Southern circuit
Southern Tanzania Road Safari – 10 Days / 9 Nights
OVERVIEW
Safari Overview
Explore the remote and less-traveled Southern Circuit of Tanzania, visiting some of the country’s largest and most diverse parks Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, and Ruaha. From boat safaris on the Rufiji River to treks in tropical rainforests and traditional game drives through open savannahs, this itinerary offers a varied and immersive wildlife experience.
EXEPERIENCE DETAILS
June to October (dry season, best for wildlife & road conditions)
10 days 9 nights
Trip Duration
Inclusions
· All accommodation as mentioned (lodges, tented camps, eco-camps)
· Meals on safari
· Park entry fees for all national parks
· Professional driver-guide
· 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
· Bottled drinking water during game drives
· Activities: as specified on the itinerary
· Local flight
Exclusions
· International flights to/from Tanzania
· Travel insurance (required)
· Visa fees
· Alcoholic & soft drinks at lodges (unless specified)
· Tips for guide, lodge staff, and porters
· Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g., night game drives if not pre-arranged)
Safari Highlights
· Boat Safari on the Rufiji River (hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife)
· Walking Safaris in Nyerere and Mikumi with armed rangers
· Sanje Waterfalls Hike in Udzungwa Mountains
· Big Cats & Elephants in Mikumi and Ruaha
· Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure through rural and scenic landscapes
· Cultural Encounters along the way in local towns like Morogoro and Iringa
SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
· Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
· Meet your driver-guide and transfer to a hotel in Dar.
· Overnight in a comfortable hotel (e.g. Slipway, Serena, or a boutique guesthouse).
Activities: Rest and prepare for the journey
Day 2–4: Dar es Salaam → Nyerere National Park (Selous)
· Depart early for Nyerere (formerly Selous), via Kibiti and Mloka.
· Arrive in time for a boat safari on the Rufiji River or sunset game drive.
· Enjoy 2 full days of game drives and walking safaris.
Activities:
· Boat safari (hippos, crocs, birds)
· Game drives (lions, elephants, wild dogs)
· Walking safari with an armed ranger
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near the river (e.g., Selous River Camp, Africa Safari Selous)
Day 5: Nyerere → Mikumi National Park
· Scenic drive north through Morogoro to Mikumi.
· Arrive by late afternoon for a short game drive or rest at the lodge.
Activities: Scenic drive through rural Tanzania
Overnight: Safari lodge near park gate (e.g., Mikumi Wildlife Camp, Vuma Hills)
Day 6: Full Day in Mikumi National Park
· Full-day game drive in Mikumi’s open plains.
· Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos at the Mkata floodplain.
Activities: Game drives, optional walking safari
Overnight: Same lodge
Day 7: Mikumi → Udzungwa Mountains National Park
· Short drive to Udzungwa, known for rainforest trekking and endemic species.
· Hike to Sanje Waterfalls (170m tall, stunning views).
· Watch for Udzungwa red colobus and other unique primates.
Activities: Half-day trek, forest wildlife
Overnight: Local lodge or eco-camp (e.g., Hondo Hondo Forest Camp)
Day 8–9: Udzungwa → Ruaha National Park
· Early departure for a long but scenic drive to Ruaha.
· Pass through Iringa and the Rift Valley escarpments.
· Enjoy afternoon/evening game drive on Day 8; full-day game drive on Day 9.
Activities:
· Game drives (lion prides, elephants, leopards, kudu)
Optional night game drive (depending on lodge/permit)
Overnight: Inside or near the park (e.g., Ruaha River Lodge, Mwagusi Safari Camp)
Day 10: Ruaha → Iringa → Dar es Salaam
Flight from Ruaha or Iringa to Dar es Salaam
End of Safari