Golden Savannah Safari Trail

Safari summary

Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern Tanzania, where the vast savannahs and untouched wilderness of Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks await. This 4-day mid-range safari blends comfort, culture, and close encounters with wildlife, offering an immersive experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

From the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam, the route winds inland toward Mikumi National Park. Along the way, the landscape transforms from coastal hustle to quiet countryside filled with maize fields, mango orchards, and friendly village scenes. As you enter Mikumi, the gates open to a realm of open grasslands and gently swaying acacias. This park, part of the greater Selous ecosystem, is home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, and predators like lions and leopards. Your base here, Camp Bastian Mikumi, is a tranquil eco-lodge that offers both comfort and a deep connection to the natural world around it.

A cultural excursion adds depth to the safari, with a visit to a nearby Tanzanian village. Here, you'll engage directly with locals who warmly share their traditions, dances, music, and crafts. It’s a vibrant immersion into the everyday life and heritage of the region. After this cultural experience, the journey continues deeper into the wild, toward Nyerere National Park Africa’s largest protected game reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nyerere (formerly known as Selous) is a true wilderness. With far fewer visitors than the northern circuit parks, it offers a raw, authentic safari experience. Here, you'll stay at Africa Safari Selous, a mid-range lodge set just outside the park boundary, in a peaceful natural setting.

Exploring the park reveals a world teeming with life. The game drive takes you through miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and open plains, where animals roam freely. Nyerere is known for its large populations of elephants and wild dogs, as well as hippos, crocodiles, lions, giraffes, and countless bird species. One of the highlights of the trip is the boat safari along the Rufiji River. From the water, you'll watch elephants drink, crocodiles bask on muddy banks, and hippos rise and fall in slow rhythm. The tranquility and visual drama of this river experience is unmatched especially at sunset, when the landscape is bathed in gold.

To fully connect with the land, a guided walking safari offers a slower, more intimate exploration. Walking through the bush with experienced guides, you’ll learn to track animals, identify plants, and witness the smaller details that are often missed from a vehicle. The sounds of nature birds calling, branches rustling, distant animal calls surround you in a way that feels both humbling and exhilarating.

After soaking in the last views of this stunning landscape, the return journey to Dar es Salaam is a reflective one, offering time to absorb the richness of the experience. You’ll arrive with memories of spectacular wildlife, warm human encounters, and the serenity of Tanzania’s southern circuit.

This thoughtfully curated itinerary is ideal for travelers who value meaningful experiences over hurried sightseeing. With handpicked accommodations, professional guides, and a pace that allows for both excitement and relaxation, this safari offers the best of southern Tanzania’s wild heart delivered with elegance, care, and authenticity.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	June, July, August, September, October, November
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Mikumi Nyerere (Selous)
	Accesibility	This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
• Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas