10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari & Mafia Beach Escape

Your adventure begins early in the morning as your Safari Moja Matata guide picks you up from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam. Depart for Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), a scenic drive of approximately 5–6 hours, with a picnic lunch en route. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy some time to relax. Later in the afternoon, embark on a sunset boat safari along the Rufiji River, one of the park’s highlights. Watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds as the sun dips below the horizon. Evening moment: After dinner, your guide invites you to gather around the fire to share stories from the river and preview tomorrow’s game drive.

Rise early for a full-day game drive across Nyerere’s vast landscapes. From open plains to miombo woodlands, you’ll track lions, giraffes, and maybe even wild dogs. After a picnic lunch in the bush, continue to Lemara Eco Camp in Kisaki for a peaceful overnight stay. Evening Moment: Over tea or drinks, your guide reflects on the day’s sightings and introduces the cultural experience awaiting you tomorrow.

After a hearty breakfast, the morning begins with a short drive to a Maasai village near Kisaki. Here, you’ll be welcomed with traditional songs and dances, followed by a guided walk through the boma. Learn about Maasai customs, their deep connection to nature, and the meaning behind their colorful attire and rituals. It’s an authentic, respectful cultural exchange that leaves a lasting impression. By late morning, you’ll begin your scenic drive to Mikumi National Park (approx. 8 hours). Along the way, enjoy glimpses of rural life and the changing landscapes of southern Tanzania. In the late afternoon, arrive at Camp Bastian Mikumi. After check-in, take time to unwind by the swimming pool. Whether you choose a refreshing dip or a quiet moment with a drink in hand, it’s the perfect way to recharge. Evening moment: After dinner, your guide joins you for a relaxed conversation, sharing stories from the Maasai visit and setting the stage for tomorrow’s full-day game drive in Mikumi.

Spend the day exploring Mikumi’s open plains, home to elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and lions. With a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, you’ll feel fully immersed in the rhythm of the wild. Evening moment: Gather with your guide to reflect on the day’s highlights and prepare for the cultural and historical journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, drive to Iringa and visit the Isimila Stone Age Site, where you can walk among towering sandstone pillars and ancient tools that whisper stories from 60,000 years ago. Later, transfer to Iringa Sunset view for dinner and overnight.

Explore the raw, untamed beauty of Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest and most predator-rich park. Track lions, leopards, and elephants along the Great Ruaha River, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the bush. Evening moment: Share stories of the day’s sightings and learn about Ruaha’s unique ecology and birdlife.

Choose between another full-day game drive or a morning walking safari with an armed ranger. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the baobab-studded landscape. Evening moment: Your guide helps you reflect on your safari journey so far and prepares you for the transition to the coast.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the Msembe airstrip for your charter to Mafia Island via Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you for a short transfer to your coastal lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the Indian Ocean, taking in the tranquility and beauty of this hidden island gem.

Enjoy a full day to explore the magical marine world of Mafia Island. Optional activities include snorkeling or diving in Mafia’s Marine Park, home to vibrant coral reefs and an incredible variety of marine life. From October to March, you might also get a chance to swim with gentle whale sharks. Alternatively, simply unwind on the beach or take a local village walk.

After a relaxed breakfast and final moments by the sea, you'll be transferred to Mafia Airport for your charter back to Dar es Salaam. This marks the end of your unforgettable Southern Tanzania and Mafia Island adventure, where safari wilderness meets coastal serenity.