10-Day Safari

Mikumi • Udzungwa • Ruaha • Nyerere

This 10-day itinerary is a true Southern Tanzania adventure, linking the highlights of the region: the plains of Mikumi, the rainforest waterfalls of Udzungwa, the predator-rich wilderness of Ruaha, and the vast riverine landscapes of Nyerere National Park. A perfect balance of wildlife, scenery, and activity.

Southern Tanzania offers a wilder, more remote safari experience compared to the popular Northern Circuit. This region is home to vast, unspoiled reserves where visitor numbers are low, wildlife sightings feel intimate, and the sense of adventure is palpable. From the immense plains of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) to the dramatic landscapes of Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania is the place to go for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-track safari.

Here, you’ll find diverse habitats, fewer crowds, and some of the best opportunities to spot predators and large herds of elephants. Southern Tanzania combines river safaris, walking safaris, and traditional game drives—giving you a richer variety of ways to encounter wildlife than anywhere else in the country.

Untouched Wilderness: Southern parks cover enormous areas but see far fewer visitors than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, meaning wildlife encounters feel private and exclusive.
Variety of Activities: Unlike many other Tanzanian parks, here you can enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and classic game drives.
Superb Game Viewing: Ruaha is renowned for large prides of lion and significant leopard populations, while Nyerere is famous for wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
Authentic Adventure: Lodges and camps here are smaller, more intimate, and blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, enhancing the feeling of being in untouched wilderness.
Ideal for Repeat Visitors: Perfect for travellers who have already experienced Northern Tanzania and want something more off-grid, or for those seeking a quieter, less commercialised safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Evening at leisure to recover from your journey.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park

Drive inland to Mikumi National Park. Afternoon game drive across open plains, home to elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and predators. The scenic backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains makes for spectacular photography.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 3: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Enjoy a full day exploring Mikumi’s Mkata floodplain, with excellent chances to see lions, buffalo, hippos, and a wide variety of birdlife. The park’s relative quiet makes for a relaxed safari experience.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 4: Mikumi – Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Continue to the Udzungwa Mountains, known as the “Galapagos of Africa” for their biodiversity. Hike to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, a 170-metre cascade set deep within the rainforest. Along the way, you may encounter endemic primates such as the Udzungwa red colobus.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 5: Udzungwa – Ruaha National Park

Drive west to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and one of its most remote reserves. Game drive en route to camp or lodge, passing through baobab-studded landscapes alive with elephants and antelope.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 6–7: Safari in Ruaha National Park

Spend two full days exploring Ruaha’s wilderness. Highlights include large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and packs of endangered wild dogs. The park’s isolation means you’ll rarely encounter other vehicles, making for a truly authentic safari.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 8: Ruaha – Flight to Nyerere National Park (Selous)

This morning, board a flight to Nyerere National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering rivers, lakes, and vast miombo woodlands. Afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji River, where hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife thrive.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 9: Safari in Nyerere National Park

Spend a full day on safari in Nyerere, with game drives, walking safaris, and boat excursions. The park is home to elephants, buffalo herds, lions, and wild dogs, as well as incredible scenery along the river channels.
Accommodation: Budget | Silver | Gold | Ultimate Luxury

Day 10: Flight to Dar es Salaam – Departure

Enjoy a final morning activity before your flight back to Dar es Salaam, where you’ll connect with your international departure or continue to Zanzibar for a beach extension.

Game drives in Mikumi National Park, known as the “little Serengeti”
Excellent chances to see elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes
Explore nearby Udzungwa Mountains National Park with its waterfalls and unique primates
Diverse habitats from open plains to forested hills
Relaxed safari pace with a mix of adventure and comfort

Southern Tanzania offers a range of intimate safari camps and lodges designed to immerse you in the wilderness while still offering comfort and style.

– Nyerere National Park: Riverside tented camps and lodges with boat safari access, such as Roho ya Selous or Siwandu.
– Ruaha National Park: Authentic safari camps like Kigelia Ruaha, or lodges overlooking the Great Ruaha River, offering rustic elegance and superb game viewing right from camp.

Most accommodations here are smaller than their Northern counterparts, with fewer rooms and a more personalised feel. They blend natural materials and open-air designs to make you feel truly part of the wilderness.

The best time to visit Southern Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. This is also the ideal time for boat safaris along the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park.

– June – October: Peak game viewing, cooler weather, little to no rain, and great predator sightings.
– November – March: Green season with lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and excellent birdwatching. Game is still present but more dispersed.
– April – May: Heavy rains can make travel more difficult, and some camps close during this period.

For the best balance of game viewing and comfort, most travellers choose July through October.

A Southern Tanzania safari pairs perfectly with a beach escape, offering both adventure and relaxation in one journey. After days of exploring the wild landscapes of Ruaha and Nyerere, many travellers choose to unwind on the white sands of Zanzibar, just a short flight away.

For those seeking something more exclusive, Mafia Island offers pristine coral reefs, incredible diving, and seasonal whale shark encounters. This combination of remote wilderness and idyllic Indian Ocean beaches makes Southern Tanzania an unforgettable holiday experience.

Itinerary: