Superb Starling Fly-In Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Superb Starling Fly-In Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport
After collecting your luggage, you’ll be met by a local representative for the five-minute shuttle transfer to the Domestic Terminal.
Dar to Nyerere by road & light aircraft
Board a light aircraft for your 45-minute flight to Nyerere National Park, perhaps stopping at other airstrips en route; this is like a flying bus service! On landing, a guide will escort you on a game drive to Roho ya Selous, arriving in about 30 minutes – depending on wildlife.
Roho ya Selous
Aptly named ‘the heart of the Selous’ Roho ya Selous is both central and managed by a friendly team with a lot of heart. Roho ya Selous was designed and built with care, complementing the landscape, yet disturbing it in the most minimal way. Leafy, floral woodlands reach right up to the living spaces and animals feel comfortable browsing by tents or walking through on their way to water. Birdlife is abundant and hippos call from nearby waterways glimpsed through trees on either side of the headland the camp sits upon.
Aptly named ‘the heart of the Selous’ Roho ya Selous is both central and managed by a friendly team with a lot of heart. Roho ya Selous was designed and built with care, complementing the landscape, yet disturbing it in the most minimal way. Leafy, floral woodlands reach right up to the living spaces and animals feel comfortable browsing by tents or walking through on their way to water. Birdlife is abundant and hippos call from nearby waterways glimpsed through trees on either side of the headland the camp sits upon.
Roho means heart or soul in Swahili and this camp is certainly located in the middle of the park's best wildlife viewing area. It was named for the Selous Game Reserve, the former name for Nyerere National Park, and despite the subsequent change Roho ya Selous has retained its original name. Game drive amongst palm trees, marshes, woodlands and along rivers, boat or try a spot of fishing on Lake Nzerakera, or learn to read the signs of the bush on a walking safari.
"Our stay here was extraordinary, our guides, Felix and Levian, were outstanding"
Ms F fromCalifornia, USAArrived 20 Sep 2022, 4 nights
Back at camp the team also live up to the name through their heart-felt friendly demeanour and warm welcome. They work hard to make every guests’ stay a truly memorable one. Eight stylish tents include extra attention to detail and open sided, specially designed main area canvas structures allow for 360 degree views. Varied dining locations make for magical experiences and the soft lighting of solar lamps hung in trees around the dinner table add to the romance. See our full report on Roho ya Selous
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Nyerere to Ruaha by game drive & light aircraft
After a half-hour game drive to the airstrip, settle back and enjoy views of rural Tanzania from the plane, landing at Msembe Airstrip within 1¾ hours. A guide from Jabali Ridge will meet you for the drive of 45 minutes plus to Jabali Ridge, perhaps following the Mwagusi River.
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge is an exciting new luxury addition to Ruaha National Park. It opened in September 2017, in a prime game viewing area with commanding views over the park and the Mwagusi River.
Jabali Ridge is an exciting new luxury addition to Ruaha National Park. It opened in September 2017, in a prime game viewing area with commanding views over the park and the Mwagusi River.
"The experience far, far exceeded my expectations."
Mr & Mrs BHfromW SussexArrived 24 Sep 2017, 3 nights
Jabali Ridge aims to offer one of the most luxurious stays in Ruaha National Park and is really unique and striking in its design. The guiding, food and service are befitting of a truly high-end, well-run and stylish lodge. Initially there were few cases of 'style over substance' that did somewhat detract from the overall quality of the stay. On our previous visit we did not stay, and as such can not guarantee that these problems have been completely ironed out, however we did not experience any issues with privacy and noise as previously reported. The management were aware of previous criticisms and seem to be actively addressing them to improve guest experience. Jabali is a stunning addition to Ruaha, and certainly a highly luxurious option, but we would highly suggest discussing this lodge in more detail with us to see if it will be the right fit for your stay. See our full report on Jabali Ridge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Ruaha to Dar es Salaam by 4WD & light aircraft
Enjoy a final 45-minute game drive from Jabali Ridge before boarding your light aircraft for Dar es Salaam, watching out for wildlife in Ruaha shortly after take off. The flight takes you back over a largely rural landscape, landing after around 2¼ hours.
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport
On arrival at the Domestic Terminal, you’ll be escorted to a shuttle for the International Terminal, taking just five minutes.
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Balloon Safari over Ruaha
Three hours - one hour flight
Varied and scenically stunning, Ruaha National Park features rolling hills, woodlands, open plains and two wide meandering rivers: the Ruaha and the Mwagusi. What better way to view it than from the air, at sunrise? A balloon safari offers just this, the landscape unfolding below your basket as you float almost silently above.
More about Ballooning in Ruaha