8 Days Unforgettable Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure | Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Embark on an 8 Days Unforgettable Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure and discover some of Africa’s most spectacular and unspoiled wilderness areas. This carefully crafted safari takes you through the renowned Nyerere National Park, the wildlife-rich plains of Mikumi National Park, the breathtaking forests and waterfalls of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and the vast untamed landscapes of Ruaha National Park. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this journey offers an authentic Tanzania safari experience away from the crowds of the northern circuit.
Experience thrilling game drives, remarkable wildlife encounters, and stunning natural scenery as you explore Southern Tanzania’s hidden treasures. Search for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and countless other wildlife species in their natural habitat. Enjoy the unique diversity of activities, from classic safari game drives in Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha to unforgettable hiking adventures in the lush Udzungwa Mountains, one of Africa’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
This 8-day Tanzania safari combines wildlife, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes into one extraordinary journey. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari enthusiast, you will be captivated by Southern Tanzania’s untouched beauty, rich ecosystems, and incredible wildlife. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday and create unforgettable memories in some of Tanzania’s most remarkable national parks.
Sample Itinerary for 8 Days of Southern Tanzania Epic Safari
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park (Selous) & Sunset Boat Safari
Your unforgettable Southern Tanzania safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam. Guests arriving on the same day may also be picked up directly from the airport. You will then embark on a scenic drive to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Africa’s largest protected wildlife area.
Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy a delicious lunch and some time to relax before heading out for an exciting afternoon boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River. This unique safari activity offers exceptional opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and wildlife gathering along the riverbanks while enjoying a spectacular African sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Selous River Camp.
Day 2: Game Drive in Nyerere National Park & Transfer to Mikumi National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for a game drive through the diverse landscapes of Nyerere National Park while making your way toward Mikumi National Park via Kisaki Village. This scenic journey provides excellent opportunities to spot wildlife including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators in their natural habitat.
Depending on your arrival time in Mikumi, you may enjoy a short sunset game drive within the park before heading to your accommodation. Otherwise, you will proceed directly to your lodge to relax after the day’s adventure.
Dinner and overnight at Mikumi Park Cottages.
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park & Transfer to Udzungwa
Rise early for a sunrise game drive beginning at approximately 06:30 hrs, when wildlife is most active. After an exciting morning in the park, return to the lodge for breakfast before continuing your exploration of Mikumi National Park.
The day will be spent searching for the park’s abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs, hippos, and more than 300 recorded bird species. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park, allowing you to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
Following your afternoon game drive, depart for Udzungwa, where you will arrive in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Twiga Hotel.
Day 4: Udzungwa Mountains National Park Trekking Adventure
After breakfast, transfer to the entrance gate of Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a memorable guided trekking experience. Often referred to as the “Galapagos of Africa,” Udzungwa is one of the world’s 34 recognized biodiversity hotspots and is renowned for its exceptional concentration of endemic wildlife and plant species.
Your trek follows the famous Sanje Waterfalls Trail, leading through lush tropical rainforest to the spectacular four-stage Sanje Waterfalls. Along the way, keep an eye out for the park’s remarkable primates, including the endemic Sanje Mangabey and Iringa Red Colobus Monkey, both found nowhere else on Earth. You may also encounter a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and unique plant species that make this mountain ecosystem so special.
The hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views over the Kilombero Valley and the opportunity to relax beside the stunning waterfalls before descending back to the park gate.
Dinner and overnight at a chosen hotel in Mikumi Town.
Day 5: Maasai Cultural Experience, Isimila Stone Age Site & Transfer to Iringa
After breakfast, visit a traditional Maasai village near Mikumi, where you will gain fascinating insights into one of East Africa’s most iconic tribes. Learn about Maasai customs, traditions, lifestyle, and their unique relationship with nature through an authentic cultural interaction.
After the village visit, continue your journey to Iringa Town with a stop at the remarkable Isimila Stone Age Site. This important archaeological site is famous for its ancient stone tools and dramatic natural sandstone pillars formed through thousands of years of erosion. The visit provides a fascinating glimpse into early human history and the evolution of mankind, showcasing some of the tools used by our ancestors during the Stone Age.
Following the tour, proceed to Iringa Town for relaxation and an overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Iringa Sunset Hotel.
Day 6: Transfer to Ruaha National Park & Full-Day Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas. Known for its vast landscapes, giant baobab trees, and exceptional wildlife concentrations, Ruaha offers a truly authentic safari experience away from the crowds.
Upon entering the park, begin a full-day game drive with packed breakfast and lunch boxes. Explore the park’s diverse habitats while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, kudu, warthogs, and numerous bird species. Ruaha is particularly famous for its large elephant population and impressive predator numbers.
After a rewarding day of wildlife viewing, return to your lodge in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Ruaha Park Cottages.
Day 7: Full-Day Safari Adventure in Ruaha National Park
Today is dedicated to further exploring the extraordinary wilderness of Ruaha National Park. Depart early for another full-day game drive, allowing you to reach remote areas of the park where wildlife sightings are often at their best.
The Great Ruaha River serves as the lifeline of the park and attracts a remarkable variety of animals throughout the year. As you traverse different ecosystems, your experienced guide will help you track wildlife and discover the unique flora and fauna that make Ruaha one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness before continuing your game drive into the late afternoon. This additional day greatly increases your chances of encountering predators, large elephant herds, and other iconic African wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at Ruaha Park Cottages.
Day 8: Departure – Transfer to Iringa Airport or Return to Dar es Salaam/Morogoro
After an early breakfast, depart from Ruaha and transfer to Iringa Airport for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam. Alternatively, guests may choose a road transfer to Dar es Salaam or Morogoro.
As your unforgettable Southern Tanzania safari comes to an end, you will leave with incredible memories of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and the untamed beauty of Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha National Parks.
End of Safari.
What Is Included
- Private safari vehicle for all transfers and game drives in Nyerere National Park (Selous), Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and Ruaha National Park.
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides throughout the safari.
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park.
- 7 nights of accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- All national park, reserve, conservation, and guide fees.
- Meals and refreshments as detailed in the itinerary.
- Government taxes, including 18% VAT.
What Is Not Included
- Any activities, excursions, or services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- International and domestic flights to and from Tanzania.
- Travel, medical, and personal accident insurance.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Departure taxes (if applicable).
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides and lodge staff.
