10 Days Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi Udzungwa & Ruaha National Parks

Begin your southern Tanzania adventure with a morning drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The journey takes you through vibrant local villages, woodlands, and open plains. Arrive in time for a hot lunch and some rest. In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the Rufiji River, offering a unique opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and an array of riverine birds such as kingfishers and fish eagles. The peaceful pace of the boat allows for intimate wildlife encounters and striking photographs. Return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Nyerere
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Wake early for a full-day game drive in the unspoiled wilderness of Nyerere, Tanzania’s largest and one of its most diverse national parks. You’ll explore miombo woodlands, open grasslands, and acacia forests in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, and the elusive African wild dog—one of Nyerere’s signature species. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a scenic spot within the reserve, followed by more game viewing in the afternoon. The park is home to over 400 bird species, offering birders a chance to see bee-eaters, African skimmers, and saddle-billed storks. Return to camp as the sun sets, capping a day rich in wildlife sightings and raw natural beauty.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Nyerere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart Nyerere for the 6–7 hour drive to Mikumi National Park, passing through small villages, farmlands, and undisturbed forest. Enjoy the changing scenery and a packed lunch en route. Arrive at Mikumi in the afternoon and head straight into the park for a short introductory game drive. Mikumi’s open plains resemble the Serengeti and are home to elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, and more. The park is less crowded than those in the north, making for peaceful and intimate wildlife viewing. After the drive, check in at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy dinner, and rest up for the next day of exploration.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the entire day exploring Mikumi, known for its sweeping savannahs and accessible wildlife. Begin with an early morning game drive when predators like lions and leopards are more active. Search for large elephant herds, lounging lions, troops of baboons, and the beautiful sable antelope. Birdlife is abundant, with over 400 species including bateleurs, hornbills, and bee-eaters. Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park or return to your lodge for a break before the afternoon game drive. In the evening, enjoy a tranquil sundowner and reflect on the incredible wildlife sightings. Mikumi offers the perfect mix of accessibility, biodiversity, and scenic landscapes.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a unique forested park that’s part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and famous for its rich biodiversity. The short drive (about 1.5–2 hours) takes you through rural villages and green landscapes. Upon arrival, prepare for a guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls, the most famous trek in the park. The trail winds through tropical forest rich in endemic flora and fauna, including rare primates like the Sanje crested mangabey and the Iringa red colobus monkey. At the falls, enjoy panoramic views of the Kilombero Valley and cool off in natural pools. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Lodge near Udzungwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring more of the Udzungwa Mountains, often called the African Galápagos due to their high number of endemic species. Choose from several guided trails depending on your fitness and interests, ranging from moderate walks to full-day hikes. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense forest where you may spot unique wildlife, such as bushbabies, chameleons, endemic birds, and rare monkey species. The air is cool and fresh, filled with birdsong and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. Your guide will share insights on the ecological importance of the park and its role in conservation. Return to the lodge for dinner and well-earned rest.

Overnight: Lodge near Udzungwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, begin your journey westward to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most rugged national park. The drive is long but scenic, passing through the highlands, local towns like Iringa, and the Rift Valley escarpments. Optional stopovers can include the Isimila Stone Age site or Iringa town for cultural visits. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in Ruaha in the late afternoon. Enjoy a short game drive or relax with views overlooking the park’s expansive wilderness. Dinner is served as you prepare for two days in one of East Africa’s most untouched and rewarding safari destinations.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Ruaha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set off at sunrise for a full day of game driving in Ruaha, a true wilderness far from the crowds. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, baobab-dotted hills, and diverse habitats. Game drives here offer sightings of large elephant herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and rare antelope like sable and roan. The Great Ruaha River provides vital water for animals, attracting birds, crocodiles, and hippos. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of over 570 species. Enjoy a bush picnic and continue your adventure across the vast plains and river valleys. Return to camp for dinner and stargazing under the African sky.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Ruaha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Ruaha, a last chance to spot wildlife in the early golden light. Depart mid-morning for your return journey to Mikumi, retracing your steps through Iringa and the southern highlands. Stop for lunch along the way and take in the changing landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in Mikumi by evening, where you can unwind after a long but scenic drive. Enjoy a relaxing dinner, perhaps with a quiet walk or sundowner near the lodge grounds as you prepare for your final day.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your drive back to Dar es Salaam. The return trip takes approximately 6–7 hours, offering a final glimpse of Tanzania’s southern countryside. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop in Morogoro for a break or lunch. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) for your onward journey. With unforgettable wildlife encounters, rainforest hikes, and cultural experiences behind you, your Southern Tanzania safari concludes with memories that will last a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch