Safari Escort
15-Day Grand Fly-In Tanzania Safari – Southern & Northern Circuit
Tanzania Safari

15-Day Grand Fly-In Tanzania Safari – Southern & Northern Circuit

Safari Escort journey

Trip Overview

The 15-Day Grand Fly-In Tanzania Safari – Southern & Northern Circuit begins with arrival in Dar es Salaam and finishes at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Its route includes Ruaha National Park, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, following the destination order and transfers set out in the day-by-day itinerary.

The journey is shaped around scheduled domestic flights and a walking safari, linked by the premium lodges, camps or flights named in the itinerary.

Southern Tanzania rewards travellers who appreciate varied habitats and a less hurried approach to wildlife. The daily programme explains where you travel, the activities planned and the stays along the way; our safari experts can help adapt transport, camp choices and time in each park to your priorities.

Where every day follows the rhythm of the journey
Wildlife viewed on safari in Nyerere National ParkNyerere National Park
Lion beneath a baobab in Ruaha National ParkRuaha National Park
Elephant habitat and baobab landscape in Tarangire National ParkTarangire
Zebra and wildlife habitat inside Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro Crater
Moments along the route
Safari Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Arrival and Fly to Nyerere National Park – Into the Southern WildExperience Nyerere’s riverine and savannah habitats through the guided activities named in this itinerary.
  • Full-Day Safari in Nyerere – Rufiji River & Wildlife EncountersExperience Nyerere’s riverine and savannah habitats through the guided activities named in this itinerary.
  • Flexible Safari in Nyerere – Water Safari OptionExperience Nyerere’s riverine and savannah habitats through the guided activities named in this itinerary.
  • Fly to Ruaha National Park – Baobabs & Big CatsDiscover Ruaha’s baobab country, river systems and remote game-viewing areas with an experienced guide.
  • Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha – Wild & UntamedDiscover Ruaha’s baobab country, river systems and remote game-viewing areas with an experienced guide.
  • Tailored Safari in Ruaha – Riverbeds & WildlifeDiscover Ruaha’s baobab country, river systems and remote game-viewing areas with an experienced guide.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Fly to Nyerere National Park – Into the Southern Wild

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari and Arrival
  • Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Take the scheduled fly-in to Nyerere National Park, where your guide will meet you for the transfer to Rufiji River Camp. After check-in and lunch, head out on the planned first game drive through the park’s varied riverine and woodland habitats. Wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but the drive gives you an immediate introduction to the southern circuit. Return to camp with time to review the next day’s arrangements and enjoy the riverside setting.

Accommodation

Rufiji River Camp

Rufiji River Camp sits directly on the bank of the Rufiji River inside the Nyerere ecosystem. Raised canvas tents have private verandas facing the water, while the river setting brings hippos, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife into view around camp. A central dining area, pool and guided escorts support a comfortable but distinctly unfenced safari stay. Its proximity to Mtemere airstrip and access to game drives and boat activities make it a strong base for fly-in Nyerere itineraries.

LocationNyerere National ParkStay styleRiverside safari camp
Day 02

Full-Day Safari in Nyerere – Rufiji River & Wildlife Encounters

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a full-day safari adventure through the diverse landscapes of Nyerere National Park. Traverse riverbanks, forests, and open savannahs in search of buffalo, lions, zebras, impalas, and a wealth of birdlife. Your guide will share insights into the park’s unique ecosystem and its importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a bush picnic near a quiet lagoon before continuing your exploration.

Accommodation

Rufiji River Camp

Rufiji River Camp sits directly on the bank of the Rufiji River inside the Nyerere ecosystem. Raised canvas tents have private verandas facing the water, while the river setting brings hippos, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife into view around camp. A central dining area, pool and guided escorts support a comfortable but distinctly unfenced safari stay. Its proximity to Mtemere airstrip and access to game drives and boat activities make it a strong base for fly-in Nyerere itineraries.

LocationNyerere National ParkStay styleRiverside safari camp
Day 03

Flexible Safari in Nyerere – Water Safari Option

  • Activity: Game Drive or Boat Safari
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day of flexible safari activities based on your interests. Begin with a morning game drive or opt for a boat safari along the Rufiji River (optional, extra cost), where you can drift among pods of hippos and spot crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. The boat safari offers a unique vantage point for photography and birdwatching.

Accommodation

Rufiji River Camp

Rufiji River Camp sits directly on the bank of the Rufiji River inside the Nyerere ecosystem. Raised canvas tents have private verandas facing the water, while the river setting brings hippos, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife into view around camp. A central dining area, pool and guided escorts support a comfortable but distinctly unfenced safari stay. Its proximity to Mtemere airstrip and access to game drives and boat activities make it a strong base for fly-in Nyerere itineraries.

