10-DAY SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI — MIKUMI, RUAHA & SELOUS
Package Overview
This 10-day safari explores Tanzania’s lesser-visited but equally spectacular Southern Circuit — a region known for vast wilderness, abundant wildlife, and far fewer tourists than the Northern parks. Starting and ending in Dar es Salaam, the journey takes you through Mikumi’s open plains, Ruaha’s rugged baobab-studded landscapes (Tanzania’s largest national park), and the waterways of the Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Africa. It’s an ideal itinerary for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beatenpath safari experiences.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival – Overnight in Dar es Salaam
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and transfer to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. Relax and settle in after your journey, with the evening free at your own leisure. Accommodation: Dar es Salaam
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, drive to Mikumi National Park, often described as a mini-Serengeti for its open grass plains and abundant wildlife. Afternoon game drive in search of elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe, and zebra roaming the Mkata floodplain. Overnight in or near Mikumi. Accommodation: Near Mikumi
Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park
Depart Mikumi and travel to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of its wildest, least-visited gems. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive along the Great Ruaha River, known for large elephant herds, prides of lions, and impressive baobab trees. Overnight in Ruaha. Accommodation: Ruaha
Day 4: Ruaha National Park
Full day of game drives exploring Ruaha’s diverse landscape, where the ecosystems of East and Southern Africa meet, creating a unique mix of wildlife including both greater and lesser kudu. Look out for large predator populations, including lion and the elusive African wild dog. Overnight in Ruaha. Accommodation: Ruaha
Day 5: Ruaha National Park
A second full day in Ruaha to explore further areas of the park, following the Great Ruaha River and its tributaries where wildlife congregates, especially during the dry season. Morning and afternoon game drives with your guide tracking current wildlife movement. Overnight in Ruaha. Accommodation: Ruaha
Day 6: Ruaha to Mikumi National Park
Depart Ruaha and drive back to Mikumi National Park. Afternoon game drive revisiting the Mkata floodplain, with a good chance of spotting wildlife you may have missed on your first visit. Overnight in or near Mikumi. Accommodation: Near Mikumi
Day 7: Mikumi to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
After breakfast, depart for the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in time for an afternoon activity — a boat safari along the Rufiji River, offering a unique perspective on hippos, crocodiles, and waterside wildlife. Overnight in Selous. Accommodation: Selous
Day 8: Selous Game Reserve
Full day exploring Selous by both game drive and boat safari, taking advantage of the reserve’s unique combination of activities not found in Tanzania’s Northern parks. Spot wild dogs, elephants, lions, and abundant birdlife along the Rufiji’s lakes and channels. Overnight in Selous. Accommodation: Selous
Day 9: Selous Game Reserve
A second full day in Selous, with the option of a walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger for an up-close bush experience, in addition to further game drives or boat safaris. Overnight in Selous. Accommodation: Selous
Day 10: Selous to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, transfer back to Dar es Salaam (by road or optional light aircraft flight), arriving in time for your departure flight or an overnight stay before your onward journey.
- Park entrance fees
- Boat safari activity on the Rufiji River in Selous
- Professional driver-guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation
- Full board meals
- Bottled drinking water
- Airport transfers in Dar es Salaam
- Government taxes and levies
- International/domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages