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Hippopotamus crowded into a shallow river pool, backs above the brown water.

Wildlife

Wild Southern Solitude

The southern parks, which hold a fraction of the northern circuit's vehicles across a far larger area. Fly in, stay put, and accept that the wildlife is harder to find and better to watch.

Request a quote See the itinerary
Duration6 days / 5 nights
RouteNyerere · Ruaha
PaceModerate
Best monthsJune to October
From$7,800pp sharing

About this journey

Nyerere and Ruaha, which between them hold a fraction of the northern circuit's vehicles across a far larger area. The wildlife is harder to find and better to watch, and you will go hours without seeing another car.

Best months. June to October. Several southern camps close altogether from March to May, and the boat safaris depend on the river level rather than the calendar.

Pace. Moderate. Boat, vehicle and some walking, all optional.

Who this journey suits

You have done the northern circuit, or you have seen enough photographs of it.

Solitude matters more to you than a guaranteed leopard.

You are happy to fly in — by road these parks are a full day each from Dar es Salaam.

You want a boat safari and a walking safari in the same trip.

Highlights

  • Boat safari on the Rufiji in Nyerere, which no northern park can offer
  • Ruaha's baobab country, and one of the larger remaining African wild dog populations
  • Walking safaris with an armed ranger, which the northern parks largely do not permit
  • Two camps, five nights, no single-night stops
  • Roughly one vehicle for every forty square kilometres, against the crater's density

Route

Stops on Wild Southern Solitude
StopNightsWhy
Nyerere (Rufiji)2 nightsRiver, channels, hippo, and the boat safari.
Ruaha3 nightsBaobabs, big elephant herds, wild dog, and almost nobody else.

How the journey flows

Every point below is a real place at its real coordinates. The coastline is simplified — this is a route diagram, not a survey map.

Schematic map of Tanzania showing the route for Wild Southern Solitude. The same route is listed as text beside this map. Dar es Salaam (DAR)Nyerere (Rufiji)Ruaha Dar es Salaam (DAR)Nyerere (Rufiji)Ruaha
  • Light aircraft

In order

  1. Dar es Salaam (DAR)Arrive
  2. Nyerere (Rufiji)Light aircraft
  3. RuahaLight aircraft
  4. Dar es Salaam (DAR)Light aircraft

Flights and bush aviation

If you have not flown in a twelve-seat aircraft off a grass strip before, this is the part worth reading twice.

Flight sectors on this journey
SectorIn the air AircraftNote
Dar es Salaam (DAR) → Nyerere / Rufijiabout 45 minLight aircraftAlso flies from Zanzibar if you are coming off the coast.
Nyerere → Ruahaabout 2 h with a stopLight aircraftOver country with effectively no roads.
Ruaha → Dar es Salaam (DAR)about 2 hLight aircraft—

What to expect either end

Aviation practicalities
LuggageOne soft bag of about 15 kg (33 lb) plus a small day bag on bush sectors. Soft is a requirement, not a preference — the baggage compartments are shaped, not boxes, and a hard case will not go in. The allowance is set by the operating carrier and we verify it for your sectors before you pack. Subject to confirmation.
Where a hard case goesInto store in Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, and back to you at the end. Routine and included.
BoardingA short ladder or a step onto the wing. Assistance is routine and manual: no aisle chair, no ambulift, no jet bridge. A powered wheelchair needs a separate conversation about weight, battery type and cargo-door size.
Delays and weatherNormal, especially in the rains. We never connect a bush strip to a same-day international departure, and nor should anybody else.
WeightsOperators ask for each passenger's weight before the flight. It is a load sheet calculation, not an indignity, and it is not optional.
The operatorFlights are flown by carriers licensed by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority. We have no contracted carrier yet, so no operator is named on this site. The operator for your sectors is named in your written proposal, before you pay.

No airline is named on this site. Several carriers fly these routes under Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority licences, and we have no contracted relationship with any of them yet. Naming one here would imply a partnership that does not exist. The operator for your sectors is named in your written proposal, before you pay anything. (subject to confirmation)

Day by day

A starting point. Every day here can be moved, shortened or removed — open one to read what it holds.

  1. Day1 Fly to the Rufiji WhereNyerere OvernightTented camp on the river Meals LD

    A scheduled light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, about 45 minutes, or from Zanzibar if you are coming off the coast. Afternoon on the water as the light goes.

    Where you would sleep this night

    Described by standard, not by name: we do not name a property we have no agreement with. Your written proposal names the actual place, and the photographs here are examples of the standard rather than pictures of it. Power, water, wifi and access for each standard.

    • River camp — an example of this standard.River campSix to twelve rooms, open to the river on one side.
    • Classic tented camp — an example of this standard.Classic tented campTwin or double, with a few family units. Mosquito netting over the bed as standard.
  2. Day2 River and channels WhereNyerere OvernightTented camp on the river Meals BLD

    A boat morning through the channels and lakes — hippo, crocodile, fish eagles, and elephants coming down to drink at eye level, which a vehicle cannot give you. Vehicle drive in the afternoon, or a walk if the ground is dry.

