15 Days Southern and Western Tanzania Fly-in Safari

Our 15-day fly-in safari to Southern and Western Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of Tanzania’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. With a focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations, you’ll have a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including some of Africa’s largest herds of buffalo and elephants, as well as chimpanzees in their natural habitat. So why wait? Book your safari today and start your adventure in Tanzania!

Safari from Dar es Salaam

Julius Nyerere International Airport is the nearest international airport to the Southern Tanzania National Parks, so it only makes sense that it would be more convenient to land in Dar es Salaam before you begin your 15-day Safari in Tanzania.

Are you looking for an unforgettable safari experience in Tanzania? Look no further than our 15-day fly-in safari, where you’ll explore the best of Southern and Western Tanzania. This safari offers a unique opportunity to discover the unspoiled wilderness of Tanzania, with a focus on remote areas that are off the beaten path.

Southern + Western Tanzania Safari Combo

Combining the less popular parks of the Southern and Western Circuits of Tanzania means only one thing. The parks are not crowded and you have the wilderness to yourself, to explore and soak in the experiences. This 15-day safari in Tanzania will take you to Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania before embarking on the trip to Western Tanzania’s Katavi national park and Mahale Mountains national Park for Chimpanzee trekking safaris.

Why Flying is the Best Option for Southern and Western Tanzania Destinations

Exploring Southern and Western Tanzania offers a unique safari experience, distinct from the more frequented Northern Circuit. These regions boast some of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in Africa, such as Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Katavi National Park, and Mahale Mountains National Park. While the adventure of a road trip can be appealing, flying is often the best option for accessing these destinations. Here are several reasons why:

Accessibility and Time Efficiency

1. Vast Distances:

Southern Tanzania: Destinations like Selous and Ruaha are several hundred kilometers from major cities like Dar es Salaam. The drive can take 8-10 hours or more, depending on road conditions.
Western Tanzania: Parks such as Katavi and Mahale Mountains are even more remote, with drives that can take multiple days.

2. Quick and Convenient:

Flying drastically reduces travel time, allowing you to reach your destination in a matter of hours. This means more time for actual safari activities and less time spent on the road.

Road Conditions

1. Unpredictable Terrain:

The roads to Southern and Western parks can be rough, especially during the rainy season. Potholes, mud, and uneven surfaces can make the journey uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous.

2. Wear and Tear:

Long drives on rough roads can be taxing on both vehicles and travelers. Flying eliminates this concern, offering a smooth and comfortable journey.

Enhanced Safari Experience

1. Scenic Aerial Views:

Flying provides breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, from vast savannahs and winding rivers to lush forests and majestic mountains. This unique perspective can be a highlight of the trip.

2. More Safari Time:

By saving time on travel, you can maximize your time in the parks. This means more game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips, enhancing your overall safari experience.

Remote and Pristine Locations

1. Exclusive Access:

Many of the parks in Southern and Western Tanzania are less frequented by tourists, offering a more exclusive and intimate wildlife experience. Flying directly into these parks helps maintain their pristine nature by reducing the environmental impact of overland travel.

2. Limited Infrastructure:

Some of these remote parks have limited road infrastructure, making flying the most practical way to reach them. Airstrips are strategically located to provide easy access to the lodges and camps within the parks.

Comfort and Convenience

1. Hassle-Free Travel:

Flying eliminates the need for long and tiring road journeys, providing a stress-free start and end to your safari. Charter flights are typically comfortable and offer amenities to make your journey pleasant.

2. Safety:

Air travel is generally safer, particularly in remote areas where road conditions can be unpredictable and medical facilities are sparse. Flying ensures you are within easy reach of emergency services if needed.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

1. Aerial Game Viewing:

Spotting wildlife from the air is an exciting addition to your safari experience. You may see herds of elephants, hippos in rivers, and vast groups of migrating animals, providing a unique vantage point.

2. Quick Transfers:

Short flights between parks allow for seamless transfers, meaning you can wake up in one incredible wildlife area and be exploring another by mid-morning.

Arrival - Kilimanjaro Airport

You will be met by your tranquil Kilimanjaro guide, who will brief you on your forthcoming 15 Days Southern and Western Tanzania safari trip when you are picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to your accommodation in Dar es Salaam. On this day, you can hire any equipment that is lacking. At Hyatt Hotel, spend the night (or alternative)

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinks not included

1-3

Nyerere National Park/Selous Game Reserve

After arriving in Dar es Salaam, you will take a short flight to Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. You will spend the first three days of your safari exploring the reserve’s vast grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests. You’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more. A boat safari on the Rufiji River is a must-do activity, where you’ll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. crocodiles, and more. A boat safari on the Rufiji River is a must-do activity, where you’ll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds.

4-6

Ruaha National Park

Next, you’ll fly to Ruaha National Park, a remote and wild park that is famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. The park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and more. You’ll have three days to explore the park, with daily game drives and guided walking safaris. The park’s varied landscapes include baobab-studded hills, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests.

7-10

Katavi National Park

From Ruaha, you’ll take a flight to the remote and untouched Katavi National Park. This park is known for its vast open plains, which are home to some of the largest herds of buffalo in Africa. The park is also home to elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and more. You’ll have four days to explore the park on game drives and guided walks, and you’ll have a chance to visit the park’s floodplains, woodlands, and the seasonal Lake Katavi.

11-15

Mahale Mountains National Park

Your final stop will be the Mahale Mountains National Park, which is situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This park is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world, and you’ll have the chance to track these amazing primates in their natural habitat. In addition to chimpanzees, the park is also home to a variety of other primates, including baboons, colobus monkeys, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, and relax on the park’s beautiful beaches.

The cost for the whole 15 days Fly-in Tanzania safari includes and excludes the following items