Experience the best of Tanzania’s bush and coast on this 3-day Zanzibar to Mikumi and Selous safari with Ngasini Travel. This thrilling journey blends marine crossings, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters — taking you from the turquoise waters of Zanzibar to the golden plains of Mikumi and the untamed wilderness of Selous (now Nyerere National Park).
Untouched Wilderness, Authentic Adventure
A Southern Tanzania safari takes you far beyond the well-trodden paths of East Africa — into a world of raw, untamed beauty. This vast, lesser-visited region is home to some of Africa’s largest and most secluded parks, where game drives feel exclusive and wildlife encounters are unfiltered by crowds.
From the mighty elephants of Ruaha National Park to the waterways and floodplains of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Southern Tanzania delivers immersive game viewing, diverse ecosystems, and a slower, more soulful pace of travel.
This region is ideal for travellers who value authenticity over fanfare, space over spectacle, and seek a safari that’s both adventurous and deeply rewarding. Add in walking safaris, boat trips, fly camping, and intimate eco-camps — and you have one of Africa’s last great wilderness experiences.
Uncrowded. Untamed. Unforgettable.
For travellers seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with Africa’s wilderness, Southern Tanzania offers an experience unlike anywhere else. This is a region of vast, remote parks, where wildlife thrives in silence and your game drive may be the only one for miles. It’s safari at its most raw — yet with all the comforts of expertly run camps and seasoned guides.
• Incredible Game Viewing
Spot rare species such as wild dogs, sable antelope, and some of the largest elephant populations in East Africa.
• Low Tourism Footprint
Safaris here feel private and pristine — perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
• Adventurous Activities
Enjoy walking safaris, boating, and even fly camping under the stars — options rarely found in the north.
• Intimate, Remote Camps
Stay in small, eco-friendly camps that focus on sustainability, comfort, and personalised service.
Your adventure begins with a morning ferry ride from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, a scenic two- to three-hour crossing over the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the port, you’ll be warmly greeted by your Ngasini Travel safari guide for a short briefing before setting off by road toward Mikumi National Park.
The drive takes around four to five hours, winding through the picturesque Uluguru Mountains, bustling markets, and small Tanzanian villages that offer a fascinating glimpse into local life. Enjoy a packed or local lunch along the way before arriving at Mikumi in the late afternoon.
As the sun begins to dip over the horizon, venture out on your first evening game drive. Mikumi is often called the “mini Serengeti” for its wide-open plains and abundant wildlife. You may spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and graceful antelope scattered across the Mkata floodplain — one of the park’s most scenic areas.
After an exhilarating afternoon in the bush, retire to your comfortable lodge or tented camp on the park’s edge. Enjoy a hearty dinner beneath the stars as the sounds of the African night settle around you.
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through Mikumi’s grasslands, when predators are most active and the light paints the landscape in warm golden hues. Watch as herds of impala and buffalo graze while elephants move gracefully across the horizon.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast, then begin your journey south to Selous Game Reserve, now officially known as Nyerere National Park. The drive takes approximately five to six hours, passing through vibrant rural communities and changing ecosystems along the way.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in Selous — Africa’s largest protected wildlife area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your lodge, set out for a boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of the most memorable experiences in Tanzania. Glide along the calm waters while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling variety of waterbirds. The golden light, reflections on the water, and dramatic scenery create perfect opportunities for photography.
As evening falls, return to your lodge for dinner by the campfire, where you can unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures beneath the star-filled sky.
Your final morning begins with an early game drive in Selous, exploring its vast savannahs, woodlands, and riverbanks. This immense wilderness is home to lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and even the rare African wild dog. With fewer vehicles than in the northern parks, Selous offers a truly wild and tranquil safari experience.
After your game drive, enjoy breakfast at the lodge before setting off for the scenic return drive to Dar es Salaam (approximately five to six hours). Upon arrival, board the afternoon ferry back to Zanzibar, where your unforgettable 3-day safari adventure concludes — filled with memories of Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and hippos across two of southern Tanzania’s most diverse parks.
Scenic Landscapes: From Mikumi’s golden plains to the Rufiji River’s lush waterways, each destination offers spectacular photographic opportunities.
Cultural Impressions: Travel through authentic rural Tanzania, witnessing everyday life in the countryside between the coast and the highlands.
Comfort and Hospitality: Stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps offering delicious meals, warm service, and comfortable rooms surrounded by nature.
This 3-day Zanzibar safari is perfect for travellers seeking a short bush adventure from the island, offering an easy connection between Zanzibar and Tanzania’s southern safari circuit. Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway, a photographer, or an adventurer short on time, this itinerary delivers the essence of Tanzania’s wild side — all within a few unforgettable days.
