The Best of Southern Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Duration:

9 days

Destinations:

Dar es salaam, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Nyerere National Park

Trip highlight

Embark on an unforgettable 9-Day Tanzania Southern Wildlife Safari, exploring the diverse ecosystems of Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountain National Park, and Nyerere National Park. Witness an incredible array of wildlife, from elephants and lions to rare bird species and unique landscapes, as you traverse these less-explored gems of Tanzania. 

Enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and breathtaking views, all while immersing yourself in the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Southern Circuit. This safari is perfect for adventurers seeking a deeper, more intimate encounter with Tanzania’s wild heart.

Day to day description

Day 1: Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport

Upon your arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will transfer you to your comfortable hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore the city at your own pace, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Tanzania’s coastal capital.

You may choose to enjoy the local sights, or simply unwind before your exciting Tanzania safari adventure begins. After a day of leisure, indulge in a delicious dinner and overnight stay, preparing for the thrilling experiences ahead.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Holiday Inn   
Luxury – Accommodation: Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel

serena hotel dar
serena dar

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mikumi National Park, with a stop for lunch in Morogoro town along the way. Mikumi, bordering the Selous Game Reserve, offers stunning landscapes reminiscent of the Serengeti, with the chance to spot the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.

In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive through Mikumi’s rich savannah, teeming with wildlife such as elephants, zebras, and lions. Afterward, retreat to Vuma Hills Tented Camp, a serene and comfortable base with breathtaking views of the Mkata Plains, just 7 km from the park’s main gates, perfect for unwinding after a day of safari adventures.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Camp Bastian   
Luxury – Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp

Vuma Hills Tented Camp 10
Vuma Hills Tented Camp 3

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Ruaha National Park, arriving in time to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a thrilling game drive in one of Tanzania’s most remote and pristine parks, renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Ruaha offers exceptional opportunities for spotting big cats, elephants, and a wide range of bird species, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With fewer visitors, Ruaha National Park provides a more intimate and rewarding safari experience, perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge   
Luxury – Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

ruaha
Ruaha River Lodge133

Spend the next two days exploring Ruaha National Park with exciting morning and afternoon game drives in a 4WD vehicle, ensuring you experience the best of this remote park. Named after the Great Ruaha River, the park is a haven for wildlife, offering sightings of elephants, lions, and giraffes in a rugged, untamed environment. After a thrilling game drive, unwind at Ruaha River Lodge, perched on a kopje with breathtaking views of the park’s plains and the Ruaha River, home to resident hippos and other wildlife.

The lodge’s stone and thatch chalets, along with its cozy dining areas and sundowner fire pit, provide an immersive, authentic wilderness safari experience.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge   
Luxury – Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Ruaha River Lodge99
Ruaha River Lodge44

After breakfast, the tour departs for Udzungwa Mountain National Park, with a lunch stop along the way. Known as the largest and most diverse forest-covered mountain in eastern Tanzania, Udzungwa is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, often called the “African Galapagos” due to its unique endemic species.

Stay at the tranquil Udzungwa Mountain View Lodge, nestled in a serene location just 15 minutes from the stunning falls and lush forest, perfect for nature lovers. Guests can also explore the Isimilia Historical Site, adding cultural depth to this incredible Tanzania wildlife safari experience.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Hondohondo Tented Camp   
Luxury – Accommodation: Udzungwa Mountain Lodge 

udzungwa fall view lodge
udzungwa fall view lodge2

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day adventure in Udzungwa Mountain National Park, where you’ll embark on a guided trek to the stunning Sanje Waterfalls summit. The breathtaking panoramic views from the top are a highlight of this Tanzania hiking experience.

Stay at the eco-friendly Udzungwa Mountain View Lodge, ideally located just 15 minutes from the Udzungwa Forest and the picturesque waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing swim in the natural pool. This day offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tanzania’s natural beauty and explore its diverse wildlife and landscapes.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Hondohondo Tented Camp   
Luxury – Accommodation: Udzungwa Mountain Lodge 

udzungwa mountain
udzungwa fall view lodge1

After breakfast, the tour heads to Nyerere National Park, arriving in time for a delicious lunch. The Rufiji River is a key highlight, attracting a high density of wildlife, though the park’s vast size means the animals are more spread out than in other areas of Tanzania.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by the camp’s driver-guide and transferred to the camp for check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive through Nyerere National Park, known for its diverse landscapes and exceptional Tanzania wildlife safaris.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge    
Luxury – Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp

rufiji3
Rufiji River Camp

Today, enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives in Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, where you can witness diverse wildlife across the park’s wide-open grasslands, acacia savannahs, wetlands, and miombo woodlands. The Rufiji River provides stunning views and excellent opportunities for river safaris.

Stay at Rufiji River Camp, a charming, family-run lodge offering a unique Tanzania safari experience, with guided bush walks, fresh local produce, and stunning sunset views from the west-facing rooms. This serene retreat is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in wildlife safaris in Tanzania.

Mid – Range Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge    
Luxury – Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp

Rufiji River Camp 1
Rufiji River Camp 3

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in time to enjoy lunch at the Hotel. Take this opportunity to reflect on your incredible Tanzania safari adventure. Following lunch, you will be transferred to your city hotel or the airport for your onward flight. This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable exploration of Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and landscapes.

The price includes

  • All Park fees for all National Park
  • All meals and accommodations during the entire tour
  • 4 X 4 safari land cruiser with pop up roof
  • Experienced safari guide
  • Unlimited mineral water on safari
  • All government taxes
  • AMREF Flying doctor’s emergency rescue

The price Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks at the lodges/Camps
  • Any other things not mentioned in the Itinerary
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MID - RANGE PACKAGE - PRICE VALID TO DECEMBER 2026

NUMBER OF PAX PRICE PER PERSON (USD)
1
$ 4,709
2
$ 3,309
3
$ 2841
4
$ 2,609
5
$ 2,469
6
$ 2,375
Single Supplement
$ 892

LUXURY PACKAGE - PRICE VALID TO DECEMBER 2026

NUMBER OF PAX PRICE PER PERSON (USD)
1
$ 7,044
2
$ 5,588
3
$ 5,104
4
$ 4,860
5
$ 4,715
6
$ 4,617
Single Supplement
$ 1,123

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