Southern Tanzania safari holiday

Originally named after a conservationist who died here fighting in WW1, Selous Game Reserve became Nyerere National Park in 2019, honouring Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Nyerere.

At 11,928 square miles, it is Africa’s largest standalone park, thrice the size of the Serengeti, and a little bigger than Switzerland. Established in 1922, it’s also the oldest, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot.

In spite of all its accolades, it gets fewer visitors than parks in the north, which gives it a truly exclusive feel. Together with Ruaha National Park and the Zanzibar Islands, it makes for a spectacular southern Tanzania family safari holiday.

Selous Game Reserve is the former name of Nyerere National Park, and Roho ya Selous means ‘heart of the Selous’ in Swahili – which is exactly where this camp is located.

Overlooking a beautiful waterway that links the key lakes of Nzerakera and Manze, this location is prime in Nyerere National Park. Wildlife gravitate towards the lakes and rivers in large numbers, particularly during the dry season, which means a stay here is guaranteed to provide excellent opportunities for game viewing.

Accommodation is provided in stylish yet simple tents with ensuite bathrooms complete with indoor and outdoor showers. They have a family tent, which includes an ensuite children’s room, and the ease of travel to/from Nyerere makes this an excellent location for families.

Set high on the Mwagusi sand river escarpment, Ikuka Safari Camp is one of our family favourites in Ruaha National Park – Tess’s sister was married here.

The views from the camp itself cannot be beaten, nor can the combined knowledge and experience of the camp’s guides. In truth, the guiding here is not only some of the best in Ruaha, but in the whole of Tanzania.

Capped with the delicious cuisine and laid-back yet attentive atmosphere, you may find you’ll be leaving, wishing you’d stayed longer.

A bird safari in Nyerere National Park offers families a chance to witness one of Africa’s most diverse bird populations.

With over 440 species, including African fish eagles, colorful kingfishers, and elusive Pel’s fishing owl, Nyerere is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Expert guides lead families through the park’s varied landscapes, from riverbanks to savannahs, ensuring memorable sightings.

Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual observer, the park’s rich birdlife and stunning scenery provide a peaceful, immersive wildlife experience.

Ruaha National Park diverse ecosystems arguably require more extensive knowledge, more studying and more dedication to master than other areas of Tanzania, and therefore to guide confidently here, one must be the best of the best.

A walking safari with Mark, who owns and runs the camp, is much more than just a walk through the bush – he will bring every blade of grass, leaf and insect to life for you.