Overview
Discover the wild beauty of Southern Tanzania on this 6-day safari that takes you through the untamed wilderness of Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks. Starting from Dar es Salaam, this journey blends river, savannah, and bushland experiences—perfect for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Begin with a boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park, offering unique views of hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Continue to Mikumi National Park, where open plains host herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and more. Then head to Ruaha National Park, a remote gem known for its vast predator populations, rare antelope species, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights include game drives, a walking safari, and opportunities to spot a wide variety of wildlife in diverse ecosystems. With comfortable lodges and experienced guides, this safari delivers an unforgettable experience of Southern Tanzania’s raw and rugged charm.
Day by Day Itinerary
We’ll pick you up from your hotel in the morning and set off on a scenic drive to Nyerere National Park, the largest national park in Africa. Once part of the Selous Game Reserve, this pristine wilderness stretches across the Rufiji River basin and offers an unforgettable introduction to Tanzania’s southern circuit.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River — a unique experience where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible range of birdlife, including the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, goliath heron, and Boehm’s bee-eater. Keep an eye out for monkeys in the riverine forest and Nile monitor lizards sunning on the riverbanks.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous – Banda Bungalow (Mid-range lodge)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinks: Drinking water included
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River — a unique experience where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible range of birdlife, including the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, goliath heron, and Boehm’s bee-eater. Keep an eye out for monkeys in the riverine forest and Nile monitor lizards sunning on the riverbanks.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous – Banda Bungalow (Mid-range lodge)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinks: Drinking water included
Today, choose between two exciting options: a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch at Tagalala Hot Springs or a split morning and afternoon game drive. Nyerere’s landscape of grasslands, forests, and lakes supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and hippos.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous – Banda Bungalow
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous – Banda Bungalow
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
After breakfast, drive to Mikumi National Park, a hidden gem that offers excellent game viewing. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and head out for an afternoon game drive. The park’s open plains are home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and occasionally lions.
Main Destination: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation: Mikumi Resort (Budget Hotel)
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
Main Destination: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation: Mikumi Resort (Budget Hotel)
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
Following breakfast, transfer to Ruaha National Park, a vast and remote wilderness that combines the wildlife of both East and Southern Africa. Game viewing here is exceptional due to the presence of the Great Ruaha River, a lifeline during the dry season.
Expect to see large prides of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and rare antelope species such as roan, sable, and greater kudu.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: TANAPA Ruaha Bandas (Inside the park)
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
Expect to see large prides of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and rare antelope species such as roan, sable, and greater kudu.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: TANAPA Ruaha Bandas (Inside the park)
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
Start your day with a 2-3 hour walking safari, led by a professional guide. This is a great way to observe the park’s smaller creatures, track wildlife on foot, and appreciate the towering baobab trees and scenic landscapes. Later, enjoy another game drive for a chance to spot more predators like wild dogs, hyenas, and elusive cats.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: TANAPA Ruaha Bandas
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: TANAPA Ruaha Bandas
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water included
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam. Ruaha offers a fitting finale to this safari — a park that rewards both seasoned safari-goers and adventurous first-timers with its raw beauty and unmatched wildlife experiences.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Drinking water included
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Drinking water included
Please note that this day-by-day itinerary serves as a suggested outline and can be tailored to meet your specific interests, travel pace, and preferences. Whether you’d like to adjust the activities, extend your stay, or include special experiences, we’re happy to customize the tour to create a personalized and memorable journey for you.
Inclusions
Included:
This tour package includes the following services and amenities:
- Park entry fees (for non-residents)
- All included activities (unless marked as optional)
- Standard accommodation (unless specified as an upgrade)
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- All ground transportation and domestic flights (unless marked as optional)
- Meals & Drinks
Excluded:
The following items are not included in the tour package:
- International flights (to/from your home country)
- Additional accommodation before and after the tour
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Any government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
