10 Days Southern Circuit Safari: Ruaha, Nyerere and Mahale
Overview
Overview
This is a premium fly-in itinerary built around three very different ecosystems: Rufiji waterways in Nyerere, predator-rich wilderness in Ruaha, and forest plus Lake Tanganyika in Mahale. Because Mahale is remote, flight operating days and connections must be checked before confirming the trip.
Important Positioning Note
Mahale is in western Tanzania, not geographically part of the classic Southern Circuit. Keep the requested package title for website categorisation, but describe it honestly as a cross-country fly-in combination linking Southern Tanzania with a remote western Tanzania chimpanzee extension.
Safari Packing List
Practical travel preparation
Pack simply, travel comfortably
Your final packing guidance depends on season, route and accommodation. Begin with these essentials and we will share a tailored checklist before departure.
- Neutral, light layers for game drives
- A warm layer for early mornings
- Sun protection and reusable water bottle
- Binoculars, camera and spare batteries
- Personal medication and travel documents
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
Safari Tour Pricing
Prices are planning guides per person and vary with season, availability, accommodation and group size. We confirm the exact quote in writing before you book.
Indicative private group pricing
Tailored to your datesPrice per person. International flights, visa costs and personal purchases are not included unless expressly listed in your confirmed quotation.
Itinerary
10 planned days
Day 1Dar es Salaam to Nyerere
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Nyerere / Selous
Fly to Nyerere and begin an afternoon safari.
Night Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp, Siwandu or comparable
Day 2Nyerere
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Nyerere
Full-day safari with game drive and river-based activity where booked.
Night Accommodation: Same Nyerere camp
Day 3Nyerere
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Nyerere
Second complete wildlife day to explore floodplains, lakes and woodland at a slower pace.
Night Accommodation: Same Nyerere camp
Day 4Nyerere to Ruaha
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destinations: Nyerere, Ruaha
Fly to Ruaha and begin an afternoon game drive.
Night Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge, Jongomero or comparable
Day 5Ruaha
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Ruaha
Full-day game drive.
Night Accommodation: Same Ruaha property
Day 6Ruaha
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Ruaha
Second complete Ruaha day.
Night Accommodation: Same Ruaha property
Day 7Ruaha to Mahale
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destinations: Ruaha, Mahale
Fly according to scheduled/charter routing to Mahale. Depending on the lodge, a boat transfer may be required from the airstrip.
Night Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge or comparable
Day 8Mahale Chimpanzee Experience
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Mahale
Join the lodge/ranger-guided chimpanzee trekking program when conditions and park regulations allow. Trek duration and chimpanzee location vary naturally.
Night Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge or comparable
Day 9Mahale Forest and Lake Tanganyika
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Mahale
A second Mahale day can include another ranger-guided forest activity plus lakeside relaxation or lodge-operated water activities according to the confirmed program.
Night Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge or comparable
Day 10Mahale Departure
Mahale Mountains National Park
Destination: Mahale
Boat transfer to the airstrip where applicable and onward flight according to operating schedule.
Night Accommodation: None
Inclusions
What's included in this safari
The final inclusions are confirmed in your written quotation.
- Price Disclaimer: From prices are indicative per-person rates based on selected travel assumptions and are not final quotations. Final cost depends on travel dates, number of guests, accommodation level, room configuration, park/conservation fees, domestic flights, seasonal supplements and availability.
- Accommodation Disclaimer: Accommodation listed in a sample itinerary is planned or suggested accommodation. The final property is confirmed only after availability has been checked and booking requirements have been met. If a listed property is unavailable, Pori & Beyond Safaris may propose a comparable alternative in a suitable location, subject to client approval and any price difference.
- Wildlife Disclaimer: Wildlife sightings and natural events are never guaranteed. Animal movement depends on season, rainfall, habitat, daily conditions and natural behaviour. Great Migration river crossings, predator sightings and specific species should always be described as opportunities rather than promises.
- Domestic Flight Disclaimer: Domestic flight times, routes and operating days are subject to airline schedules and may change. Some remote combinations require charter or schedule-specific services. Final routing is confirmed after travel dates are selected.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private or dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle where stated
- Park and conservation fees stated in the final quotation
- Accommodation specified in the confirmed itinerary
- Meals according to the confirmed board basis
- Domestic flights specifically listed as included
- Airport/airstrip transfers specifically stated
- Drinking water during applicable safari sectors
- Government taxes and statutory charges stated in the quotation
What's not included
Anything not expressly listed in the final quotation remains your responsibility.
- International flights
- Tanzania visa and immigration costs
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities unless specifically included
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Personal purchases and laundry unless specifically included
- Vaccinations, medicines and medical costs
- Changes requested after confirmation
- Any service not clearly stated as included
Expert support before departure
Our team will confirm the daily flow, recommended packing, meeting arrangements and any practical details relevant to your specific travel dates.
Visa & Travel Documents
Plan your entry requirements
Visa requirements and entry conditions can change and depend on your citizenship and travel route. Select your citizenship to note it in your enquiry; we will help point you to the appropriate official guidance.
Your safari request
Selected package
Accommodation
- ✓
- Accommodation will be confirmed by our team.
Optional Activities
These are add-ons. Select only the activities you want, or leave them empty.
Optional activities can be discussed with our expert.
Have you agreed with the package details, accommodation, and price?
Activities are optional add-ons. Choose Yes to continue with booking details, or No if you want to speak with our expert first.
Discuss this journey
Our travel expert can clarify accommodation, route, activities, price, and any changes you want before booking.
