10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure

Your safari begins with an early morning transfer from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (approximately 5–6 hours by road).

Formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is Africa’s largest national park and a UNESCO-listed wilderness area. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading out for a scenic boat safari on the Rufiji River.

The Rufiji River is one of the highlights of any Southern Tanzania safari. During your boat excursion, you may spot:

• Large pods of hippos
• Crocodiles basking on riverbanks
• Elephants drinking at the water’s edge
• Abundant birdlife including fish eagles and kingfishers

The boat safari offers a unique water-level perspective of wildlife rarely experienced in other Tanzanian parks.

Overnight: Mloka Safari Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Spend two full days exploring Nyerere National Park on morning and afternoon game drives.

This vast wilderness is famous for:

• Large populations of elephants
• Lions and leopards
• African wild dogs (one of the strongest populations in Africa)
• Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species

Because Nyerere receives fewer visitors than northern parks like Serengeti, your safari experience feels exclusive and intimate.

You will also enjoy another boat safari along the Rufiji River, offering excellent photographic opportunities and peaceful sunset moments over the water.

Game drives explore diverse habitats including open plains, riverine forests, and woodland savannah, making it one of Tanzania’s most diverse safari destinations.

Overnight: Mloka Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, located along the main highway between Dar es Salaam and Zambia.

Mikumi is often compared to the Serengeti due to its wide open plains and excellent wildlife visibility. Upon arrival and lunch, you will enjoy an evening game drive.

Wildlife commonly seen in Mikumi includes:

• Lions resting under acacia trees
• Large buffalo herds
• Zebras and wildebeest
• Hippos in the park’s pools
• Giraffes roaming the plains

The Mkata Floodplain is the park’s wildlife hotspot and offers fantastic sunset photography opportunities.Overnight: Bastian Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, your adventure continues with a full-day game drive to Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania’s most accessible yet spectacular wildlife destinations. Often referred to as a “mini-Serengeti,” Mikumi offers wide open savannah plains, acacia-dotted landscapes, and abundant wildlife, making it perfect for unforgettable safari experiences.

Morning Game Drive

Start your day with an early morning game drive when the wildlife is most active. Mikumi is home to a diverse range of animals, including:

• Lions, often lounging under acacia trees
• Elephants roaming in small herds
• Buffaloes and zebras grazing across the floodplains
• Giraffes gracefully feeding on treetops
• Various antelope species like impalas and kudus

The morning light creates perfect photographic opportunities, with the golden sun illuminating the savannah and highlighting the park’s iconic wildlife.

Midday Break & Picnic Lunch

Take a midday break at a scenic picnic site inside the park. Relax and enjoy lunch while listening to the sounds of the African bush — from birdsong to distant roars of predators.

Afternoon Game Drive

In the afternoon, continue your safari exploration, venturing into areas such as the Mkata Floodplain, one of Mikumi’s wildlife hotspots. This is the ideal time to spot large predator activity and observe animal behavior as they prepare for the evening. Birds enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting species like the lilac-breasted roller, African fish eagle, and various storks.

Evening Return

As the sun sets, return to your lodge or tented camp for a delicious dinner and overnight stay. Reflect on the day’s incredible encounters and the diversity of wildlife witnessed in one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks.

Overnight: Bastian Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you journey to the wild and remote Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and a true hidden gem of East Africa.

Ruaha is especially renowned for:

• Massive elephant herds
• Large prides of lions
• Rare African wild dogs
• Greater kudu and sable antelope
• Dramatic baobab landscapes

The Great Ruaha River is the lifeline of the park, attracting animals throughout the year, particularly during the dry season.

After arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy the tranquil wilderness atmosphere.

Overnight: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a full day of safari in Ruaha National Park with morning and afternoon game drives.

Ruaha offers one of the best predator sightings in Tanzania. The park is known for:

• High lion density
• Frequent leopard sightings
• Large elephant gatherings
• Over 570 bird species

The rugged terrain, river systems, and baobab-studded hills create a dramatic safari setting perfect for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.

With minimal tourist traffic, Ruaha provides an authentic African safari experience far from crowded routes.

Overnight: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy another immersive safari day in Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most remote and wildlife-rich destinations. This day is designed to deepen your connection with the African wilderness through a combination of a guided walking safari and classic game drives.

Early Morning Guided Walking Safari

Your day begins early with a guided walking safari inside Ruaha National Park, accompanied by a professional safari guide and armed park ranger. Exploring the bush on foot offers a completely different perspective, allowing you to experience nature at ground level.

During the walk, you may discover:

• Fresh lion, leopard, or hyena tracks
• Elephant footprints and feeding signs
• Smaller wildlife such as dik-dik and bushbuck
• Indigenous plants, medicinal trees, and termite mounds
• Exceptional birdlife unique to southern Tanzania

Walking safaris provide insight into animal behavior, ecosystems, and the delicate balance of the bush, making this experience both educational and thrilling.

Breakfast at the Lodge

After the walking safari, return to your lodge for a relaxed and hearty breakfast overlooking the Great Ruaha River. Take time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the sounds of nature before heading out again.

Midday & Afternoon Game Drive

Later in the morning, depart for a game drive through Ruaha’s diverse landscapes. The park is renowned for its rugged terrain, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and iconic baobab trees. Wildlife sightings may include:

• Large elephant herds
• Powerful lion prides
• Leopards resting in riverine trees
• Buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelope species
• Rare African wild dogs (occasionally spotted)

The Great Ruaha River remains a focal point for wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather at water sources.

Evening at the Lodge

As the sun sets over the savannah, return to Ruaha River Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy a warm meal, relax by the campfire, and reflect on another unforgettable day in one of Tanzania’s most authentic safari destinations.

Overnight: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

On your final safari morning in Ruaha National Park, wake up early for one last thrilling game drive. This is your opportunity to spot any wildlife you may have missed over the previous days — from majestic elephants to lions, leopards, and rare African wild dogs. The morning light makes it a perfect time for photography and observing animal behavior in their natural habitat.

After an unforgettable morning in Ruaha, depart for Udzungwa Mountain Park near Mikumi. Along the way, enjoy the scenic drive through Tanzania’s southern landscapes, transitioning from Ruaha’s rugged wilderness to Mikumi’s open plains.

Overnight: Udzungwa Forest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you leave the savannah behind and travel to the lush Udzungwa Mountains National Park, part of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains. Udzungwa offers a completely different safari experience — a mix of hiking, waterfalls, and endemic wildlife.

• Enjoy guided hikes through tropical rainforest trails
• Discover the famous Sanje Waterfall and natural swimming pools
• Spot rare primates, including Sanje mangabey and Iringa red colobus monkeys
• Observe over 200 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers

Return to Udzungwa Forest Lodge in the evening for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay. This day perfectly balances adventure and nature exploration, offering a refreshing contrast to the savannah experience.

Overnight: Udzungwa Forest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Udzungwa Forest Lodge, it’s time to conclude your Southern Tanzania Safari. You will travel back to Dar es Salaam, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and unique cultural experiences you’ve enjoyed over the past 9 days.

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you may connect to your onward flight or continue your travels in Tanzania, possibly extending your journey with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.

Meals Included: Breakfast