Best of Wild Southern Tanzani

14days Best of Southern Tanzania- Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha National Park.

$7340-7657 USD

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Safari summary

Embark on an extra ordinary 14daysjounery through the untamed wilderness of Southern Tanzania — one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. This itinerary takes you deep into three spectacular yet least-crowded national parks: the vast floodplains of Nyerere (Selous) National Park, the wildlife-rich Mikumi National Park, and the rugged, remote grandeur of Ruaha National Park.
Unlike the well-trodden northern circuit, Southern Tanzania offers a raw, authentic safari experience where wildlife roams in remarkable density and the sense of true wilderness is unmatched. From the mighty Rufiji River teeming with hippos and crocodiles, to Mikumi’s open savannah plains, to Ruaha’s dramatic baobab-studded landscapes hosting one of Tanzania’s largest lion and elephant populations — this journey is a celebration of Africa at its most wild and unspoiled.
Over 14 days, you will experience thrilling game drives, serene boat safaris, and guided walking safaris. You will witness the Great Ruaha River come alive at sunset, track leopards through riverine forests, and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush under star-filled skies. This is Southern Tanzania in all its glory.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Walking safari—with armed guard
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Mikumi Nyerere (Selous) Ruaha
	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
Bushman | tribal visits

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Internal flights
Meals

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

ARRIVAL

Arrival in Dar es Salaam • Arrival: Land at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam. • Meet & Greet: Your driver/guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. • Activities: Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or explore Dar es Salaam’s waterfront or markets. • Overnight: Hotel in Dar es Salaam at Serena. • Meals: Dinner.

Serena Dar es salaam

Dar es salaam - Nyerere Park

Nyerere (Selous)

Dar es Salaam → Nyerere National Park • Morning: After breakfast, depart by 4x4 safari vehicle for Nyerere National Park (approx. 5–6 hours’ drive). • Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch and a short rest. • Evening: Enjoy a sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River — perfect for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. • Overnight: Lodge/Camp near Nyerere NP •

rufiji river camp

Fuly time Nyerere national Park

Nyerere (Selous)

Day 3: Walking Safari in the Reserve Accompany an armed ranger on a walking safari in the reserve. The thrill of creeping up on animals to shoot them with your camera is a great experience. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari that explores the various channels and lakes of the Rufiji River System, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles. A large variety of herons, storks, ducks, stilts, and other water birds may be seen. And you also get to see land mammals such as giraffes and elephants.

rufiji river camp

Nyerere fully day

Nyerere (Selous)

Nyerere National Park – Full Day • Full-Day Safari: Another day dedicated to exploring different areas of the park. Picnic lunch in the bush. • Optional Activities: Visit a nearby Maasai or local village (if available), or enjoy bird watching near the Rufiji River. • Overnight: Same camp/lodge. • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

rufiji river lodge

fully day nyerere national park

Nyerere (Selous)

Fully day Nyerere Park- Same as day 4

Rufiji river lodge

Nyerere park - Mikumi park

Mikumi

Nyerere → Mikumi National Park Morning • Early breakfast in Nyerere. • Start the road transfer from Nyerere to Mikumi (5–7 hours). • Scenic views of Uluguru Mountains and local villages. Afternoon • Arrive in Mikumi National Park. • Check in at your lodge/camp. • Short afternoon game drive: elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, buffalo. Evening • Dinner & overnight in Mikumi.

Vuma hills

fully time Mikumi

Mikumi National Park – Full Day • Full-Day Game Drive: Explore Mikumi’s Mkata floodplain, home to elephants, zebras, lions, wildebeests, and giraffes. • Lunch: Picnic in the park or return to lodge for hot lunch. • Evening: Relax at the lodge with sundowners. • Overnight: Same lodge/camp. • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Vuma hills Camp

Fully time Mikumi

Mikumi

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will set out for a full day of game viewing in Mikumi National Park — one of Tanzania’s most accessible and picturesque wildlife destinations. Mikumi, often referred to as the “mini Serengeti”, boasts open grasslands and acacia woodlands teeming with a wide range of wildlife.

vuma hills

Mikumi - Ruaha National Park

Ruaha

Mikumi → Ruaha National Park • Morning: Depart for Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most rugged park (approx. 5–6 hours’ drive). • Afternoon: Arrive at lodge/camp, rest, and enjoy the wilderness view. • Evening: Optional short game drive or relaxation. • Overnight: Ruaha River Lodge / Ruaha Hilltop Lodge / similar. • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Ruaha - River Camp

Fully Time Ruaha National Park.

Ruaha

Ruaha National Park – Full Day • Morning & Afternoon Game Drives: Explore Ruaha’s diverse landscapes — rocky hills, baobab valleys, and the Great Ruaha River. • Wildlife: Excellent sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, kudu, and rich birdlife. • Overnight: Same lodge/camp. • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Ruaha River Camp

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha

Ruaha National Park – Full Day • Full-Day Safari: Venture deeper into the park with a packed picnic lunch. • Optional: Walking safari with a ranger guide to learn about flora and animal tracks. • Evening: Farewell bush dinner at camp. • Overnight: Same lodge/camp. • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Rauaha National Park

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha

Relaxation and Leisure Day- Enjoy a full day of relaxation, unwinding at your lodge or resort. Take time to soak up the sun by the swimming pool, enjoy a refreshing swim, or simply relax with a cool drink in hand as you take in the tranquil surroundings. This is your perfect moment to recharge, reflect, and embrace the peaceful atmosphere before continuing your journey. Game drive is available at your choice.

Riuaha river camp

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha

NEW YEAR'S EVE Relaxation and Leisure Day- Enjoy a full day of relaxation, unwinding at your lodge or resort. Take time to soak up the sun by the swimming pool, enjoy a refreshing swim, or simply relax with a cool drink in hand as you take in the tranquil surroundings. This is your perfect moment to recharge, reflect, and embrace the peaceful atmosphere before continuing your journey. Game drive is available at your choice.

Ruaha - Dar es salaam

Ruaha

Ruaha → Fly to Dar es Salaam • Morning: Breakfast at the lodge. • Transfer: Drive to Msembe Airstrip for your domestic flight to Dar es Salaam (approx. 1 hour). Can be a stopover at Mikumi or Jongo Mero , based on the flight schedule • Afternoon: Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward international flight or extra overnight in Dar (optional). • Meals: Breakfast.

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