8 Days | 7 Nights

Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure

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Itinerary

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

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling coastal capital. After a warm meet-and-greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Take some time to rest or explore the city’s mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences before your southern safari adventure begins.

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

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive west to Mikumi National Park, often referred to as the “little Serengeti” due to its open horizons and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive through the Mkata Floodplain, home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and buffalo.

The park’s accessibility and impressive wildlife density make it a perfect introduction to the southern circuit. Overnight at a lodge or tented camp inside or near the park.

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

Spend a full day exploring Mikumi’s diverse habitats—from acacia woodlands to sweeping plains. With fewer visitors than the northern parks, you’ll enjoy more intimate wildlife sightings.

Watch as herds of impala and wildebeest graze under the watchful eye of predators, while hippos wallow in natural pools nearby. Optional walking safaris or birdwatching experiences are also available for a closer connection to nature.

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 you’ll trade game drives for hiking boots as you head to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, part of the Eastern Arc Mountains—a hotspot for endemic flora and fauna. Your adventure includes a guided hike through lush rainforest to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, cascading 170 meters down the forested cliffs.

Along the way, spot rare primates like the Iringa red colobus monkey and enjoy sweeping views over the Kilombero Valley. A refreshing dip in natural pools is the perfect reward. Overnight in nearby lodge or rest camp.

LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Moonlight Tours (Udzungwa Mountain Lodge
Hondohondo Tented Camp
Udzungwa Falls Lodge

Depart early for Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of its most remote and rugged. As you travel deeper into the southern wilderness, the landscape shifts to baobab-studded hills and dry riverbeds.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, where you may encounter massive elephant herds, lions, kudu, and even African wild dogs. Enjoy your evening in a remote bush lodge or luxury tented camp along the Great Ruaha River.

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

Today is all about exploring Ruaha’s wild and dramatic terrain. With its mix of savannah, miombo woodland, and rivers, Ruaha is home to one of Africa’s largest lion populations, as well as rare species like sable antelope and leopard.

Whether you choose extended game drives or an optional walking safari with a ranger, the raw, untamed nature of Ruaha will leave you awestruck. At sunset, relax by the fire and listen to the sounds of the African night.

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

Wake to the sounds of the bush stirring to life, and prepare for a truly immersive day in Ruaha National Park, one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.

Morning – Walking Safari with Expert Ranger

After an early breakfast, set out on a guided walking safari, the most intimate way to experience the African bush. Accompanied by an experienced ranger and armed scout, you’ll explore on foot—learning how to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and understand the delicate balance of life in the wild.

This slower, quieter pace brings the small wonders of Ruaha to life: tiny antlions burrowing in the sand, birds flitting through the bushes, and fresh paw prints hinting at nearby predators. The thrill of encountering wildlife on foot is unmatched—raw, exhilarating, and unforgettable.

Return to camp for lunch and a bit of relaxation during the heat of the day.

Afternoon – Leisure & Sundowners in the Bush

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your lodge or tented camp. Watch elephants pass by from the comfort of your verandah, take a dip in the pool, or indulge in a bush-style siesta. As the sun begins to dip, prepare for the next adventure…

Evening – Night Game Drive under the Stars

As darkness falls, venture out on a night game drive, a rare and thrilling experience that reveals the secret lives of nocturnal animals. With a spotlight and trained guide, you’ll search for elusive creatures like genets, civets, bush babies, porcupines, and maybe even a leopard on the hunt.

The bush feels entirely different at night—cooler, quieter, and full of mystery. Listen for the haunting call of hyenas or the distant roar of a lion as you cruise through the moonlit landscape.

Return to camp for a late dinner and stories by the fire, ending the day with a deeper connection to the wild heart of Ruaha.

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

After an unforgettable journey through the remote and untamed parks of southern Tanzania, it’s time to return to the city. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning at your camp in Ruaha before transferring to the airstrip for your domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam.

Upon arrival in Dar, you have a few options based on your onward travel plans:

Overnight in Dar es Salaam

Settle into a comfortable hotel in the city for a final evening of rest and reflection. Enjoy a seaside dinner or explore a bit of Dar’s culture before your flight the next day.

Connect to your international flight home

If timing allows, you’ll be transferred directly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) for your outbound flight. Your safari may be ending, but the memories of Africa’s wild south will travel with you forever.

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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