7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari in Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover vast open plains of Mikumi filled with zebras, wildebeest, and lions
• 02 Explore the rugged wilderness of Ruaha with its dramatic landscapes and baobab trees
• 03 Experience thrilling wildlife encounters along the Great Ruaha River
• 04 Observe diverse ecosystems and rare species in remote, less crowded parks

Explore southern Tanzania's wild landscapes on a 7-day safari through Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks. Witness vast open plains filled with zebras, wildebeest, and lions in Mikumi, then venture into Ruaha's rugged wilderness to observe elephants, rare antelopes, and predators along the Great Ruaha River. Experience diverse ecosystems, dramatic scenery, and exceptional wildlife encounters while enjoying immersive game drives across remote, less crowded parks rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.

Witness vast open plains filled with zebras, wildebeest, and lions in Mikumi, then venture into Ruaha's rugged wilderness to observe elephants, rare antelopes, and predators along the Great Ruaha River.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Moshi, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park - Enter the Savannah

• Depart early from Dar es Salaam and travel westward through coastal vegetation, rural villages, and rolling hills.
• Watch the landscape gradually open into wide plains as you approach Mikumi National Park.
• Enter one of Tanzania's most accessible parks, often compared to the Serengeti for its open grasslands.
• Begin your first game drive across the Mkata floodplain, the heart of the park.
• Observe large herds of zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo grazing across the short-grass plains.
• Spot predators such as lions resting under scattered acacia trees nearby.
• Enjoy the golden evening light creating a classic African safari atmosphere across the plains.

2

Day 02

Full Day in Mikumi - Wildlife on the Open Plains

• Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park and gaining a deeper understanding of its diverse ecosystem.
• Discover how the park connects with surrounding protected areas to form a vast wildlife corridor.
• Observe how the short-grass plains support predator hunting across open terrain.
• Explore nearby woodlands and riverine areas that shelter elephants, giraffes, and antelopes.
• Spot hippos in waterholes and enjoy rich birdlife thriving in wetland areas.
• Experience consistent wildlife sightings thanks to the park's open and accessible landscape.

3

Day 03

Mikumi to Ruaha National Park - Journey into the Wild Interior

• Travel after breakfast towards Ruaha National Park through the highlands near Iringa.
• Watch the landscape transform from flat savannah to rolling hills and elevated plateaus.
• Enjoy scenic views of valleys and rural countryside along the journey.
• Enter Ruaha National Park and experience its rugged and remote wilderness.
• Observe miombo woodlands, scattered acacia trees, and ancient baobabs across the terrain.
• Begin an evening game drive to explore Ruaha's unique wildlife.
• Spot large elephant herds and rare antelope species not commonly seen in northern parks.

4

Day 04

Full Day in Ruaha - A Predator's Paradise

• Experience a contrasting safari in Ruaha with wilder terrain and denser vegetation.
• Explore the Great Ruaha River, the lifeline that attracts wildlife across the park.
• Observe animals gathering near water sources, especially during the dry season.
• Spot hippos in the river and crocodiles basking along the banks.
• Watch large herds of elephants coming to drink at the river.
• Encounter predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas in hunting zones.
• Discover rich biodiversity, including numerous bird species and rare African wild dogs.

5

Day 05

Another Day in Ruaha - Deep Exploration of the Ecosystem

• Spend another full day exploring Ruaha National Park and its diverse habitats.
• Discover dry riverbeds, rocky escarpments, and dense woodlands that support varied wildlife.
• Observe how mixed vegetation creates ideal conditions for grazers and browsers.
• Spot animals such as kudu, giraffes, and impalas across different terrain.
• Experience undisturbed wildlife behaviour in this less crowded park.
• Enjoy extended wildlife viewing, including lions and elephants in their natural habitat.
• Immerse yourself in the quiet and raw beauty of the African wilderness.

6

Day 06

Ruaha to Mikumi / Transit - Changing Landscapes Again

• Begin your journey after breakfast towards Mikumi or a nearby transit area.
• Travel through changing landscapes from rugged terrain to open plains.
• Observe the gradual shift from dense woodlands to expansive grasslands.
• Experience the ecological diversity of southern Tanzania along the route.
• Reflect on the contrast between Mikumi's open plains and Ruaha's remote wilderness.

7

Day 07

Return to Dar es Salaam - End of Safari

• Continue your journey after breakfast back to Dar es Salaam through towns and countryside.
• Observe local life and changing landscapes along the return route.
• Conclude your safari with an appreciation of southern Tanzania's unique ecosystems.
• Reflect on the vast landscapes and intimate wildlife experiences of the journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Luxury accommodation as specified (5-star hotel and premium lodge)
• Full-board meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• All national park and conservation area entrance fees
• Unlimited game drives as per itinerary
• Bottled mineral water during game drives
• Government taxes and tourism levies
• Personalized safari planning and on-ground support
• Spacious dining tent with tables and comfortable chairs

What to bring

• Neutral-coloured clothing suitable for safari conditions
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars

Know before you go

• Expect a remote and less crowded safari experience in southern Tanzania.
• Be prepared for longer travel distances, sometimes involving domestic flights from Dar es Salaam.
• Enjoy a more authentic wilderness experience compared to the Northern Circuit.
• Understand that wildlife sightings can be less predictable but highly rewarding.
• Spot large elephant herds, rare African wild dogs, and diverse wildlife.
• Experience river ecosystems with hippos and crocodiles.
• Stay in eco-lodges or tented camps offering a close-to-nature atmosphere.
• Visit during the dry season from June to October for optimal game viewing.
• Pack light and bring neutral-coloured clothing suitable for safari conditions.
• Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and binoculars for comfort and better viewing.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Mikumi

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.