Discover Southern Tanzania

The southern parks are much less visited than their northern counterparts. They offer breathtaking landscapes and lush nature where water plays a key role.

Safari in the South

from 4500 $US

June to December

8 days

From age 5

Safari in the South

June to December

8 days

From age 5

from 4500 $US

Overview

The southern parks are much less visited than their northern counterparts. They offer breathtaking landscapes and lush nature where water plays a key role.

June to December

8 days

From age 5

Let's talk wildlife

Here, the wildebeest are blue, the predators are dogs (but they share the territory with cats), the zebras don't have the same stripes as their northern cousins, the greater kudu has found its refuge, and we are in the land of hippos, present in large numbers, everywhere. This is without mentioning the birds, of course very numerous here in these humid plains of Selous and of Ruaha.
The safaris will be organised in ½ day or full day at your own pace in a 4X4 fully open, by boat or on foot depending on the park. It's a different approach to travel, and a haven for birdwatchers and botany enthusiasts.

Travel Details

Tanzania
Tanzania

Your highlights

TWO SOUTHERN PARKS

First, discover The Selous Game Reservelisted by UNESCO. Then, set off for Ruaha National Park, probably the most beautiful park in the country.

A COMFORTABLE PACE

A trip with 2 ‘drop-off points’ to take your time and a magical charter plane ride.

SEASON

The best period to visit is from June to the end of December. However, wild dogs are easier to see in January, during the rainy season.

AWAY FROM THE CROWDS

Here, even in high season, you will often be alone in the parks, as there is little tourism in the southern parks’.

Itinerary
details

Browse through our tour and contact us to tailor it to your travel needs.

Day 1: Dar Es Salaam

Greeting at Dar Es Salaam airport by an English-speaking driver.

Hotel in Dar Es Salaam
Car or minivan

Day 2: Selous Park

In the morning, return to the airport and flight to the Selous Game Reserve, its new name is Nyerere National Park, by bush plane. Welcome at the airport, transfer to the lodge for lunch. First safari in the afternoon by 4x4 in the park. Overnight in the park on a full board basis facing the Rufiji River. Night lulled by the songs of birds and hippos!

Lodge in the park
Bush plane and private 4x4 vehicle

Day 3 and 4: Selous Park

Two days of safari with 4x4 safaris, walking safaris, and boat safaris. Overnight inside the Selous Game Reserve full board.

Some of the typical animals of the savannah (e.g. elephants, hippos, wild dogs, buffalo and crocodiles) are present in this park in greater numbers than in any other reserve or national park.

Nature here is lush. The Rufiji River flows through the park, creating large expanses of water, swamps, where we concentrate our safaris.

Lodge in the park
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 5: Ruaha Park

Morning bush plane flight from Selous Park to Ruaha Park. Welcome at the airstrip and transfer to the lodge for lunch. First 4x4 safari in the park in the afternoon. Overnight on a full board basis inside the Ruaha National Park.

Lodge in the park
Bush plane and private 4x4 vehicle

Day 6 and 7: Ruaha Park

Full-day or half-day safari in 4X4.
All rooms face the river. The animals come to drink regularly, and the colours are absolutely splendid. Here, most of the safari can be enjoyed from the terrace of your room!

The third largest park in Tanzania, Ruaha is - probably - the most beautiful park in the country, and the wildest in the world.

Lodge in the park
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 8: Dar es Salaam

Flight to Dar es Salaam and connection to the international airport. You can also continue your journey to the island of Zanzibar For a well-deserved rest!

Bush plane

Our added value:
A tailor-made experience

An extra day? This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes, your availability and your budget. Our travel designers are on hand to help you build the safari of your dreams.

Plan your trip

Their experience

A tailor-made tour, the quality of the exchanges with Marie can be felt in the organisation of the trip, everything is meticulously planned, no missteps! Swedi is a wonderful guide who loves to talk about our respective cultures and has a lot to teach us.

Éloise & Florian

More information

Our criteria: charm, comfort and an exceptional location. The ethics of our partners reflect our commitment to responsible tourism. At Selous, discover a camp facing the Rufiji River. At Ruaha, you'll love lunch at the top of the lodge, with its superb view of the surrounding forest.

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on the number of participants, since certain costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season. We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.
The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season.
We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.

This trip starts at US$4,500 per person for 2 participants in a double room, during the low season.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

  • Full service from day 1 to departure transfer
  • The entire safari in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan vehicle equipped with radio, water cooler, fridge and sunroof, with a English-speaking guide.
  • Full board basis for meals
  • Government park entrance fees
  • Our assistance throughout your stay

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Insurance

 

 

Selous and Ruaha are the two largest parks in the south, but extensions are possible in Mikumi Park, Udzungwa Park and its waterfalls or even Katavi National Park.

Looking for a beach break? Zanzibar or Saadani are also possible. Talk to us about creating your own itinerary to suit your preferences!

