7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari through Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Nyerere National Park with game drives along the wildlife-rich Rufiji River
• 02 Discover Mikumi National Park, known as the "mini Serengeti" for its abundant plains wildlife
• 03 Experience Ruaha National Park with dramatic landscapes, big cat sightings, and large elephant herds
• 04 Enjoy guided walking safaris across Tanzania's remote southern wilderness

Discover a 7-day Southern Tanzania safari across Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks, with diverse wildlife encounters and remote wilderness experiences. Enjoy walking safaris and classic game drives through rivers, savannahs, and rugged landscapes. Spot elephants, lions, hippos, and rare predators while exploring uncrowded national parks rich in natural beauty. This journey offers an authentic safari experience with dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and immersive exploration of Tanzania's southern circuit.

Experience a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, focusing on tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Dar es Salaam and Transfer to Nyerere

• Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and briefed about your Southern Tanzania journey.
• Begin your drive towards Nyerere National Park, one of Africa's largest and most untouched wilderness areas.
• Travel through scenic countryside, passing villages, rivers, and open landscapes along the route.
• Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and check in.
• Relax and enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

2

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

• After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive across Nyerere National Park.
• Explore diverse habitats, including savannah, woodlands, and riverine ecosystems rich in wildlife.
• Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelope species across the open plains.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park at a scenic location near the Rufiji River system.
• Continue afternoon game drives with opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
• Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in the wilderness.

3

Day 03

From Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

• After breakfast, depart Nyerere National Park and begin your journey towards Mikumi National Park.
• Drive through rural villages, rolling hills, and the changing landscapes of Southern Tanzania.
• Arrive at Mikumi National Park in the afternoon and check in at your lodge or camp.
• If time allows, enjoy a short evening game drive across the open savannah plains.
• Spot giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes during the golden sunset hours.
• Return for dinner and an overnight stay near Mikumi National Park.

4

Day 04

Game Drives in Mikumi's Open Plains

• Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading out for game drives in Mikumi National Park.
• Explore wide open plains often referred to as the "mini Serengeti" for their rich wildlife density.
• Observe lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, surrounded by scenic landscapes.
• Continue afternoon game viewing with opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
• Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

5

Day 05

Scenic Journey to Ruaha National Park

• After breakfast, depart Mikumi and begin a scenic drive towards Ruaha National Park.
• Travel through remote villages, rugged terrain, and expansive wilderness landscapes.
• Arrive at Ruaha National Park in the afternoon and check in at your lodge or camp.
• Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in one of Tanzania's most remote safari destinations.
• Spot elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and rich birdlife among baobab-dotted scenery.
• Return for dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness.

6

Day 06

Full-Day Safari in Ruaha National Park

• After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day safari in Ruaha National Park.
• Explore vast wilderness areas, including savannah plains, rocky hills, and the Great Ruaha River.
• Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and large herds of antelope.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic bush location within the park.
• Continue afternoon game drives with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by wilderness sounds.

7

Day 07

Walking Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam

• Begin the day with a morning game drive across Ruaha National Park.
• Experience a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, focusing on tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in a safe, scenic location inside the park.
• Continue final game viewing before departure preparations.
• Travel back to Dar es Salaam by road or scheduled flight, depending on arrangements.
• Arrive in Dar es Salaam for an airport transfer or hotel drop-off, marking the end of your safari.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Park entrance fees for Selous (Nyerere), Mikumi, and Ruaha
• Accommodation during the safari (lodges/tented camps)
• All meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Game drives and guided safari activities
• Bottled drinking water during game drives
• Walking safari in Ruaha, where permitted
• Government taxes and conservation fees

What's Not Included

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees for Tanzania
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (unless stated)
• Accommodation before and after the safari (if not included)

What to bring

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Warm jacket or fleece for early mornings
• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Reusable water bottle
• Passport and travel documents
• Small backpack for game drives

Know before you go

• Early morning game drives are common for the best wildlife viewing.
• Roads can be rough, and travel between parks takes time.
• Wildlife is unpredictable, so sightings are not guaranteed.
• Follow your guide's instructions at all times for safety.
• Respect park rules and maintain a safe distance from animals.
• Mobile network coverage may be limited in remote areas.
• Pack light, but include essentials for hot days and cool nights.
• Carry cash for tips and small personal expenses.
• Walking safaris are only conducted with armed ranger guides.
• Be prepared for a true off-the-beaten-track wilderness experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tour start

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.