Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha National Parks

Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha National Parks

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 7 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Mikumi National Park Udzungwa Mountain National Park Ruaha National Park
Experience an unforgettable 7-day wildlife adventure across three remarkable Tanzanian national parks. Begin with almost guaranteed wildlife sightings in Mikumi National Park, then explore the pristine and forested Udzungwa Mountains with their unique biodiversity. Conclude in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's second largest, famous for magnificent herds of elephants and buffaloes.

Route

Start Mikumi National Park (Day 1)
Day 2 Udzungwa Mountain National Park
End Ruaha National Park

Tour Features

Day 1-2: Mikumi National Park - excellent chances to see the Big Five and other wildlife Day 3-4: Udzungwa Mountain National Park - pristine montane forest with unique biodiversity Day 5-7: Ruaha National Park - large herds of elephants and buffaloes in vast wilderness

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountain National Park, Ruaha National Park
  • Duration: 7 Days
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP View hotel
Lunch, Dinner
2
Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP View hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Udzungwa Twiga Hotel Budget hotel located inside Udzungwa Mountains
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Udzungwa Twiga Hotel Budget hotel located inside Udzungwa Mountains
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
TANAPA Ruaha Bandas Budget banda located inside Ruaha NP
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
TANAPA Ruaha Bandas Budget banda located inside Ruaha NP
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
No accommodation (End of tour)
Breakfast

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival and Mikumi National Park Safari
Afternoon 🏨Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP 🍽Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Dar es Salaam and transfer to Mikumi National Park, a vast savannah ecosystem renowned for its abundant game and scenic beauty. Spend the afternoon on your first guided game drive, where you will likely encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, and an array of bird species. The diverse landscape of rolling hills and Acacia woodland provides a perfect backdrop for your introduction to Tanzanian wildlife.
Day 2 Full Day Safari in Mikumi National Park
Full day 🏨Camp Bastian Mikumi Mid-range lodge located just outside Mikumi NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day of game drives exploring the vast plains and riverine areas of Mikumi National Park. With nearly guaranteed sightings of the Big Five, this is an ideal opportunity for photography and wildlife observation. The park's remote location means fewer tourists and excellent chances to observe animal behavior in a relatively undisturbed environment. Return to camp for meals and relaxation after a rewarding day.
Day 3 Transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Exploration
Morning / Afternoon 🏨Udzungwa Twiga Hotel Budget hotel located inside Udzungwa Mountains 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Mikumi for a scenic drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a pristine wilderness famed for its montane forests and exceptional biodiversity. On arrival, take a guided walk into the forest to discover rare plant species and possibly endemic primates such as the Sanje mangabey. The changing altitudinal zones create a rich habitat variety that offers a distinctive experience compared to the open savannahs.
Day 4 Hiking and Wildlife Viewing in Udzungwa Mountains
Full day 🏨Udzungwa Twiga Hotel Budget hotel located inside Udzungwa Mountains 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day hiking through the lush montane forests of Udzungwa. The terrain varies from gentle trails to steeper climbs, with opportunities to visit waterfalls and tranquil streams. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will appreciate the rich variety of species including endemic birds and butterflies. This is a rewarding day of immersion in Tanzania’s forested biodiversity, different from classical safari experiences.
Day 5 Transfer to Ruaha National Park
Afternoon 🏨TANAPA Ruaha Bandas Budget banda located inside Ruaha NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Udzungwa behind and travel to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second largest game reserve characterized by expansive landscapes and abundant wildlife. On arrival, set out on an afternoon game drive to spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and potentially lions and leopards. The park's diverse habitats including woodlands and riverine forests support rich wildlife and birding opportunities.
Day 6 Full Day Game Drives in Ruaha National Park
Full day 🏨TANAPA Ruaha Bandas Budget banda located inside Ruaha NP 🍽Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on full day game drives focused on the vast Ruaha ecosystem, exploring remote areas often less visited by tourists. The park is notable for its large elephant population and significant buffalo herds as well as prides of lions. Enjoy the spectacular African sunsets over the park’s sprawling plains and diverse terrain. This day is ideal for photography and deep wildlife encounters.
Day 7 Morning Game Drive and Return Transfer
Morning 🏨No accommodation (End of tour) 🍽Breakfast
Start with a final morning game drive in Ruaha, savoring the tranquil early hours where wildlife is often most active. Afterward, prepare for departure with a transfer back to Dar es Salaam or your onward destination. Reflect on a remarkable safari journey through three distinct Tanzanian parks, each offering unique natural environments and wildlife experiences.

Rates

From: $2,490 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Park entrance fees
  • Accommodation in safari lodges/camps
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Game drives in 4x4 vehicles
  • Drinking water during game drives
  • Airport transfers as specified

Exclusions

Not included
  • International flights
  • Visa and travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages not included in meals
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

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

Getting There

Start: Mikumi 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