8-day Explorer Safari in Southern Tanzania
Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains
Visit Mikumi and Ruaha National Park – a true gem with its raw and unique wilderness! Get ready to encounter large herds of elephants and predators in action! In addition, get out of the vehicle to explore wildlife on foot and up-close in the mountain forest of Udzungwa. 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
8 days, 7 nights (start: day of your choice)
Expectations
large variety of wildlife in Mikumi incl. antelopes, cats, mammals and more
predator-interaction: leopard, lion and wild dog on the hunt in Ruaha
keen walkers will find a delight to explore the Udzungwa Mountains
birds, plants & primates in the tropical mountain forests of Udzungwa
National Parks
Mikumi National Park
Ruaha National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Activities
Game Drives
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 expert driver/guide in Dar es Salaam. Drive to Mikumi National Park! Spend the next two days on game drive searching for large mammals like buffalos, elands, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras; as well as cats including hyenas, leopards and lions! Mikumi’s landscape is equally outstanding – an open grassland plain surrounded by mountains!
Day 3 to 5: Ruaha National Park
Road journey to Ruaha National Park – a scenic drive through baobab filled valleys. Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest National Park and one of Africa’s premier wildlife parks! A breathtaking landscape including ancient baobabs, acacia bushland, riverine forests, grasslands and miombo woodland await you here! Together with its dense concentration of wildlife it makes for great game viewing!
Ruaha’s wildlife include countless plains game like antelopes (Roan and Sable), buffalos, impalas, kudus, warthogs, zebras and many more. It also boasts a fine predator population consisting of cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, lions and wild dogs. It is not unusual to encounter large family groups of elephants and with of 450 recorded bird species, it is a birders paradise for ornithologists! Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 6 and 7: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Road Journey to Udzungwa – part of the Eastern Arc Mountain Range and a biodiversity hotspot! Explore the park on foot together with a range and encounter bird, butterflies and primates up-close. Watch out for the famous Udzungwa Red colobus or black-and-white colobus monkeys! As you hike through the lush montane forests, you can also option to swim below waterfalls. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 8: 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!