A Journey into Africa’s Last Great Wilderness
Wild Luxury in Africa’s Remote Heartlands
Accommodation in Southern Tanzania is all about immersion in wilderness — small, intimate camps set in remote areas where wildlife is close and crowds are far away. Here, the emphasis is on authentic safari experiences, personalised service, and a seamless blend of comfort and wild atmosphere.
Whether you’re on the banks of the Rufiji River in Nyerere or deep in the baobab-dotted landscapes of Ruaha, each camp is chosen for its prime wildlife location, eco-conscious design, and genuine hospitality.
– Classic canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and open-air views
– Often solar-powered and sustainably built
– Ideal for travellers who want immersive, low-impact experiences
– Temporary, ultra-light setups in the wild
– For guests seeking a raw, adventurous connection with nature
– Often used as one-night add-ons during walking or boating safaris
– Thatched, open-plan structures with panoramic decks
– Blends rustic charm with comfort and privacy
– Some offer family units or exclusive-use options
– Lantern-lit paths, campfire dining, and wildlife just beyond your canvas
– Personalized hosting by local teams and expert safari guides
– A deeper, slower safari rhythm — where the camp is part of the experience
– Ideal for game drives and walking safaris
– Wildlife is easier to spot
– Comfortable weather with little rainfall
– Temporary, ultra-light setups in the wild
– For guests seeking a raw, adventurous connection with nature
– Often used as one-night add-ons during walking or boating safaris
– Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
– Excellent birdwatching
– Some areas may be harder to access due to rain
– Some lodges close due to heavy rains
– Limited access to certain parks
Your adventure begins with a morning ferry ride from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, a scenic two- to three-hour crossing over the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the port, you’ll be warmly greeted by your Ngasini Travel safari guide for a short briefing before setting off by road toward Mikumi National Park.
The drive takes around four to five hours, winding through the picturesque Uluguru Mountains, bustling markets, and small Tanzanian villages that offer a fascinating glimpse into local life. Enjoy a packed or local lunch along the way before arriving at Mikumi in the late afternoon.
As the sun begins to dip over the horizon, venture out on your first evening game drive. Mikumi is often called the “mini Serengeti” for its wide-open plains and abundant wildlife. You may spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and graceful antelope scattered across the Mkata floodplain — one of the park’s most scenic areas.
After an exhilarating afternoon in the bush, retire to your comfortable lodge or tented camp on the park’s edge. Enjoy a hearty dinner beneath the stars as the sounds of the African night settle around you.
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through Mikumi’s grasslands, when predators are most active and the light paints the landscape in warm golden hues. Watch as herds of impala and buffalo graze while elephants move gracefully across the horizon.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast, then begin your journey south to Selous Game Reserve, now officially known as Nyerere National Park. The drive takes approximately five to six hours, passing through vibrant rural communities and changing ecosystems along the way.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in Selous — Africa’s largest protected wildlife area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your lodge, set out for a boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of the most memorable experiences in Tanzania. Glide along the calm waters while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling variety of waterbirds. The golden light, reflections on the water, and dramatic scenery create perfect opportunities for photography.
As evening falls, return to your lodge for dinner by the campfire, where you can unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures beneath the star-filled sky.
Your final morning begins with an early game drive in Selous, exploring its vast savannahs, woodlands, and riverbanks. This immense wilderness is home to lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and even the rare African wild dog. With fewer vehicles than in the northern parks, Selous offers a truly wild and tranquil safari experience.
After your game drive, enjoy breakfast at the lodge before setting off for the scenic return drive to Dar es Salaam (approximately five to six hours). Upon arrival, board the afternoon ferry back to Zanzibar, where your unforgettable 3-day safari adventure concludes — filled with memories of Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and hippos across two of southern Tanzania’s most diverse parks.
Scenic Landscapes: From Mikumi’s golden plains to the Rufiji River’s lush waterways, each destination offers spectacular photographic opportunities.
Cultural Impressions: Travel through authentic rural Tanzania, witnessing everyday life in the countryside between the coast and the highlands.
Comfort and Hospitality: Stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps offering delicious meals, warm service, and comfortable rooms surrounded by nature.
This 3-day Zanzibar safari is perfect for travellers seeking a short bush adventure from the island, offering an easy connection between Zanzibar and Tanzania’s southern safari circuit. Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway, a photographer, or an adventurer short on time, this itinerary delivers the essence of Tanzania’s wild side — all within a few unforgettable days.
