8-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha

8-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 8 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Nyerere National Park Mikumi National Park Ruaha National Park
Explore three of Tanzania's captivating southern parks on this 8-day safari. Discover abundant wildlife with game drives in Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks, each offering a remote and less frequented experience. The journey concludes with a convenient flight from Ruaha back to Dar es Salaam.

Route

Start Nyerere National Park (Day 1)
Day 2 Mikumi National Park
End Ruaha National Park

Tour Features

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Nyerere National Park Days 2-3: Two game drives daily in Nyerere National Park Day 4: Transfer and afternoon game drive in Mikumi National Park Day 5: Two game drives in Mikumi National Park Day 6: Transfer to Ruaha National Park and afternoon game drive Days 7: Two game drives in Ruaha National Park Day 8: Morning flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam and departure

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park
  • Duration: 8 Days
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
Selous Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Nyerere NP View hotel
Lunch, Dinner
2
Selous Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Nyerere NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Selous Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Nyerere NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Ruaha Hilltop Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruaha NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Ruaha Hilltop Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruaha NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
No accommodation (End of tour)
Breakfast

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival and Transfer to Nyerere National Park
Afternoon 🏨Selous Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Nyerere NP 🍽Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Tanzania, you will be met and transferred to Nyerere National Park. The scenic drive introduces you to the southern circuit's lush landscapes and remote wilderness. Once at the park, you settle into your accommodation and prepare for the exciting safari adventures ahead. The evening offers a chance to relax after travel and absorb the tranquil surroundings in preparation for the next day’s game drives.
Day 2 Game Drives in Nyerere National Park
Full day 🏨Selous Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Nyerere NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an early morning game drive in Nyerere National Park, venturing deep into this less frequented ecosystem known for its varied wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos. After lunch, spend the afternoon on another guided game drive, exploring different habitats and the park’s vast floodplains. This day allows for immersive wildlife viewing in a natural and uncompromised environment before returning to your comfortable lodge.
Day 3 Second Day of Game Drives in Nyerere National Park
Full day 🏨Selous Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Nyerere NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a second full day of game driving in Nyerere National Park. Both morning and afternoon drives provide excellent opportunities to encounter a wide range of animals and bird species thriving in the park’s diverse habitats. A knowledgeable guide will lead you to prime viewing spots, and you may experience the thrill of witnessing big cat behavior or spotting rare species in the peaceful southern wilderness. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 4 Transfer to Mikumi National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
Morning and Afternoon 🏨Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Nyerere National Park and transfer to Mikumi National Park, known for its open savannah and large herds of wildlife. This scenic journey introduces dramatic changes in landscape. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive where you might spot impalas, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. The day closes with settling into your lodge, taking in the park’s relaxing atmosphere under the African skies.
Day 5 Full Day Game Drives in Mikumi National Park
Full day 🏨Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s location along the Great Ruaha River supports a rich variety of wildlife. You will have ample chances to see lions, elephants, and numerous antelope species amid the acacia woodlands and grasslands. Your guide will share insights about the flora and fauna, enriching your wildlife experience before your evening return to the lodge.
Day 6 Transfer to Ruaha National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
Morning and Afternoon 🏨Ruaha Hilltop Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruaha NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Mikumi after breakfast and journey to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and big game populations. After arrival and check-in, embark on an afternoon game drive where sightings of elephants, lions, and wild dogs are possible. This park’s remote and wild atmosphere offers an authentic safari experience in one of Tanzania's more untouched wilderness areas.
Day 7 Full Day Game Drives in Ruaha National Park
Full day 🏨Ruaha Hilltop Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruaha NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy two game drives in Ruaha National Park, morning and afternoon, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities in the park's diverse habitats along the Great Ruaha River. This day is ideal for observing large predator and herbivore populations, including prides of lion and sizeable elephant herds. The guides’ local knowledge ensures a rewarding safari that highlights the undisturbed beauty and rich biodiversity of southern Tanzania.
Day 8 Morning Flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam and Departure
Morning 🏨No accommodation (End of tour) 🍽Breakfast
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Ruaha airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam. This flight offers picturesque aerial views of the southern Tanzanian wilderness. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, your safari concludes, and you will be assisted with onward travel arrangements. This marks the end of your immersive 8-day journey across some of Tanzania’s most rewarding and lesser-known wildlife parks.

Rates

From: $3,490 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • All park entrance fees
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Accommodations as specified
  • All game drives as per itinerary in a 4x4 vehicle
  • Domestic flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam
  • Meals as outlined in the full itinerary
  • Bottled water during game drives
  • Airport transfers in Tanzania

Exclusions

Not included
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Visa and travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Alcoholic and carbonated beverages
  • Vaccinations and medical expenses
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Note: Some items may vary depending on season and lodge level.

Getting There

Start: Nyerere National Park

End: Ruaha National Park

We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off. Ask in your quote request.

Offered By

USD Safaris & Tours
USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 • 1600 reviews