    Where you would sleep this night

    Described by standard, not by name: we do not name a property we have no agreement with. Your written proposal names the actual place, and the photographs here are examples of the standard rather than pictures of it. Power, water, wifi and access for each standard.

    • River camp — an example of this standard.River campSix to twelve rooms, open to the river on one side.
    • Classic tented camp — an example of this standard.Classic tented campTwin or double, with a few family units. Mosquito netting over the bed as standard.
  3. Day3 West to Ruaha WhereRuaha OvernightTented camp Meals BLD

    A light-aircraft hop of about two hours with a stop, over country with no roads in it. Afternoon drive from camp along the sand river.

    Where you would sleep this night

    Described by standard, not by name: we do not name a property we have no agreement with. Your written proposal names the actual place, and the photographs here are examples of the standard rather than pictures of it. Power, water, wifi and access for each standard.

    • River camp — an example of this standard.River campSix to twelve rooms, open to the river on one side.
    • Classic tented camp — an example of this standard.Classic tented campTwin or double, with a few family units. Mosquito netting over the bed as standard.
  4. Day4 Ruaha, all day WhereRuaha OvernightTented camp Meals BLD

    A full day. Ruaha rewards patience rather than mileage: a morning sitting at one waterhole in the dry season will usually show you more than four hours of driving.

    Where you would sleep this night

    Described by standard, not by name: we do not name a property we have no agreement with. Your written proposal names the actual place, and the photographs here are examples of the standard rather than pictures of it. Power, water, wifi and access for each standard.

    • River camp — an example of this standard.River campSix to twelve rooms, open to the river on one side.
    • Classic tented camp — an example of this standard.Classic tented campTwin or double, with a few family units. Mosquito netting over the bed as standard.
  5. Day5 Walking and the sand river WhereRuaha OvernightTented camp Meals BLD

    A walking safari at first light with an armed ranger, which is a different activity from a game drive and not a lesser one. Afternoon drive, or a second walk.

    Where you would sleep this night

    Described by standard, not by name: we do not name a property we have no agreement with. Your written proposal names the actual place, and the photographs here are examples of the standard rather than pictures of it. Power, water, wifi and access for each standard.

    • River camp — an example of this standard.River campSix to twelve rooms, open to the river on one side.
    • Classic tented camp — an example of this standard.Classic tented campTwin or double, with a few family units. Mosquito netting over the bed as standard.
  6. Day6 Home WhereRuaha → Dar es Salaam Overnight— Meals B

    Light aircraft back to Dar es Salaam, about two hours. Connect onward the same day, but not to a tight international departure.

Where you would stay

Open any of these for rooms, power hours, hot water, Wi-Fi and the honest access position.

The eroded earth bank of the Rufiji river seen from the water, trees above it.

River camp

Canvas on a raised deck above the water, open-fronted, so the river is the view from the bed. Hippo at night are a feature rather than a problem.

Where
Above the Rufiji in Nyerere, and on the sand rivers in Ruaha.
Rooms
Six to twelve rooms, open to the river on one side.
Power
Solar, limited hours. Charging in the mess area.
Hot water
Hot water on request.
Wi-Fi
Rarely, and slowly.
Access
Built on raised decks, which means steps — usually three to six. None confirmed step-free. Boat boarding varies with the river level.
Sustainability
Solar and grey-water handling are usual in the southern camps, subject to confirmation.

Amenities

  • En-suite bathroom
  • Hot water on request
  • Solar lighting
  • Full-board dining
  • Boat jetty
  • Mosquito netting

Described by style, not by name. We do not name a camp, lodge or hotel we have no agreement with — that would be a public claim about somebody else's business. The specific properties held for you are named in your written proposal, with their access detail, before you pay anything.

Classic tented camp

Classic tented camp

Canvas rooms on a solid raised floor, with a proper bed, an en-suite bathroom and hot water brought to you or heated on demand. The standard of the Tanzanian safari circuit, and far more comfortable than the word “tent” suggests.

Where
Inside the parks and conservation areas, usually 12 to 20 rooms.
Rooms
Twin or double, with a few family units. Mosquito netting over the bed as standard.
Power
Solar, typically with limited hours. High-draw sockets are rare. If you travel with a medical device, we confirm the power hours at each property in writing before anything is booked.
Hot water
Hot water heated on request or on a schedule, not continuously.
Wi-Fi
In the mess area at some camps, not in the rooms, and often not at all. Treat it as absent and be pleasantly surprised.
Access
Varies enormously. Some camps have level decking from the vehicle to the bed; most have two or three steps. None has been measured by us, so none is confirmed step-free.
Sustainability
Solar power and grey-water handling are usual, though no property on this site has been audited by us.

Amenities

  • En-suite bathroom
  • Hot water, usually on request
  • Solar lighting
  • Charging point in the mess tent
  • Laundry, daily
  • Full-board dining
  • Bucket or pressure shower

Described by style, not by name. We do not name a camp, lodge or hotel we have no agreement with — that would be a public claim about somebody else's business. The specific properties held for you are named in your written proposal, with their access detail, before you pay anything.

