Review for serengeti safari camp

Magical Stay in Ngoro

A magical stay in Ngoro Province surrounded by wildlife and beautiful scenery. Everything exceeded expectations. One of my favorite vacations ever. We were able to spot all of the wildlife on our wish list.

G. Frosberg

Review for lamai

Safari Experience Enhanced

Lamai supports and enhances the safari experience to the highest level.

Camps visited:

E. Foale

Review for lamai

Extraordinary Serengeti Experience

Lamai is one of the truly great places on earth, an extraordinary way to experience the majesty of the Serengeti. Impossible to recommend it too highly.

Camps visited:

Q. Favier

Review for entamanu

Wonderful Lodge Experience

I had a wonderful time at the lodge, everything makes you feel at home. Opening the curtains in the morning over the crater and having the visit of animals was a lovely surprise. I wish to visit again.

FAQs

What is Christmas and New Year like on Safari?

Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.

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 a typical daily schedule on safari?

Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.

How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?

Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible. 

There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.

Can I charge my devices whilst on safari?

Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.

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.

How long are the drives between camps?

It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.

What is the difference between Serengeti National Park and Nyerere National Park?

The first difference is terrain. The Serengeti is all vast plains and iconic kopjes, whereas Nyerere is riverine wilderness where variety in activity becomes ever possible, boating, fishing etc. Both areas are wild with superb game but very different in landscape.

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