Duration

5 Days 4 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

5-Day Classic Southern Safari: Mikumi, Nyerere & Ruaha

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map

Overview

Escape the crowds of Tanzania's Northern Circuit on this 5-day Classic Southern Safari through Mikumi, Nyerere, and Ruaha — three of the country's wildest and least-visited national parks. Starting with a scenic road transfer from Dar es Salaam into Mikumi's Serengeti-like plains, the journey continues by short bush flights into Nyerere's river channels and boat safaris, then on to Ruaha's dramatic baobab-studded landscape, home to some of Africa's largest elephant populations. With a private 4x4 vehicle, expert driver-guide, and comfortable tented camps throughout, this itinerary delivers genuine southern Tanzania wilderness at a pace that fits a working traveler's schedule.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Hotel Pickup in Dar es Salaam → Drive to Mikumi National Park
Your driver-guide will collect you from your hotel in Dar es Salaam in the morning for the road transfer to Mikumi National Park (approximately 5 hours, with a stop en route). Mikumi's Mkata floodplain has a distinctly Serengeti-like feel — open grassland framed by the Uluguru Mountains — and is known for lions that climb trees, along with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and zebra.

Arrive in time for a late-afternoon game drive as the plains cool down and animals become more active, before settling in for the night.

Overnight: Vuma Hills Tented Camp (mid-range) or Mikumi Wildlife Camp (comfortable, good value) — both set within the park with views over the floodplain.
Day 2
Mikumi Morning Game Drive → Fly to Nyerere National Park
Start with an early game drive while the light is soft and predators are still active. After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a short scheduled flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) — Africa's largest protected wilderness area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Rufiji River — one of Nyerere's signature experiences, and a completely different way to see wildlife: hippos and crocodiles at close range, elephants coming down to drink, and prolific birdlife along the banks.

Overnight: Siwandu Camp (luxury, lakeside) or Selous Riverside Safari Camp (comfortable, riverside) — both offer direct access to boat safaris and walking safaris.
Day 3
Full Day in Nyerere National Park
A full day dedicated to exploring Nyerere's varied landscape — open plains, miombo woodland, lakes, and river channels — combined with morning and afternoon game drives. Nyerere holds one of Tanzania's largest populations of African wild dog, alongside strong numbers of lion, elephant, and buffalo. For active travelers, an optional guided walking safari is available, offering a close, on-foot perspective of the bush that a vehicle can't match.

Overnight: Siwandu Camp or Selous Riverside Safari Camp (same camp as Day 2, second night).
Day 4
Fly to Ruaha National Park
Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Ruaha National Park — Tanzania's largest national park and one of East Africa's most important elephant strongholds. Ruaha sits at a unique ecological crossroads where southern and eastern African wildlife overlap, giving it one of the most diverse large-mammal populations on the continent, including greater and lesser kudu alongside the more familiar Big Five.

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive along the Great Ruaha River, where wildlife concentrates during the dry season.

Overnight: Ikuka Safari Camp (luxury, hilltop views) or Kigelia Ruaha (classic tented camp, excellent value).
Day 5
Ruaha Morning Game Drive → Fly to Dar es Salaam
One final early-morning game drive to make the most of Ruaha's wildlife before breakfast. Afterward, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam, connecting with your onward or international departure.

Cost Info

Price includes

All park entrance fees for Mikumi, Nyerere, and Ruaha inclusive of 18% VAT
Road transfer, Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
2 internal flights: Mikumi–Nyerere and Nyerere–Ruaha, plus final flight Ruaha–Dar es Salaam (As shown on the itinerary)
4 nights' full-board accommodation as listed above
All game drives per itinerary, in a private 4x4 safari vehicle
All meals include at the Lodges or Camps and packed lunch box
Experienced English-speaking guide OR (Germany/French/Spanish guide Upon request at an extra cost charges)
Toyota Land cruiser 4×4 Safari vehicle with pop up roof, 6 window seats, power adapters, and refrigerator
Mineral Drinking water

Price excludes

International Flights Ticket.
Visa
Medications
Medical / Travel Insurance
Optional activities such as Hot Air Balloon Rides, Canoeing, etc..
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Asante Tipping for the driver guide

FAQ

FAQ Expand All

FAQ 1; When is the best time to go?
The dry season (June to October) offers the best game viewing, as animals concentrate around rivers and waterholes in all three parks. September and October are particularly strong for Ruaha and Nyerere, when wildlife gathers densely around remaining water sources.
FAQ 2; What's the luggage limit for the internal flights?
Because you'll take small bush planes between Mikumi, Nyerere, and Ruaha, luggage is limited to 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag (no hard suitcases). We recommend packing light and leaving any excess luggage at your hotel in Dar es Salaam if needed
FAQ 3; How physically demanding is this itinerary?
Game drives are comfortable and require no particular fitness level. The optional walking safaris in Nyerere or Ruaha involve a few hours of easy-to-moderate walking with a guide and armed ranger, and are not mandatory.

Map

from $3,500.00

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5-Day Classic Southern Safari: Mikumi, Nyerere & Ruaha

Overview

Overview

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Hotel Pickup in Dar es Salaam → Drive to Mikumi National Park

Day 2

Mikumi Morning Game Drive → Fly to Nyerere National Park

Day 3

Full Day in Nyerere National Park

Day 4

Fly to Ruaha National Park

Day 5

Ruaha Morning Game Drive → Fly to Dar es Salaam

Cost Info

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

FAQ Expand All

FAQ 1; When is the best time to go?

FAQ 2; What's the luggage limit for the internal flights?

FAQ 3; How physically demanding is this itinerary?

Map

Map

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