Frequently Asked Questions

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on a variety of factors. The number of participants, since some costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The type of transport: 4×4, planes for certain routes, private charters, etc. And finally the type of accommodation.

The Tanzanian government controls park entrance fees. These taxes are very important in your budget. You can find the prices of these fees on the Tanapa website.

The habit of tipping is very ingrained in Tanzania and you should also take this into account in your holiday budget.

You can travel to Tanzania all year round as long as you adapt your itinerary. Each season will reveal a different but beautiful landscape.

The dry season runs from June to October,where you cand find beauty in the dry landscapes. Evenings can be cool, especially in July and August.

The main rainy season generally extends from April to May. The main concentration of rain falls over two months.

The short rainy season, which starts in mid-October and lasts until February,rains only in the form of short showers. This is when nature is at its most beautiful and verdant.

The hottest months are from December to February..

You can travel to Tanzania with children, the important thing is to adapt the itinerary. Our travel designers are used to this and will be able to recommend the best itinerary according to their age. We can offer you family rooms specially designed to answer the safety questions that all parents ask themselves before taking their children on safari.

Children are generally entitled to a discount on accommodation up to the age of 12. For park taxes, the reduction is up to the age of 16. There is no tax for children aged 4 and under.

Formalities and Visa: For European and Canadian nationals, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return + a Tanzanian visa. The Tanzanian visa can be obtained on arrival or online at least 3 weeks before travel. The cost of a visa for Tanzania is 50 US dollars.

Health: Vaccination against yellow fever is not compulsory for entering Tanzania directly from Europe or North America. Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Vaccination against rabies is also recommended.

Malaria is endemic to the country. Make sure you protect yourself against mosquito bites with repellents, mosquito nets and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
We advise you to make an appointment with your GP or a specialist for further information on this subject.

What to bring: Except for the coast and Zanzibar, it is essential to bring sweaters as the evenings and early mornings are cool. Avoid wearing black and blue on safari, as these colours attract tsetse flies.

You'll also get sunburn if you don't take precautions. Pack an anti-diarrhoeal in your first-aid kit. You should also take insect repellent and medication to combat travel sickness. And don't forget your camera, sunglasses and a pair of binoculars.

Currency and exchange: US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are the main currencies accepted. For US dollars, you will need banknotes dated after 2009.
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are sometimes accepted in lodges, but not everywhere.

Dress code: On safari, shorts and short-sleeved clothing (T-shirts, blouses, etc.) are not a problem. Watch out for the sun!

On the coast and in the islands, the religion of Islam is predominant, so avoid clothing that could be perceived as an affront to the religion. Wear long sleeves and trousers. On the beaches, avoid any form of nudism or revealing clothing.

Safety: In order to adopt a few safety rules when travelling in town, we recommend that you consult your respective embassy website, under the 'Travelling abroad' tab.

Customs and traditions - Specific legislation: During Ramadan, do not eat or drink in public.
The Zanzibar authorities prohibit homosexual practices. Drugs and narcotics are severely punished. The import of plastic bags is prohibited.

Photographing and filming: When photographing people, do so sparingly and respectfully; try to put yourself in their shoes: how would you like to be photographed, how would you not like to be photographed? And always ask for consent!

You can photograph landscapes without limits! Please note, however, that it is forbidden to photograph military areas and buildings or officers in uniform. The use of drones is prohibited in Tanzania's national parks.

Tipping: Tanzania, like the rest of East Africa, is a country under Anglo-Saxon influence, and tipping has become a way of life here. We will suggest a recommended amount as a guideline only, but you should never feel obliged to give a tip.

It is customary to tip at the various accommodation establishments where you will be staying. Most lodges and camps have tip boxes at reception where you can leave US$10 per room, per night, if you are satisfied with the service. The money is then shared between the staff.

It is also customary to tip your safari team at the end of the safari. As a general rule, we recommend around US$25 per day of safari for your guide.

Electricity: 220 and 230 volts, 50 Hz. Power cuts are fairly frequent. Sockets have three plugs, two horizontal and one vertical. We advise you to bring an adaptor for your electrical devices (UK type) before you leave.
In the lodges, the electricity often stops working after 10 or 10.30pm and starts up again around 6 or 7am.

Time difference: +3h to the UK standard (GMT +4h) in winter, +2h in summer.

Languages: Swahili and English are the official languages. Swahili is of Bantu origin, originally from the coastal region, and includes many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages of Nilotic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.

Plan your trip with Corto Safaris

Safari in the South

June to December

8 days

From age 5

June to December

8 days

From age 5

from 4500 $US

How do I book?

Step 1

Choose a trip that inspires you from our catalog

Step 2

Contact us by requesting a quote on our website

Step 3

Personalize your experience with our travel designers

Step 4

Confirm your reservation and start packing!

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