LocationNyerere National ParkStay styleRiverside safari camp
Day 04

Fly to Ruaha National Park – Baobabs & Big Cats

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari and Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning with breakfast before a scenic flight takes you westward to Ruaha National Park, a vast and rugged wilderness. Spend the afternoon unwinding in your luxurious tent or exploring the area before enjoying a gourmet dinner under the stars. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Asanja Ndembo Ruaha

Asanja Ndembo lies inside Ruaha National Park, a landscape of rocky ridges, baobabs and broad southern Tanzanian wilderness. Its tented suites are spaced to preserve privacy and maintain a close connection with the bush around camp. Meals and relaxed shared areas form the centre of the stay between game drives in Ruaha’s varied habitats. The camp works naturally for fly-in and road itineraries that devote more than one day to this remote park.

LocationRuahaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 05

Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha – Wild & Untamed

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s full-day game drive offers a chance to explore Ruaha’s remote and dramatic landscapes. The park is home to some of Tanzania’s largest lion populations, elusive leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and rare antelope like sable and roan. Your guide will take you deep into the heart of the park, stopping for a picnic lunch near the Mwagusi River. Expect minimal human presence and thrilling wildlife encounters throughout the day.

Accommodation

Asanja Ndembo Ruaha

Asanja Ndembo lies inside Ruaha National Park, a landscape of rocky ridges, baobabs and broad southern Tanzanian wilderness. Its tented suites are spaced to preserve privacy and maintain a close connection with the bush around camp. Meals and relaxed shared areas form the centre of the stay between game drives in Ruaha’s varied habitats. The camp works naturally for fly-in and road itineraries that devote more than one day to this remote park.

LocationRuahaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 06

Tailored Safari in Ruaha – Riverbeds & Wildlife

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is tailored to your preferences. Choose to split your day into two shorter drives or enjoy one long expedition through the park’s varied terrains. Follow elephant tracks through dried riverbeds, discover lion prides lounging in the shade, and photograph striking baobab trees. Enjoy the flexibility to linger in promising wildlife areas and learn about animal behavior from your experienced guide.

Accommodation

Asanja Ndembo Ruaha

Asanja Ndembo lies inside Ruaha National Park, a landscape of rocky ridges, baobabs and broad southern Tanzanian wilderness. Its tented suites are spaced to preserve privacy and maintain a close connection with the bush around camp. Meals and relaxed shared areas form the centre of the stay between game drives in Ruaha’s varied habitats. The camp works naturally for fly-in and road itineraries that devote more than one day to this remote park.

LocationRuahaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 07

Walking Safari in Ruaha – Up Close with Nature

  • Activity: Walking Safari
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Experience Ruaha on foot with a guided morning walking safari. Led by a professional walking guide and an armed ranger, explore the terrain intimately, learning about the park’s smaller inhabitants, plants, and tracking techniques. The experience is led at a comfortable pace, with time to listen, ask questions and understand the setting beyond a quick visit. Your guide will explain the day’s route, local customs and any practical considerations before the activity begins. Stops are chosen to add context without intruding on community life or the surrounding environment. The emphasis is on respectful engagement, accurate interpretation and a meaningful sense of place.

Accommodation

Asanja Ndembo Ruaha

Asanja Ndembo lies inside Ruaha National Park, a landscape of rocky ridges, baobabs and broad southern Tanzanian wilderness. Its tented suites are spaced to preserve privacy and maintain a close connection with the bush around camp. Meals and relaxed shared areas form the centre of the stay between game drives in Ruaha’s varied habitats. The camp works naturally for fly-in and road itineraries that devote more than one day to this remote park.

LocationRuahaStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 08

Fly to Tarangire National Park – Baobabs & Herds

  • Activity: Fly-in Safari and Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, fly to Arusha where your northern safari guide awaits. From here, enjoy a private road transfer to Tarangire National Park. Later, head out on a game drive in this unique park known for its ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds. Return to your elegant tented suite and dine under the open sky.

Accommodation

Elephant Springs Lodge

Elephant Springs is set in the Tarangire landscape beside a seasonal spring that attracts wildlife during drier periods. The camp looks across open savannah and places guests close to the park’s elephant country and baobab-dotted scenery. Safari suites, shared dining spaces and quiet viewing areas provide a comfortable pause between morning and afternoon drives. Its in-park atmosphere makes it particularly relevant for itineraries spending consecutive days exploring different parts of Tarangire.

LocationTarangireStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 09

Full-Day in Tarangire – Elephants & Predators

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the entire day exploring Tarangire’s vast landscapes. Game drives take you through swamps, river valleys, and acacia woodland where you’ll find buffalo herds, zebras, giraffes, and possibly tree-climbing lions. Your guide will arrange a scenic picnic site for lunch before continuing your wildlife experience. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Elephant Springs Lodge

Elephant Springs is set in the Tarangire landscape beside a seasonal spring that attracts wildlife during drier periods. The camp looks across open savannah and places guests close to the park’s elephant country and baobab-dotted scenery. Safari suites, shared dining spaces and quiet viewing areas provide a comfortable pause between morning and afternoon drives. Its in-park atmosphere makes it particularly relevant for itineraries spending consecutive days exploring different parts of Tarangire.

