8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha Safari
Overview
This 8-day safari covers the best of Tanzania’s Southern Circuit. Explore Nyerere National Park with its famous Rufiji River boat safaris, the open plains of Mikumi, the waterfalls and primates of Udzungwa, and the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park. A perfect blend of landscapes, wildlife, and adventure.
Itineraries
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park
Depart Dar es Salaam after breakfast and drive (or optional flight) to Nyerere National Park. Arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Dinner and overnight in Nyerere.
Day 2: Full Day in Nyerere
Spend the whole day on a game drive across the vast park. Spot elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, and if lucky, wild dogs. Picnic lunch in the park before returning for dinner and overnight at your lodge/camp.
Day 3: Walking Safari & Game Drive in Nyerere
Start the day with a guided walking safari with a ranger, followed by breakfast. Later, take another game drive exploring different parts of the park. Dinner and overnight in Nyerere.
Day 4: Nyerere – Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the Mkata floodplain, home to wildebeest, zebras, and predators. Dinner and overnight at a lodge/camp in Mikumi.
Day 5: Mikumi – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Morning game drive in Mikumi before continuing to Udzungwa Mountains. Afternoon hike to Sanje Waterfalls with chances to see colobus monkeys and forest bird species. Dinner and overnight in Udzungwa.
Day 6: Udzungwa – Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote park. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your lodge/camp. Dinner and overnight in Ruaha.
Day 7: Full Day in Ruaha
Enjoy a full-day safari in Ruaha. Game drives along the Great Ruaha River provide excellent chances to spot elephants, lions, leopards, kudu, and other antelope species. Picnic lunch in the park before returning for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Ruaha – Dar es Salaam
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Depart Ruaha and drive (or optional flight) back to Dar es Salaam where the safari ends.
Accommodation during safari
Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional driver guide and ranger for walking safari
Park entry fees
Meals as per itinerary
Bottled water during safari
Boat safari on Rufiji River
Guided hike in Udzungwa Mountains
International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for driver/guide and lodge staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses and optional activities