Southern Tanzania Road Safari – 10 Days / 9 Nights
Start/End: Dar es Salaam
Mode of Travel: 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
Pace: Comfortable, with scenic drives and wildlife stops
Best time: June to October (dry season, best for wildlife & road conditions)
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
DID YOU KNOW?
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Formerly part of the colossal Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park now stands as Tanzania’s and one of Africa’s largest national parks. It’s home to Africa’s highest population of wild dogs, along with abundant elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and thriving birdlife.
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Ruaha encompasses rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes, featuring groves of baobabs and seasonal flows of the Great Ruaha River. It supports the largest elephant population in Tanzania and an astounding bird diversity over 520 species recorded!
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Among Africa’s richest ecosystems, Udzungwa is home to over 2,500 plant species (with 25% endemic), more than 400 bird species, and six primates including the Iringa red colobus, Udzungwa red colobus, and the Sanje crested mangabey species found nowhere else on Earth.
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Revered by botanists as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” Kitulo is Tanzania’s first national park created solely to protect floral richness. Situated at 2,600 m in the southern highlands, it boasts over 350 species of wildflowers, including terrestrial orchids, and is a hotspot for rare butterflies and birds.
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Mafia Island offers one of the best marine experiences in Southern Tanzania—with vibrant coral reefs (50 coral species and 400+ fish species), plus whale sharks and sea turtles. Solimar International
Kilwa Kisiwani, a site steeped in medieval history, was once a wealthy Swahili port and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruins such as Husuni Kubwa Palace and Great Mosque await
Overview of the Southern Tanzania Parks & Destinations Map
The map outlines the Southern Safari Circuit, which includes vast savannahs, remote mountain forests, pristine coastlines, and offshore islands. Unlike the north, where wildlife sightings can be crowded, the south offers secluded, wild, and authentic safari experiences.
Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)
Africa’s largest protected area, shown sprawling along the Rufiji River.
Famous for boat safaris, wild dogs, elephants, lions, and hippos.
Ruaha National Park
Marked inland with rugged terrain and baobab valleys.
Known for Tanzania’s largest elephant population and over 520 bird species.
“The Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Stretching from the vast wilderness of Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha to the lush Udzungwa Mountains and the flower-strewn Kitulo Plateau, this region offers an untouched safari experience away from the crowds. The map highlights the key national parks and coastal gems, including Mafia Island’s coral paradise and the historic ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani. Together, they form a unique blend of wildlife, wilderness, culture, and coastlineperfect for travelers seeking an authentic African adventure.”