Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari
Experience the unique beauty of Southern Tanzania's national parks on a 10-day game drive safari. Explore the different landscapes and wildlife that flourish in Nyerere (previously Selous Game Reserve), Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks.
Renowned as the largest national parks in Tanzania, Ruaha and Nyerere offer exceptional wide range of game viewing opportunities that are rare to find elsewhere. These parks are home to a diverse range of wildlife, lions, Cape buffalo, shy leopard, including endangered wild dogs (excluding Mikumi), sable antelope, crocodiles, hippos, and more than 400 bird species.
During your safari, you'll be accommodated in comfortable hotels, lodges, and tented camps that have been carefully selected to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation. Our team has meticulously scouted these properties to provide the best experience while offering optimal wildlife exposure.
Overview
Itinerary
Day 1: Dar es salaam to Nyerere National Park
Begin your day with an early morning departure towards Nyerere National Park, a newly designated National Park since 2019. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before heading to the lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the Rufiji River to witness hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the park's avian and plant life. Nyerere National Park is abundant with wildlife, including buffalos, waterbucks, impalas, elephants, and lions, often spotted along the riverbanks. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2 & 3: Full day Safari in Nyerere National Park
Experience a 2 full-days safari and sightseeing adventure in the breathtaking Selous Game Reserve. Explore the enchanting landscapes along the Rufiji River, with its winding arms and tranquil lakes. Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch amidst the untamed wilderness, enjoying the shade of a majestic tree. This ensures ample time to observe and capture stunning photographs of the magnificent wildlife that roams these lands.
As the day comes to a close, we will return before dusk to savor the magic of sundowner cocktails and a delectable dinner. Prepare for a remarkable journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories of the Selous Game Reserve.
Day 4: Nyerere National Park to Mikumi
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your lodge before departing on a journey to Mikumi National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a scrumptious lunch, followed by check-in at your accommodations. In the late afternoon, set off on an exhilarating game drive, where you'll witness the captivating activities of diverse animal species, including elephants, giraffes, gazelles, kudus, impalas, and a variety of birds. Take in the stunning scenery and bask in the beauty of the sunset until 6:30 pm. Then, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Mikumi National Park to Iringa town
Begin your day with a sunrise game drive along Mchanga Mbuga, heading towards Zebra Bridge for a delightful breakfast. Continue your exploration with a scenic drive along the Saba-Saba circuit and the Millennium area until lunchtime. Witness an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras. The reserve is also home to wildebeests and buffaloes, which can be easily spotted. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible wonders of this Tanzanian reserve. Later in the day, drive to Iringa, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in comfortable accommodations.
Day 6: Iringa town to Ruaha National Park
After a delicious breakfast, you will start the 3-hour journey to Ruaha National Park. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent, and avoid wearing black or blue clothing (tsetse flies are attracted to these colors). You will drive along the “Never-ending Road” and as soon as you take it, you will understand where the name comes from. Even before you reach the park gate you may have already had the chance to see some giraffes, elephants, or antelopes that are wandering outside the park.
After the formalities to be carried out at the gate, you will start your driving crossing the Ruaha River to see its Hippos and Crocs and various water birds. You will reach your accommodation where you will have lunch before starting the afternoon safari. On your game drive you will continue to learn about the different environments in the park, the wildlife, birds and trees (including the impressive baobab trees that Ruaha is known for). Keep an eye out for 4 of the “Big 5” that reside in Ruaha – elephant, buffalo, lion, and (if you are lucky) the shy leopard. You will be back just before the sundown to have a shower and get ready for dinner and an overnight stay at lodge.
Day 7 to 9: Full day Safari in Ruaha National Park
Experience three full days in Ruaha National Park, where you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary based on your preferences. Choose from a variety of options, such as morning game drives, full-day game drives with picnic lunches, or a leisurely lunch at the camp followed by a later evening game drive where you will encounter a plethora of animals, birds, and breathtaking landscapes, including the magnificent Mwagusi Sand River and the enchanting Mdonya River.
Day 10: Back to Iringa and Fly back to Dar es salaam
Bid farewell in Ruaha National Park with a breakfast, as we prepare to start on our journey towards the park gates and commence our back to Iringa airport as you make your way to Dar es Salaam to connect with your onward travel.