What it costs

Indicative $7,800 – $12,000 per person sharing, by season and camp standard. No price on this site has been approved, and nothing here is a quotation.

Indicative price per person sharing, by season and group size
Season123–45–67+
PeakJuly – October, 20 Dec – 3 JanOn requestOn requestOn requestOn requestOn request
ShoulderJanuary – February, JuneOn request$7,800indicativeOn requestOn requestOn request
GreenMarch – May, NovemberOn requestOn requestOn requestOn requestOn request

Per person sharing, US dollars, two people unless stated. Excludes international flights. A single traveller pays more and a larger group pays less per head — we will tell you how much before you ask twice. No figure here has been approved: see what it costs.

What moves the price: season, how many of you there are, whether you fly or drive the long sectors, and the standard of camp. A single traveller pays more; we will say how much before you ask twice.

Access and comfort

Each line is either confirmed by our own measurement or it is not. “On request” means we will plan and cost it and nobody has measured it yet.

Access provision on Wild Southern Solitude
ProvisionStatusDetail
Vehicle adaptationOn requestA hoist-fitted vehicle is not currently based in the southern parks. Getting one there is possible and expensive; we would price it honestly.
Step-free campsNot offeredWe know of none in either park that we could confirm. We will not guess.
Boat boardingPartialA step down from a bank or a jetty, varying with the river level. Assistance is routine; nothing is measured.
Walking safariPartialIndividually assessed. The ground is uneven, sandy in places and not level anywhere.
Light-aircraft boardingPartialSmall aircraft, a ladder or wing step. A powered chair needs a separate conversation.

We do not ask for a diagnosis — only for what you need. How we plan accessible journeys.

The detail

What is covered, what it involves on the ground, and the changes people most often ask for. Open whichever you need.

What is included, and what is not

Included

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide, for your party alone

Accommodation as described, on a full-board basis

All park, conservation and concession fees

Airport and airstrip transfers, met at the aircraft rather than at the kerb

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

24-hour local support while you are in the country

Boat safari in Nyerere, subject to river level

Walking safari in Ruaha with an armed ranger

All light-aircraft sectors as described

Not included

Flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, if you are combining with the northern circuit

International flights, visas and travel insurance

Tips, premium drinks and personal expenses

Optional activities such as a balloon flight, unless listed above

Emergency medical evacuation cover — strongly recommended, and not something we currently provide

Practical detail
Practical detail for Wild Southern Solitude
RemotenessThe nearest hospital to a Ruaha camp is in Iringa, several hours away. Evacuation cover is not optional on this journey in practice, and we do not provide it — arrange it.
Boat safarisSubject to the river level. In a poor year the channels are too shallow by October. We will tell you before you pay, not on the day.
Camp closuresMany southern camps close from about March to May. If your dates fall there we will say what is actually open.
Light-aircraft luggageOne soft bag of about 15 kg.
Tsetse fliesPresent in both parks, worse in Nyerere. They bite through thin fabric. Wear thicker cotton and avoid dark blue.
Ways to personalise this journey

The changes people actually ask for, with what each one does to the shape of the trip. Prices for these are quoted in your proposal, not here.

Fly-camping night in RuahaOne night out in a simple mobile camp, with no power and no plumbing. Not for everybody, and memorable for the people it is for.
A fourth night in RuahaThe most common change, and the one we would make first.
Combine with ZanzibarNyerere connects to Zanzibar directly by air, so bush and beach is a short hop rather than a long reroute.
Northern circuit extensionPossible, and it adds a long flying day. See Grand Montero Expedition if you want both properly.

This itinerary is a draft. It is written to real logistics but has not yet been checked by a guide who works this circuit, and no price here has been approved. Treat every figure as indicative until we confirm it in writing.

Questions about this journey

Is the southern circuit better than the northern?

Different, not better. The south is emptier, wilder and harder work; the north has higher wildlife density, better infrastructure and far more vehicles. Most people are happier with the north first.

Will we see wild dogs?

Ruaha holds one of the larger remaining populations in Africa, and plenty of people spend a week there without seeing one. Anybody who promises you wild dogs is guessing.

Can we drive instead of flying?

You can. Dar es Salaam to Nyerere is five to seven hours depending on the road, and Dar to Ruaha is a full day or more. On a six-day trip that is most of the trip.

Is it safe to walk in the bush?

Walking safaris are led by an armed ranger and run to strict park rules on group size and distance. The risk is real and managed. If you would rather not, nothing on this journey requires it.

If this one is not quite it

Journeys that share a region or a style with this one, and the background reading for the places on the route.

Primates Western Circuit Chimp Trekking & Lake Tanganyika 6 days / 5 nights · Mahale Mountains or Gombe Stream · Lake Tanganyika Wildlife Horizon Fly-In Circuit 7 days / 6 nights · Kilimanjaro · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro Wildlife Horizon Express Run 5 days / 4 nights · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro · Tarangire

Destination guides

Ways to travel

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