Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Tanzania Safari through Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi

8 Days Round trip from Dar es Salaam Moderate pace

View all 7 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover Tanzania's stunning wildlife in Selous, Ruaha, and Mikumi National Parks
02 Enjoy guided game drives and boat safaris with expert local guides
03 Spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rare wild dogs
04 Explore Selous, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast wilderness

Embark on an 8-day safari across Tanzania, exploring the wetlands of Selous, the rugged beauty of Ruaha, and the open plains of Mikumi through thrilling game drives, scenic boat safaris, and immersive wildlife encounters. Spot majestic lions, wild dogs, elephants, and more while staying in cosy lodges and enjoying delectable meals. This journey combines diverse landscapes with some of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations for an unforgettable safari experience.

Ruaha is also famous for its stunning baobab trees, which create a striking contrast against the landscape.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Languages English, French, German, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Dar es Salaam and Transfer to Selous

Arrival in Dar es Salaam and transfer to Selous Game Reserve.
Your safari begins with your arrival in Dar es Salaam, where you'll meet your guide from Kilimanjaro Winners and Safaris.
After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Selous Game Reserve, approximately 5-6 hours away.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Selous, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast wilderness and rich wildlife.

Day 02

Selous Game Drive and Rufiji River Boat Safari

Game drives and boat safari.
Start the day early with a game drive through Selous Game Reserve, home to a diverse range of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes.
Your guide will take you to prime spots for animal sightings, including the Rufiji River, where you can enjoy a boat safari to spot crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
After a delicious lunch, enjoy another game drive in the afternoon before returning to the lodge for the evening.
This is a day filled with the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa's largest and least disturbed wildlife areas.

Day 03

Full-Day Exploration of Selous

Spend a full day exploring the hidden corners of Selous Game Reserve.
The day starts with an early morning game drive, followed by a relaxing lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, you'll continue your exploration with a game drive focused on the less-visited parts of the reserve, ensuring a more intimate experience with the wildlife.
As night falls, return to the lodge to reflect on your day's adventures, enjoy a delicious meal, and relax under the African stars.

Day 04

Scenic Transfer to Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Ruaha National Park on a scenic 6-7 hour drive.
En route, you'll pass through picturesque landscapes of Tanzanian villages, dry savannahs, and forests.
Upon arrival at your accommodation in Ruaha, check in and relax. Ruaha is known for its stunning scenery and large populations of elephants, lions, and rare wild dogs, offering a pristine and untouched safari experience.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge and prepare for your next day of adventure.

Day 05

Ruaha National Park Full-Day Game Drive

After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive in Ruaha National Park.
The park is less frequented by tourists, providing a more secluded safari experience.
Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, including riverine forests, rocky hills, and open savannah.
Spot a wide variety of wildlife such as giraffes, antelopes, and the park's famous large pride of lions.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your lodge and reflect on the day's incredible sightings.

Day 06

Ruaha Wildlife and Mwagusi Riverbed

Spend another full day in Ruaha, focusing on different parts of the park.
Visit the Mwagusi Riverbed, a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife sightings.
With your guide, look for the park's unique species, including the lesser kudu and the elusive African wild dog.
Ruaha is also famous for its stunning baobab trees, which create a striking contrast against the landscape.
In the afternoon, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight rest.

Day 07

Transfer to Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Mikumi National Park, located about 3-4 hours from Ruaha.
As you drive through the scenic countryside, you'll notice the transition from the more rugged terrain of Ruaha to the lush, open plains of Mikumi.
Upon arrival at Mikumi Safari Lodge, check in and relax.
In the evening, you can take a short walk around the lodge or enjoy a quiet sunset over the park's plains.
Mikumi is known for its large populations of elephants, lions, and giraffes, as well as its proximity to the Udzungwa Mountains.

Day 08

Mikumi Game Drive and Return to Dar es Salaam

On your final day, head out for an early morning game drive in Mikumi National Park, where you'll encounter an abundance of wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras, and the park's famous predators.
Mikumi's flat terrain and rich biodiversity make it a fantastic place for wildlife viewing.
After your game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before beginning your journey back to Dar es Salaam.
Arrive in the city in the afternoon, where your safari experience ends with unforgettable memories of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations.

Where this trip takes you

Selous Game Reserve wetlands, Rufiji River boat safari, Ruaha National Park baobab trees, Mikumi National Park plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Dar es Salaam 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

A professional guide from Kilimanjaro Winners and Safaris
All park entry fees and game drive costs
Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
Accommodation with full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Bottled water during the game drives

What's Not Included

Personal items (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at the lodge
Travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g. nature walks, cultural visits)
International or domestic flights to Dar es Salaam

What to bring

Comfortable clothing for safari (neutral colors recommended)
Camera for wildlife photography
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Light jacket for cooler evenings
Insect repellent

Know before you go

Game drives can be bumpy, so it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and avoid heavy meals before the drive.
Tanzania is a malaria-prone area, so take necessary precautions such as anti-malarial medication.
Respect local wildlife and park rules; your guide will explain best practices.
Cell phone reception may be limited in some areas of the park.
Be prepared for early mornings and long drives in search of wildlife.

Welcome to this unforgettable 8-day safari across Tanzania, starting in Dar es Salaam and visiting the stunning Selous Game Reserve, the vast Ruaha National Park, and the wildlife-rich Mikumi National Park. Enjoy guided game drives, boat safaris, and immersive wildlife encounters in each park with Kilimanjaro Winners and Safaris. Spot elephants, lions, wild dogs, and giraffes, and experience diverse ecosystems, from Selous' wetlands to Ruaha's rugged landscapes. Stay in comfortable lodges in Selous and Mikumi, with delicious meals and great service. This well-rounded itinerary offers an authentic Tanzanian safari adventure filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable memories.

Logistics