LocationTarangireStay styleOvernight accommodation
Day 10

Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro Highlands – Rift Valley Vistas

  • Activity: Transfer and Cultural Experience
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Tarangire and drive through the Maasai steppe and rich agricultural lands. You’ll ascend into the cool Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping for panoramic views and cultural interactions with the local Maasai people. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Lion's Paw Camp

Lion’s Paw Camp is a tented property on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro highlands, positioned close to the crater access road. The setting supports an early descent to the crater floor and a shorter return after a full wildlife-viewing day. En-suite tents and central dining and lounge areas provide warmth and shelter in the cooler highland climate. It is a practical safari base for itineraries that prioritize Ngorongoro while continuing onward toward Tarangire, Karatu or the Serengeti.

LocationNgorongoro highlandsStay styleTented safari camp
Day 11

Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Natural Wonder

  • Activity: Game Drive and Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This ancient caldera shelters thousands of animals including black rhinos, hippos, lions, and flamingos. Your guide will take you across forests, grasslands, and lakeshores before stopping for a picnic lunch near a hippo pool. Later in the afternoon, continue on a scenic drive across the Ngorongoro plains to Serengeti National Park.

Accommodation

Sametu Camp

Sametu Camp by Karibu is located in the central-eastern Serengeti, an area known for open plains, kopjes and productive predator habitat. The camp’s tented suites and shared mess spaces maintain a close connection to the surrounding park. Its position allows guides to explore both the central Serengeti and the quieter eastern country as conditions change. This makes Sametu a useful multi-night base for itineraries that want varied Serengeti game drives rather than a single transfer-day visit.

LocationSerengetiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 12 & 13

Full Day in Serengeti – Big Cats & Endless Plains

  • Activity: Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a golden Serengeti sunrise before venturing out on game drives across the Seronera Valley, known for big cat activity. Watch lions, cheetahs, and leopards stalking prey or lounging in the sun. Midday, enjoy a bush picnic and rest under a shady tree. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Sametu Camp

Sametu Camp by Karibu is located in the central-eastern Serengeti, an area known for open plains, kopjes and productive predator habitat. The camp’s tented suites and shared mess spaces maintain a close connection to the surrounding park. Its position allows guides to explore both the central Serengeti and the quieter eastern country as conditions change. This makes Sametu a useful multi-night base for itineraries that want varied Serengeti game drives rather than a single transfer-day visit.

LocationSerengetiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 14

Final Game Drive & Fly to Arusha

  • Activity: Game Drive and Fly-in Safari
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Your last morning in the Serengeti begins with a relaxed game drive. Capture your final wildlife photos and soak in the vastness of the plains. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

Gran Meliá Arusha is a full-service hotel set in landscaped grounds in Arusha with Mount Meru forming part of the wider setting. Contemporary rooms and suites provide a polished arrival or departure base before journeys into northern Tanzania. The property offers several dining spaces, gardens and wellness facilities, allowing time to rest without adding another transfer into the itinerary. Its Arusha location works especially well around flights, safari briefings and connections to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

LocationArushaStay styleLuxury hotel
Day 15

Departure – Goodbye Tanzania

  • Activity: Departure
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. Bid farewell to Tanzania, filled with unforgettable memories and incredible safari moments. The day is paced around your confirmed onward schedule, leaving enough time for final preparations and the planned transfer. Your guide will reconfirm the departure point, expected travel time and check-in requirements before setting out. Keep essential documents and valuables accessible during the journey, while the team assists with luggage and routing. The service concludes after you reach the agreed airport, ferry terminal or city drop-off for the next stage of your travels.

Plan your safari
Your Safari Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • All Park and conservation fees
  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional guide
  • All scheduled bush flights and airport transfers
  • 13 nights in hand-picked luxury accommodations
  • Full board meals and drinks (as stated) + Alcoholic Drinks
  • Walking safari in Ruaha
  • Day room in Arusha on last day
Not included

Additional costs

  • International flights
  • Visas, travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari)
  • Laundry, souvenirs
Safari Escort safari specialist
Local Safari Expert

Ready to shape this trip around you?

Speak directly with our local safari team and let us tailor the trip around your travel plans.

Before you go

Safari Questions,
Simply Answered

Ask our safari team

15 days / 14 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $13,250 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Dar es Salaam, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park (Seronera), Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport. Use the day-by-day route above to see the order of visits. Ask for estimated road or flight times between stops for your chosen dates; that is often more useful than counting destinations alone.

Rufiji River Camp, Asanja Ndembo Ruaha, Elephant Springs Lodge, Lion's Paw Camp, Sametu Camp and Gran Meliá Arusha. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.