6 Days / 5 Nights Southern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Safari Overview
Venture off the beaten track on this Southern Tanzania safari, where remote wilderness, fewer crowds, and raw beauty await. Starting in Dar es Salaam, you’ll journey into the untamed Selous (Nyerere), glide along the Rufiji River among hippos and crocodiles, and traverse open savannahs in Mikumi teeming with giraffes, elephants, and lions. Finally, Ruaha’s rugged terrain and predator-rich landscapes offer an authentic finale to your adventure. With comfortable lodges and tented camps, private guiding, and a scenic flight back to Dar, this safari blends thrilling wildlife encounters with the tranquility of Africa’s wild south.
Trip Summary
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Style: Private guided safari
Accommodation: Mid-range lodges & tented camps
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle + internal flight (Ruaha → Dar es Salaam)
Highlights:
• Explore the vast waterways of Nyerere (Selous) National Park on a thrilling boat safari along the Rufiji River
• Game drives across the savannah plains of Mikumi National Park, often called the “Serengeti of the South”
• Discover the rugged wilderness of Ruaha National Park, famous for its large lion prides and big elephant herds
• Spot rare species like African wild dogs, sable antelopes, and greater kudu
• Enjoy uncrowded, intimate bush experiences with expert guiding throughout
SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Nyerere (Selous) National Park
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, your safari guide will warmly welcome you. You’ll set off on a scenic drive (or optional short flight) to Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest game reserve and home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Arrive at your riverside lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, where crocodiles bask on the banks, hippos grunt in the shallows, and birdlife abounds.
Main Destination: Nyerere (Selous) National Park
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp (Mid-range tented lodge)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Nyerere (Selous)
After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive across Selous. This vast wilderness is home to large herds of elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and the rare African wild dog. Lions roam the open plains, while the varied habitats—from woodland to riverine forests—make for exceptional birding. A picnic lunch in the bush keeps you immersed in nature before continuing your wildlife exploration. Return to your lodge at sunset for dinner under the stars.
Main Destination: Nyerere (Selous) National Park
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp
Meals: All meals included
Day 3: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park
Today, you’ll depart Nyerere and drive north to Mikumi National Park, passing through scenic landscapes and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and then enjoy an afternoon game drive in Mikumi. Known as the "Serengeti of the South," Mikumi’s wide floodplains are dotted with baobabs and acacias, where giraffes, zebras, elephants, and wildebeests gather. Keep watch for lions lounging in the grass or hunting in the open plains.
Main Destination: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation: Mikumi Wildlife Camp (Mid-range lodge)
Meals: All meals included
Day 4: Transfer to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, continue your journey westward to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. The drive takes you through the southern highlands, with changing scenery and chances to spot wildlife along the way. Arrive at your camp nestled along the Great Ruaha River in time for dinner.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge (Tented camp with river views)
Meals: All meals included
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Ruaha National Park
Wake up to the sounds of Africa and head out for a full-day game drive in Ruaha. Famous for its large lion prides, significant elephant population, and predators like cheetahs and leopards, Ruaha is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The park’s rugged terrain of rocky hills, sweeping valleys, and the life-giving Ruaha River creates stunning backdrops for your safari. With fewer visitors than the northern circuit, enjoy a truly wild and intimate experience.
Main Destination: Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Day 6: Ruaha – Flight Back to Dar es Salaam (End of Tour)
This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the river before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy a short morning game drive en route. On arrival in Dar, your safari concludes—either at the airport for your onward journey or at a city hotel if you wish to extend your stay.
Main Destination: Dar es Salaam (via Ruaha)
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
What’s Included
Private transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a window seat for every guest
Professional, English-speaking driver-guide
All park entry fees, concession fees, and government taxes
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (mid-range lodges & tented camps)
Meals as specified:
Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on safari days
Breakfast & lunch only on the last day
Boat safari on the Rufiji River (Nyerere National Park)
Unlimited game drives as per the itinerary
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Scheduled domestic flight Ruaha → Dar es Salaam (final day)
What’s Not Included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (to be arranged prior to or upon arrival in Tanzania)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips & gratuities for guide, lodge staff, and drivers
Alcoholic & soft drinks (unless provided by accommodation)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., walking safaris, cultural visits, hot air balloon)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, telephone, etc.)
Accommodation in Dar es Salaam before or after the safari (can be arranged on request)
