12-day Adventure Safari in Southern Tanzania
Mikumi, Ruaha, Udzungwa Mountains & Nyerere National Park
Escape the crowds and explore less frequently visited parks of Southern Tanzania! Look forward to dazzling game drives in Mikumi, Ruaha and Nyerere National Park – combined with a hiking adventure in the Udzungwa Mountains. This itinerary is based on driving; however, you can also fly back instead of returning by road to Dar es Salaam.
Tour Style
private safari with unlimited mileage
Tour Duration
12 days, 11 nights (start: day of your choice)
Expectations
large variety of wildlife in Mikumi incl. antelopes, cats, mammals and more
birds, plants and primates in the tropical mountain forests of Udzungwa
predator-interaction: leopard, lion and wild dog on the hunt in Ruaha
incredible panoramas and spectacular wildlife encounters in Nyerere
different perspective: boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River to spot wildlife
National Parks
Mikumi National Park
Ruaha National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)
Activities
Game Drives
Boat Safari
Walking Adventure
Physical Rating
Moderate – walking adventure in Udzungwa Mountains
Interested? Talk to an expert!
Sandra
As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique safari adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!
Not sure if this itinerary is suitable for you? You have questions or missing a particular activity? Don’t worry we are here to assist!
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Not sure – Talk to an expert
Michael
Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my experience in the bush and my passioan for wildlife, I will happily design an itinerary based on your travel interests.
You have any questions or are unsure if Tanzania is the right travel destination for you? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!
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Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport (JRO). After you have passed the passport control, you will be met by your professional safari guide outside the terminal and transferred to your accommodation in Dar es Salaam (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 45 minutes to 1 hour). Enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing evening before starting your Tanzania adventure on the next morning.
Day 1 and 2: Mikumi National Park
Meet & greet with your professional guide in Dar es Salaam. Departure to Mikumi National Park – an all-year-round safari destination, which is often referred to as “Little Serengeti” of the South. Buffalos, bushbuck, elephant, giraffe, hippo, impalas, reedbuck, warthogs, wildebeests and zebras are easy to spot, while you may even encounter lions and the notoriously shy leopard!
Day 3 to 5: Ruaha National Park
Road journey to Ruaha National Park – a prime wildlife safari destination that is rarely visited due to its exclusive location far away from the usual touristic routes. An unspoiled wilderness in which the flora and fauna of eastern and southern African overlap. Animals concentrate along the great Ruaha River providing a perfect hunting ground for cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, lions and wild dogs. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Isimila Gorge
Today’s journey takes you back to Iringa with an excursion to Isimila Gorge. Isimila is one of Africa’s most significant archeological sites, where stone tools with an estimated age of 60.000 to 100.000 years have been discovered! For keen walkers, we recommend a visit to the dramatic 15-meter-high rock towers – formed by water – at Isimila Gorge. A photo safari highlight! Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 7 and 8: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Road journey to Udzungwa Mountains – a treasure for botanists with its endemic birds, butterflies, primates, plants and trees! The park is well known for the legendary Sanje Waterfalls and the Udzungwa Red Colobus Monkeys. Don’t forget your binoculars as you explore the park on foot together with a ranger! Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 9 to 11: Nyerere National Park
Road journey to Nyerere National Park – following the northern foothills of the Uluguru Mountains to the western entrance gate at Matambwe. Nyerere is the largest national park in Africa with an area of over 30,000 km² and is part of the former Selous Game Reserve. Spend the next three days on game drives!
Watch out for buffalos, elands, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, warthogs, zebras and many more. Nyerere also has a fantastic destination to encounter predators. While hyenas and lions are often seen, it is quite difficult to spot cheetahs, jackals, leopards and wild dogs. On the riverbanks you will often find large Nile crocodiles sunbathing with their mouth wide open.
Your stay also includes a boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River – a great adventure which allows you to view wildlife from a different perspective. Watching elephants taking a bath, or getting a closer view of hippos is an incredible sight! You will also be stunned by the bird variety so watch closely for bee-eaters, fish eagles, kingfishers and many more. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 12: Return to Dar es Salaam
Return to Dar es Salaam with drop-off according to your onwards travel journey – either in Dar es Salaam Town or at Dar es Salaam Domestic/International Airport (DAR). Included meals: breakfast and picnic-lunch.
Beach Extensions
Would you like to extend your safari on the mainland of Tanzania with a beach holiday? Tanzania offers some fantastic beach stays directly on the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a sleepy island located just south of Zanzibar – an exclusive hideaway if you wish to escape the crowds. It is a diver’s paradise, and the marine park offers a large variety of dive options. From September the March is whale shark season – a great adventure to be experienced by snorkeling or scuba diving. Accommodations are limited but provide you with everything you need – excellent quality and service!
Pemba Island
Pemba Island is located just north of Zanzibar. A completely off-the-beaten-track getaway awaits you – quiet and easy-going. It is well known for its diving – incredible dive walls, drop-offs and rich coral gardens. If beach-lounging was what you had in mind, take note that the beaches are not as perfect as in Zanzibar, but there are sandbanks nearby. Only a few scattered properties are found here – simple and rustic, but with a fantastic service!
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is everything you imagine of an Indian Ocean Island – beautiful white beaches lined with palm trees and azure-blue waters. It is the most easily accessible island with a short flight from the main land. Various activities apart from sunbathing are available including the historic Stone Town and Spice Tour, Kitesurfing or Dhow Cruises. A large variety of accommodation options that suit every style, budget and desire!