12 Days | 11 Nights

Southern Tanzania Safari

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Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania – Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our professional safari guide. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. Settle in and relax after your journey as you prepare for the exciting days ahead—an unforgettable adventure through Southern Tanzania’s wild landscapes and rich heritage awaits!

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel/ White Sand Resort
Sea Cliff Daresalaam / Four Point by Sheraton Dar Es Salaam Daresalaama Cliff Daresalaam
Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel

Your adventure begins in Dar es Salaam, where you’ll meet your guide and depart by road for Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wildlife sanctuaries. The scenic drive offers glimpses of rural Tanzanian life, with small villages, open landscapes, and the occasional baobab tree lining the way.

Arrive at Nyerere in the afternoon and head straight for a relaxing boat safari on the Rufiji River, a perfect introduction to the park’s beauty and diversity. As you gently cruise along the winding waters, watch for hippos, crocodiles, and a spectacular variety of birdlife. Elephants and giraffes often come to the riverbanks to drink, offering unforgettable sightings in the golden afternoon light.

After your boat safari, continue to your riverside lodge or tented camp, where you’ll check in, settle down, and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. Dinner will be served under the stars, followed by a restful night—your safari has officially begun.

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Sand River Selous
Rufiji River Camp
Selous River Lodge/ Selous Kinga Lodge

Wake up to the tranquil sounds of the African bush and enjoy an early breakfast before setting out for a full-day game drive in the heart of Nyerere National Park. Covering vast, untouched wilderness, this park offers one of the most authentic safari experiences in Africa.

As you explore its varied landscapes—ranging from open savannahs and woodlands to lakes and riverbanks—you’ll have the chance to encounter an impressive diversity of wildlife. Look out for large elephant herds, lions, buffalo, zebra, giraffes, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive African wild dogs, for which Nyerere is famous.

Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into animal behavior, plant life, and the ecology of this pristine ecosystem. Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by nature and far from the beaten path.

Continue your adventure in the afternoon, following fresh tracks and catching golden light for perfect wildlife photography. Return to your lodge in the evening, where a warm meal and cool drink await. Reflect on an extraordinary day spent in one of Africa’s most magical wild spaces

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Sand River Selous
Rufiji River Camp
Selous River Lodge/ Selous Kinga Lodge

After breakfast, say goodbye to the wild beauty of Nyerere National Park as you begin your journey north toward Mikumi National Park. The scenic drive takes you through rustic Tanzanian countryside, vibrant villages, and landscapes that shift from dense bushland to open savannah—giving you a glimpse of daily life and natural beauty along the way.

Arrive in Mikumi by late afternoon and head straight into the park for an evening game drive. As the sun begins to set, the golden light casts a magical glow across the plains, and animals become more active. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and lions emerging for their evening hunt. The Mkata Floodplain, often compared to the Serengeti, offers wide-open views and excellent wildlife sightings.

After your drive, check in to your lodge or tented camp, nestled at the edge of the park. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a relaxing night under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. Tomorrow promises even more wildlife and exploration in Mikumi’s wild heart.

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Stanley’s Kopje Camp/Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Camp Bastian Mikumi/VacationCottage / Cabins near Mikumi
Vamos Hotel Mikumi

Today is dedicated to a full-day exploration of Mikumi National Park, a true hidden gem in southern Tanzania. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous northern counterparts, Mikumi offers an authentic safari experience with abundant wildlife and far fewer crowds—making it a perfect destination for intimate encounters with nature.

Vast open plains stretch across the Mkata Floodplain, where elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and impalas roam freely. Lions are often spotted resting under acacia trees, while buffalo herds move through the grasslands. With luck, you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard or African wild dog.

Your expert guide will take you through diverse habitats, from savannahs and swamps to forested foothills, sharing knowledge about animal behavior, tracking signs, and the park’s rich ecology. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the park before continuing your game drive into the afternoon. As the sun dips low, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening under the stars—surrounded by the quiet magic of the African bush.

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Stanley’s Kopje Camp/Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Camp Bastian Mikumi/VacationCottage / Cabins near Mikumi
Vamos Hotel Mikumi

Today, trade the savannah for rainforest as you journey to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, one of Tanzania’s most biodiverse and untouched treasures. Known as the “Galápagos of Africa,” Udzungwa is home to rare endemic species and lush tropical landscapes.

Your day begins with a guided hike through the forest, where towering trees, colorful butterflies, and curious monkeys accompany your path. The highlight is reaching the breathtaking Sanje Waterfalls, cascading over 170 meters in three tiers. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kilombero Valley and, if you like, take a refreshing dip in the natural pools below.

The hike offers both adventure and serenity, making it one of the most rewarding experiences in southern Tanzania. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the unique flora and fauna that make this park so special. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and soak in the tranquility of the mountains.

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Moonlight Tours (Udzungwa Mountain Lodge)
Hondohondo Tented Camp

After breakfast, depart Udzungwa and begin your scenic journey to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote safari destination. As the landscapes shift from lush mountains to rugged bushland, anticipation builds for the wilderness that awaits.

