Tour Highlights
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Selous Game Reserve
- Full-day game drives in Selous with chances to spot wild dogs
- Game drives in Mikumi National Park, known for open savannah and big cats
- Explore Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s largest park with huge elephant herds
- Chance to see lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and wild dogs
- Experience Southern Tanzania safari away from the crowds
Detailed Itinerary – Day by Day
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve
Depart Dar es Salaam early morning and drive to Selous Game Reserve. Arrive for lunch at your lodge/camp. Afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Dinner and overnight inside Selous.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Selous
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of game drives exploring Selous. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators such as lions and leopards. Look out for the rare African wild dogs. Picnic lunch provided. Overnight at Selous lodge/camp.
Day 3: Selous – Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, drive to Mikumi National Park via Morogoro. Lunch en route. Arrive in Mikumi and enjoy an evening game drive in the park. Overnight stay at lodge/camp in Mikumi.
Day 4: Full Day Safari in Mikumi
Spend the whole day exploring Mikumi. The park offers easy game viewing on its open savannah. Expect to spot lions, elephants, buffalos, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and more. Packed lunch provided. Overnight in Mikumi.
Day 5: Mikumi – Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park. Lunch along the way. Arrive at the lodge in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Ruaha.
Day 6: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha
Enjoy a full day safari in Ruaha. With fewer visitors, Ruaha offers an authentic and untouched safari experience. Look out for large elephant herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 500 bird species. Overnight at lodge/camp in Ruaha.
Day 7: Game Drive in Ruaha
Another full day in Ruaha exploring different sections of the park. You’ll traverse river valleys and open plains, maximizing your chance of spotting predators and rare species. Overnight stay in Ruaha.
Day 8: Ruaha – Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, drive back to Mikumi National Park. Lunch on the way. Enjoy a short evening game drive in Mikumi before dinner. Overnight stay at Mikumi lodge/camp.
Day 9: Mikumi – Dar es Salaam
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Later, drive back to Dar es Salaam. Drop-off at your hotel or airport. End of safari.
Inclusions
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees for Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha
- Game drives, boat safari, and all activities mentioned
- Accommodation on full board basis (lodges/camps)
- Bottled drinking water during safari
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and sodas
- Tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses
Best Time to Book
The best time for this 9-day safari is during the dry season (June to October) for excellent wildlife viewing in all three parks. However, Selous and Ruaha are also rewarding in the green season (November to April), especially for birdwatchers.
Why Choose This Tour
- Visit three iconic Southern Tanzania parks in one itinerary
- Enjoy a mix of game drives and boat safari experiences
- Perfect for travelers seeking a less crowded safari
- Guided by professional and knowledgeable safari experts
- Ideal combination of adventure and relaxation
FAQs
What wildlife can I expect to see?
You can spot elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs (in Selous), giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, buffalos, and over 500 bird species in Ruaha.
Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, families with children can enjoy this safari. Some activities can be customized depending on age and preferences.
How is Ruaha different from Selous and Mikumi?
Ruaha is larger, more remote, and offers higher chances of predator sightings. Selous is famous for boat safaris while Mikumi is great for open savannah game viewing.
Can the safari be extended to Zanzibar?
Yes, many travelers add a Zanzibar beach holiday at the end of this safari for a perfect bush and beach combination.