9-Day Ruaha Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape

9 Days | 8 Nights | Scheduled and Guided Tour

Ready to answer the call of the wild and drift away on island time?

From the unspoiled wilds of Tanzania’s largest national parks to the sun-kissed shores of the Swahili Coast, this 9-day Ruaha Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday blends thrilling safari experiences with indulgent island relaxation.
Explore Ruaha and Selous Game Reserves, where untamed nature, rare wildlife and endless skies await you. Then switch gears to Zanzibar, where you’ll wander ancient Stone Town, snorkel in coral-rich waters and soak in island serenity. It’s the perfect pairing for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Tour Highlights

Fly-In Safari to Tanzania’s Remote Gems
Skip the long overland journeys and maximize your adventure with scenic bush flights connecting Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Zanzibar.

Selous Game Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Discover East Africa’s largest protected wilderness, known for its high concentrations of elephants, crocodiles, hippos and endangered African wild dogs. Enjoy thrilling game drives and guided walking safaris in raw, untouched terrain.

Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s Hidden Giant
Explore one of the least crowded parks in Africa, famous for its massive elephant and buffalo herds, rare antelope species like sable and roan and strong predator presence including lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Immersive Wildlife Encounters
Experience the freedom of off-the-beaten-path safaris, with chances to track animals on foot, witness dramatic predator-prey scenes and enjoy game drives through rugged baobab-dotted landscapes.

Zanzibar Island Retreat
Unwind on the spice island of Zanzibar with optional activities like Stone Town tours, snorkeling, spice farm visits or simply lounging on pristine beaches beside the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Authentic Safari Lodges & Beach Resorts
Stay in remote, eco-luxury bush camps and stylish beachfront resorts that offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in nature.

Photographer’s Dream
Capture everything from golden savannah sunsets and dramatic river crossings to narrow Stone Town alleys and vibrant Swahili culture.

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Fly to Selous Game Reserve

Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, meet your local representative and board a light aircraft flight to the remote Selous Game Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After check-in at your safari lodge, enjoy your first game drive through one of Africa’s least explored, yet largest, wildlife sanctuaries.

Overnight at preferred lodge in Selous
Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L, D)

Day 2: Game Drives in Selous

Spend a full day exploring Selous, where you’ll encounter wildlife in greater numbers than nearly any other African park. With over 70% of Tanzania’s elephants, countless hippos and crocodiles, and predators like lions, hyenas, wild dogs and leopards, game viewing here is raw and authentic.
Walking safaris are also permitted, offering a more intimate glimpse of this 54,000 sq km wilderness.

Overnight at preferred lodge in Selous
Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L, D)

Day 3: Selous – Flight to Ruaha National Park

After an early morning game drive in Selous, transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second largest and one of its best-kept secrets.
Settle into your remote safari lodge and head out for a late afternoon game drive in this vast and beautiful wilderness.

Overnight at preferred lodge in Ruaha
Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L, D)

Days 4 & 5: Game Drives in Ruaha

Spend two days discovering Ruaha’s untouched landscapes, from rocky outcrops and baobab valleys to seasonal rivers teeming with crocodiles and hippos.
Look out for roan and sable antelope, greater and lesser kudu, and large herds of elephants and buffalo. Predators like cheetahs, lions, hyenas and the elusive African wild dog roam freely here.
With over 450 bird species, including migrating Eurasian species, birdwatching is also phenomenal.

Overnight at preferred lodge in Ruaha
Meal Plan: Full Board (B, L, D)

Day 6: Fly to Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer to the Ruaha airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your beachside hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the ocean, exploring Stone Town or simply unwinding.

Overnight at preferred hotel in Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Half Board (B, D)

Days 7 & 8: Zanzibar at Leisure

Immerse yourself in the charm of Zanzibar Island. Take a guided Stone Town tour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with labyrinthine alleys, spice markets and Swahili-Arab architecture.
Optional activities include snorkeling, spice tours, kayaking through mangroves or visiting Prison Island. Or simply lounge by the beach and soak in the turquoise waters and white sands.

Overnight at preferred hotel in Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Half Board (B, D)

Day 9: Departure – Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, transfer to Dar es Salaam by a combination of boat and road transfer (approx. 2 hours), in time for your international flight home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast (B)