Escape the busy northern circuit and discover Tanzania’s quieter, wilder south on a perfectly paced 10-day journey. Start on the open Mikumi Plains, where game drives deliver classic sightings lion, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and elephant against big-sky scenery. Then shift gears in the green Udzungwa Forests for guided hikes and waterfalls, a refreshing contrast to vehicle-based safaris and a chance to spot primates and endemic birds.
From there, dive deep into the rugged wilderness of Ruaha, famous for dramatic landscapes, baobabs, riverbeds, and strong predator potential. Finish in Nyerere National Park, where your safari becomes more diverse: 4×4 game drives, walking safaris, and unforgettable boat safaris on the Rufiji River hippos, crocs, and sunset wildlife moments. It’s a rare blend of plains, forest, and river safari ideal for travelers who want authentic, uncrowded Tanzania with real variety.
Leave Dar es Salaam early and drive toward Mikumi National Park on the smooth southern highway. You’ll arrive around midday, check in, and enjoy lunch before heading into the park for your first afternoon game drive. Mikumi’s wide open plains make it easy to spot wildlife expect zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, and with luck lions resting in the shade. As the sun drops, the light turns golden and the park becomes more active, perfect for photos and a relaxed first safari feel. After the drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Acommodation:Midrange overnight: Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Wake up early for your first proper safari day in Mikumi. Enjoy a morning game drive when predators are most active, then return to the lodge for breakfast (or do a longer drive with a packed breakfast). After lunch and a short rest, head back out for an afternoon game drive across Mikumi’s floodplains and acacia landscapes. Expect excellent chances for lions, elephants, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, plus colorful birdlife around water points. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxed overnight.
After breakfast, drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a beautiful green break from classic savannah safaris. Udzungwa is all about walking and hiking no game drives so today is a refreshing change of pace. Meet your local guide and begin the scenic hike to Sanje Waterfalls, passing through rainforest trails with chances to spot primates, butterflies, and endemic birds. Enjoy the viewpoint at the falls and, if conditions allow, a cooling moment near the water before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Midrange overnight: Udzungwa Falls Lodge (best midrange base)
Start your morning with a shorter forest walk in Udzungwa perfect for spotting monkeys, forest birds, and learning about the park’s plant life. After the walk, connect onward to Ruaha (best by flight connections; road is possible but long). On arrival, transfer to your camp, settle in, and if time allows, enjoy a gentle sunset moment with views over the wilderness before dinner.
Midrange overnight (Ruaha): Ruaha River Lodge (classic location, great scenery
Today is a full safari day in Ruaha, known for its dramatic landscapes, baobabs, and river ecosystems. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives (or a full-day option with picnic). Wildlife is often impressive here elephants, lions, giraffe, buffalo, and a strong chance for leopard along river lines. Ruaha feels raw and uncrowded, giving guests that true “remote Tanzania” safari atmosphere.
Midrange overnight (Ruaha): Ruaha River Lodge
Go deeper into different sectors of Ruaha with a predator focus. Early starts help maximize sightings, especially for lions and leopards. Your guide will track fresh signs along riverbeds, rocky kopjes, and shaded thickets, while you also enjoy the wider scenery big skies, baobabs, and quiet roads. Return in the late afternoon for sundowner vibes and a relaxed dinner under the stars.
Midrange overnight (Ruaha): Tandala Tented Camp
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nyerere National Park. Arrive, check in, and enjoy lunch before heading out for a signature Rufiji River boat safari one of the biggest highlights of the south. Drift past hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles while watching wildlife come to the riverbank in golden light. Return to camp at sunset for dinner and overnight.
Midrange overnight (Nyerere): Lake Manze Camp (fantastic midrange safari vibe)
Spend the day exploring Nyerere’s vast landscapes by 4x4. The park is huge and diverse river channels, woodland, and open areas creating a scenic safari with strong wildlife variety. Expect elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and big cats (with luck), plus exceptional birdlife. You can choose a full-day drive with picnic or split morning and afternoon drives depending on your preferred pace.
Midrange overnight (Nyerere): Lake Manze Camp
Begin with a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger this is where guests feel the bush up close, learning tracks, animal behavior, and plants. After lunch, choose your preferred afternoon: another boat safari for relaxed river viewing, a short game drive, or lodge time for rest and photos. Finish with dinner and a final overnight in the wilderness.
Midrange overnight (Nyerere): Selous Mapumziko Lodge
After breakfast, transfer back to Dar es Salaam by scheduled flight (fastest and easiest) or by road (more budget-friendly but longer). Arrive in Dar and connect to your international flight or onward plans.
- All park entry fees & conservation fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver (private guiding where booked)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof (where applicable)
- All game drives as per itinerary (Mikumi, Ruaha, Nyerere)
- Udzungwa activities: guided Sanje Waterfalls hike + short forest walk with park guide
- Nyerere activities: boat safari on the Rufiji River + walking safari with armed ranger (as scheduled)
- Accommodation (midrange) for all nights as stated in the itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary (typically full board on safari: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during safari days
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary (road transfers + domestic flights where included in your package)
- Airport/airstrip pick-up & drop-off
- Government taxes and levies
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips/gratuities for guide, camp staff, ranger, and drivers
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
- Alcoholic drinks & premium beverages (varies by lodge/camp policy)
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., extra boat safari, additional walks, special sundowner setups—if not included)
- Single supplement (if traveling solo and not sharing a room/tent)
- Medical costs and any evacuation/medical cover not included in insurance