Southern Tanzania Safari – Wild, Remote & Real
10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari – Mikumi, Nyerere, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Valid
Year through
Duration
10 Days | 9 Nights
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Nyerer National Park and Rufiji River
Pick Up
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Drop Off
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Where the Crowds Don’t Go – Just You and the Wild
Best Time to Travel:
This itinerary is ideal year-round, so you can choose to travel during the month that best fits your schedule, interests, and budget
Trip Highlights
Experience the untamed beauty of Southern Tanzania on this immersive safari through Mikumi, Nyerere, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks.
From game drives across the open plains of “Little Serengeti” and boat safaris on the Rufiji River, to tracking big cats in Ruaha and hiking lush rainforest trails in Udzungwa, this journey offers diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a peaceful, crowd-free adventure — perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a relaxing day. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tanzania’s coastal capital and explore at your leisure. End the day with a delicious dinner and prepare for your exciting safari adventure.
Accommodation
Day 2: Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through the Tanzanian countryside with a lunch stop in Morogoro, a vibrant town nestled at the base of the Uluguru Mountains. Upon arrival, enter Mikumi — often called the “Little Serengeti” — known for its open savannahs, baobab-dotted landscapes, and a rich variety of wildlife including tree-climbing lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and buffaloes.
In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive across the Mkata Floodplain, a hotspot for predator-prey activity and birdlife. As the sun sets, head to your camp or lodge to relax with panoramic views over the plains and enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation
Day 3: Ruaha National Park
Begin your journey to Ruaha National Park, one of its most remote wilderness areas, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge nestled deep in the bush. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive across rugged baobab-studded landscapes, where you may encounter massive elephant herds, prides of lions, kudu, sable antelope, and even rare African wild dogs.
The park’s raw beauty and low visitor numbers offer an unmatched sense of solitude and connection with nature. End the day with a sundowner overlooking the Great Ruaha River, where hippos and crocs gather as the golden light fades.
Accommodation
Day 4: Ruaha National Park
Spend a full day exploring the wild beauty of Ruaha National Park with both morning and afternoon game drives. Home to over 10,000 elephants, large lion prides, elusive leopards, and elegant giraffes, Ruaha offers thrilling encounters amid its rugged hills, sweeping savannahs, and iconic baobab forests. The Great Ruaha River, which gives the park its name, attracts a steady flow of wildlife and is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 570 recorded bird species. After an action-packed day, return to your camp or lodge to relax by the fire, take in panoramic views, and listen to the sounds of the bush as night falls.
Accommodation
Day 5: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
After breakfast, set off for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a lush and mysterious rainforest sanctuary that forms part of the ancient Eastern Arc Mountains, often called the “African Galápagos” for its incredible biodiversity. Upon arrival, check in at the Camp/Lodge, where you’ll be surrounded by birdsong and tropical greenery.
Spend the afternoon exploring dense forest trails home to rare species like the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and endemic birds. Time permitting, visit the nearby Isimilia Historical Site, where dramatic stone pillars and archaeological finds offer a fascinating glimpse into Tanzania’s prehistoric past.
Accommodation
Day 6: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Enjoy a full-day guided trek to the summit of Sanje Waterfalls, one of Udzungwa’s most iconic highlights. Hike through lush tropical forest alive with monkeys, butterflies, and colorful birds, reaching the top for breathtaking panoramic views over the Kilombero Valley. Descend to the base of the falls for a chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear natural pool, surrounded by untouched wilderness. Return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon for a well-earned rest, combining the day’s adventure with the peace and serenity of the forest.
Day 7: Nyerere National Park
After breakfast, drive to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wilderness areas. Arrive in time for a delicious lunch before setting off on an afternoon game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes — from open savannahs and riverine forests to palm-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands.
Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and possibly African wild dogs, as well as a wide variety of birdlife. After your safari, head to your camp or lodge for a relaxing evening in the heart of the wild, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s most vast and pristine safari destinations. Traverse a variety of landscapes — from grassy plains and dense woodlands to oxbow lakes and palm-lined riverbanks — in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and elusive wild dogs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush as you soak in the park’s peaceful wilderness, far from the tourist crowds. Return to your camp or lodge in the evening for a warm dinner and storytelling under the stars.
Day 9: Walking Safari & Boat Safari on the Rufiji River
Begin the day with an exciting guided walking safari, led by an armed ranger and expert naturalist who will introduce you to the smaller wonders of the bush — animal tracks, medicinal plants, bird calls, and perhaps close sightings of grazing antelope.
After lunch and a brief rest, head out for a sunset boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you’ll glide past pods of hippos, lurking crocodiles, and herds of elephants cooling off at the water’s edge. This immersive experience offers a peaceful yet thrilling perspective of Nyerere’s wildlife. Return to your lodge/camp for your final evening in the southern wilderness.
Day 10: Departure or Extension to Zanzibar
After breakfast, journey back to Dar es Salaam for a farewell lunch at your hotel. Reflect on your safari adventure before being transferred to the airport for your flight home. If you wish, extend your stay in Zanzibar for a relaxing beach getaway before concluding your trip.
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