5 day Ruaha and Selous safari leads you to the land of the Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti in Tanzania. The lively country draws its luxury from the variety of stunning landscapes that are home to a plethora of wildlife and nature. The exotic wildlife, ancient cities and many colorful landscapes with a rich and diverse culture form a compact gem that offers more than just sun and fun! On this 5 day Ruaha and Selous safari, you will explore the hidden secrets of Selous game reserve and Ruaha national park. Selous game reserve is Africa's largest game reserve and is about three times the size of South Africa's Kruger National Park, and twice the size of the Serengeti National Park.
The reserve covers a total land area of 50,000 km2 that is decorated with buffer zones. Since 2005, the protected area is considered a Lion Conservation Unit. The survival of these lions in the park is provided for by the availability of grassy plains, open woodland, wilderness, mountains and forests that host a remarkable number of animals upon which the park’s estimated 4,000 lions feed. The large mammal populations found here, support the claim that the Selous is the greatest surviving African wilderness. Buffalo numbers are estimated at 120,000–150,000, and the reserve’s 40,000 hippo are probably the largest such populations on the continent. The Selous also harbors an estimated 100,000 wildebeest, 35,000 zebra, 25,000 impala and significant herds of giraffe, greater kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and eland. It is also one of the most important sanctuaries in Africa for the endangered African wild dog, sable and puku antelope. There are also huge populations of crocodile, hippo, spotted hyena and leopard to name just a few of the big game species found here.
From Selous, you will be transferred to Ruaha National park. Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania. Located in the middle of Tanzania, about 130 kilometres (81 mi) from Iringa, the park covers an area of about 13,000 square kilometres. Ruaha is one of the few Tanzania’s famous wilderness areas where one can have a rare experience of game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape. The park is rich in over 1,650 species of identified plants and animals such as Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) which can not be found in any other national park. Ruaha is believed to have high concentration of elephants than any National Park in East Africa. It is also a place where magnificent mammals like Kudu, Sable and Roan antelopes can easily be spotted in Miombo woodland. The park is also a habitat for endangered wild dogs. Come experience the almost untouched and unexplored ecosystems of this vast wildland.
On this 5 day Ruaha and Selous safari, you will also have scenic views of birdlife since Ruaha and Selous are exceptionally gifted with a diversity of birdlife. Ruaha has a phenomenal 571 estimate of bird species while Selous has an estimated 440 species of birds.
Activity of the Day
Transfer from the Julius Nyerere International airport to Selous game reserve. The journey is a long drive and it rewards you with sights of various landscapes. Along the way, you will see various activities and ways of the local people. Check into your lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Activity of the Day
After an early morning breakfast, you will have a game drive during which you will see a number of wildlife and birds. You will have scenic views of lions, giraffes, greater kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, elands and impalas among others. You will also enjoy birds like the fish eagle, palmnut vulture, ibises that swiftly nest in the borassus palms. There are also a number of water birds like the yellow-billed stork, white-crowned and spur-winged plovers, various small waders, pied and malachite kingfishers among others. Since around 10% of selous is dedicated to photograph tourism, don’t forget to take photos. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon after your lunch. You will have a boat cruise. Boat safaris allow you to drift on the lakes and channels, approaching birds and animals closely, including crocodiles and hippos. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Activity of the Day
After your breakfast, you will be taken south of the Rufiji river for trophy hunting. With over 47 licenced blocks to conduct the activity, Selous is perfect for a hunting safari. You will enjoy the moment and have a chance to decide what you want to do with the trophy. After the trophy hunting experience, you will have lunch and a transfer to Ruaha national park. Check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Activity of the Day
If you want a unique perspective on the beautiful landscape of Ruaha, yet still search for wildlife then a balloon safari is perfect for you. During this safari, you will have spectacular sights of wildlife and nature. You will also listen in to the melodious tunes of the different birds in the area. Check back to your lodge for lunch after which you will have a walking safari. It is important to note though that some camps do not conduct walking safaris due to the high number of elephants in the area. Those that do however have some superb guides that offer amazing walking safaris. Check back to your lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Activity of the Day
After breakfast, you will drive through Ruaha for a game drive. You will see plenty of wildlife like lions and elephants among others before your transfer to Dar es Salaam for departure.
Note.
It is important to know that most of the camps in Selous are closed in April and May. During this time, Coastal Aviation, the main operator of flights into Selous, also stops operating. However, a few camps like foxes camp remain open and have their own planes.