Tour Highlights
- Visit three top Southern Tanzania parks: Mikumi, Ruaha & Selous
- Classic game drives in diverse landscapes
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Selous
- Chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras & wild dogs
- Guided walking safari for an up-close bush experience
- Comfortable lodges and tented camps close to wildlife
- Perfect blend of accessibility (Mikumi) and remoteness (Ruaha & Selous)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
Early morning departure from Dar es Salaam by 4x4 safari vehicle. Arrive at Mikumi National Park in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive across the savannah plains, where elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes roam. Overnight stay inside or near the park.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi
Spend the entire day exploring Mikumi. The park is home to more than 400 bird species, large herds of antelopes, and predators like lions and hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild before continuing your safari. Return to lodge/camp for dinner.
Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha – a scenic drive through Tanzanian countryside. Arrive in Ruaha in the afternoon, check into your lodge, and enjoy a short evening game drive. Overnight stay in Ruaha.
Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Ruaha
Explore Tanzania’s largest park with a full-day game drive. Ruaha is famous for its baobab trees, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and more than 570 bird species. Picnic lunch in the bush. Evening relaxation at your lodge.
Day 5: Ruaha Morning & Afternoon Drives
Two safari sessions – morning and afternoon – to maximize chances of wildlife sightings. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, kudu, sable antelopes, and predators. Overnight stay in Ruaha.
Day 6: Ruaha to Selous (Nyerere National Park)
Depart Ruaha after breakfast and drive to Selous, arriving in the afternoon. Settle into your lodge/tented camp near the Rufiji River. Evening at leisure with optional sunset views. Overnight in Selous.
Day 7: Full-Day Safari in Selous + Boat Safari
Morning game drive exploring Selous’ diverse habitats – from riverbanks to open plains. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Overnight in Selous.
Day 8: Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam
Begin with a guided walking safari in the bush, learning about plants, tracks, and small game. After breakfast, depart for Dar es Salaam by road (or optional flight). End of tour.
Inclusions
- Transport from Dar es Salaam (4x4 safari vehicle or optional flights)
- All park entry fees (Mikumi, Ruaha, Selous)
- Game drives in open-roof safari vehicles
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Walking safari with professional guide
- 7 nights’ accommodation in lodges/tented camps
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water during safaris
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips & gratuities
- Alcoholic & soft drinks
- Optional flight upgrades
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, extra activities)
Best Time to Book
The best time for this 8-day Southern Tanzania safari is during the dry season (June–October) when wildlife congregates near water sources. Green season (November–March) is excellent for birdwatching and lush landscapes. April–May is off-season due to rains but offers lower rates.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Comprehensive Southern Tanzania safari covering three unique parks
- Less crowded destinations compared to Northern Circuit
- Varied safari activities: game drives, boat safaris, and walking tours
- High chances of spotting big cats, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and wild dogs
- Flexible budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation options
- Perfect for couples, families, and photographers
FAQs
1. How far is Mikumi from Dar es Salaam?
Approximately 5–6 hours by road. It is the closest major park to Dar es Salaam.
2. Can I fly between the parks?
Yes, scheduled and charter flights are available between Dar, Mikumi, Ruaha, and Selous for quicker transfers.
3. What type of safari vehicle is used?
A 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover with open roof, perfect for photography and wildlife viewing.
4. What is the accommodation like?
Options include budget camps, comfortable midrange lodges, and luxury tented camps close to nature.
5. Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly, though walking safaris usually have a minimum age limit (12 years).
6. Are meals included?
Yes, all meals during the safari are included (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
7. What wildlife can I expect?
Elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and diverse birdlife.