Arrive in Ruaha in time for an afternoon game drive, where vast open plains and ancient baobab trees set the scene for unforgettable wildlife encounters. This park is famed for its large elephant herds, predators like lions and leopards, and rare species such as sable and roan antelope. With fewer visitors and wide-open spaces, Ruaha offers a truly wild and uncrowded safari experience.

As the sun begins to set, your guide will take you to your lodge or tented camp, nestled deep in the bush or along the Great Ruaha River. Enjoy dinner under the stars and fall asleep to the distant calls of the African night.

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Laba Jongomero Camp/laba Jongomero Camp
Fly Catcher Camp Ruaha
Hiltop Ruaha

Today is devoted to a full-day safari in Ruaha National Park, a truly wild and rugged landscape that remains one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. With its vast, untouched terrain—dotted with ancient baobabs, sweeping savannahs, and rocky hills—Ruaha offers a raw, authentic safari experience.

Set out early to catch the park at its most active. Ruaha is home to one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa, as well as impressive numbers of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. You’ll also encounter zebras, giraffes, kudu, and possibly even sable or roan antelope, rare sightings in other parks.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, then continue your adventure into the afternoon, tracking wildlife along riverbeds and open plains.

As golden light settles over the park, return to your lodge for dinner and another magical night in the heart of the African wilderness.

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Laba Jongomero Camp/laba Jongomero Camp
Fly Catcher Camp Ruaha
Hiltop Ruaha

Begin your day with an early morning walking safari, the most intimate and thrilling way to experience Ruaha. Guided by an expert ranger and armed scout, you’ll walk through the wild terrain, learning to track animals, identify plants, and observe the smaller wonders of the bush. From fresh lion tracks to bird calls echoing in the trees, every step connects you deeper with nature.

After the walk, return to the lodge for brunch and relaxation before heading out again after dark for a night game drive. As the sun sets, Ruaha transforms—nocturnal creatures emerge, and the bush comes alive with different sounds and energy. With a spotlight in hand, search for civets, genets, bush babies, and perhaps even a leopard on the prowl.

This is a day that captures both the quiet soul and untamed spirit of Ruaha—unforgettable and truly wild.

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Laba Jongomero Camp/laba Jongomero Camp
Fly Catcher Camp Ruaha
Hiltop Ruaha

This morning, bid farewell to the untamed beauty of Ruaha National Park as you board your scenic flight back to Dar es Salaam. Soar over Tanzania’s vast landscapes, watching the wilderness slowly give way to the coastal charm of the city.

Upon arrival in Dar, transfer to your hotel or a comfortable day-use lounge, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just experienced. From the peaceful Rufiji River and Mikumi’s golden plains to the rainforest heights of Udzungwa and the raw beauty of Ruaha—you’ve immersed yourself in some of Africa’s most diverse and untouched natural wonders.

Spend your final hours at leisure: unwind with a cool drink, enjoy a meal by the ocean, or explore a local market for souvenirs. Whether you’re heading home or continuing your travels, today offers time to digest the magic of the wild and carry its memories with you. 

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel/ White Sand Resort
Sea Cliff Daresalaam / Four Point by Sheraton Dar Es Salaam Daresalaama Cliff Daresalaam
Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel

Today, travel to Bagamoyo, a quiet coastal town steeped in rich Swahili, Arab, and colonial history. Once a thriving trade hub and the terminus of ancient caravan routes, Bagamoyo was also a key port during the East African slave trade. Its name, meaning “Lay down your heart,” reflects the sorrow of those who passed through on their way to the sea.

Wander through narrow streets lined with crumbling German colonial buildings, visit the Old Fort, and explore the Catholic Mission Museum, home to one of East Africa’s oldest churches. Learn about the town’s multicultural past and its role in shaping the region’s identity.

A visit to Kaole Ruins, with its ancient mosques and coral stone graves, offers a glimpse even further into the past. With its slow pace, sea breeze, and profound stories, Bagamoyo offers a thoughtful, cultural contrast to your wildlife adventure—a day of deep reflection and discovery.

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel/ White Sand Resort
Sea Cliff Daresalaam / Four Point by Sheraton Dar Es Salaam Daresalaama Cliff Daresalaam
Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel

After a relaxed morning in Bagamoyo, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam Airport. Whether you’re heading home or continuing to your next destination, today marks the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Reflect on the wild beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality you’ve experienced as you prepare to board your flight with memories that will last a lifetime.

Price Per Person

Low Season (April, May & November)

Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing

GS PP
2
USD 5000
3
USD 5000
4
USD 5000
5
USD 5000
6
USD 5000

High Season (Rest of the Year)

Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing

GS PP
2
USD 5000
3
USD 5000
4
USD 5000
5
USD 5000
6
USD 5000
  • Transport as described in the itinerary

  • Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary

  • All National Park and Conservancy fees

  • Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)

  • All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners

  • Bottled drinking water during game drives

  • Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover

  • Entry Visas
  • Airport transfers
  • Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Single Room Supplements.
  • Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
  • Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
  • Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
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