10 Days / 9 Nights Southern Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Destinations: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park

Tour Summary

Destinations: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Travel Style: Fly-in or Overland Safari (customizable)
Best For: Experienced safari-goers, couples, wildlife photographers, off-the-beaten-track adventurers
Accommodation: Mid-range lodges & tented camps (customizable to luxury or budget)
Activities: Boat safari, game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching

Explore the remote wilderness of Southern Tanzania — home to dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and fewer crowds. From boat safaris on the Rufiji River to hiking lush mountain forests, this region offers a unique safari adventure off the beaten path.

🛶 Nyerere National Park (Selous) – Africa’s largest national park, featuring boat safaris on the Rufiji River and home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and the elusive African wild dog
🌿 Udzungwa Mountains National Park – A rainforest paradise known as the “African Galápagos,” offering scenic waterfall hikes and sightings of rare primates found nowhere else on Earth
🐘 Ruaha National Park – Rugged landscapes and baobab-studded plains filled with elephants, lions, leopards, kudu, and wild dogs — a remote haven for true wilderness lovers
🦓 Mikumi National Park – Open savannahs resembling the Serengeti, where giraffes, zebras, lions, and buffalo roam — easily accessible yet wonderfully wild
🏔️ Southern Highlands & Kilombero Valley – Scenic drives, cultural stops, and lush valleys connecting the southern circuit parks — ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and discovery

Nyerere National Park

Uduzungwa National Park

Ruaha National Park

Mikumi National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Activities: Meet & greet at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), transfer to hotel
Accommodation: 🏨 Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Option: Fly (1 hr) or drive (6–7 hrs)
Activities: Afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River
Accommodation: 🏕️ Selous River Camp (Tented Lodge by the river)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🌊 Nyerere National Park Fact: Formerly Selous Game Reserve, it’s Africa’s largest protected wildlife area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for river safaris and huge elephant populations.

Day 3: Full Day in Nyerere National Park

Activities: Full-day game drive with picnic lunch
Wildlife: Elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, wild dogs
Accommodation: 🏕️ Selous River Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Walking Safari & Game Drive in Selous

Activities: Early morning walking safari with armed guide, afternoon game drive
Highlight: Immersive bush experience and birdlife
Accommodation: 🏕️ Selous River Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Selous – Mikumi National Park

Drive Time: 6–7 hrs via Morogoro (scenic drive)
Activities: Game viewing en route into Mikumi
Accommodation: 🏨 Mikumi Wildlife Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🦓 Mikumi National Park Fact: Often compared to the Serengeti due to its open plains. It’s easily accessible and great for first-time safari-goers.

Day 6: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives
Wildlife: Lions, elands, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, baboons
Accommodation: 🏨 Mikumi Wildlife Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mikumi – Ruaha National Park

Drive Time: ~6–7 hrs or optional short flight
Activities: Scenic drive through the Southern Highlands, wildlife en route
Accommodation: 🏕️ Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

🐘 Ruaha National Park Fact: Tanzania’s largest national park and a true wilderness. Known for its vast herds of elephants, rare wild dogs, and dramatic baobab-dotted landscapes.

Day 8: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Activities: Full-day game drive along the Great Ruaha River
Wildlife: Leopards, lions, elephants, kudu, sable antelope, crocodiles
Accommodation: 🏕️ Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ruaha – Dar es Salaam (Fly Out)

Activities: Morning game drive, transfer to airstrip, flight back to Dar es Salaam
Accommodation: 🏨 Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Departure from Dar es Salaam

Activities: Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your outbound flight
Meals: Breakfast

✅ INCLUDED

✓ All national park entry fees and government taxes (includes fee changes from July 1st)
✓ Accommodation (lodge or camping based on your selection)
✓ All meals and bottled drinking water (3 liters or more per day)
✓ Soft drinks, including beers and wine
✓ Fly & bug spray for use during the trip
✓ Airport transfers before and after the safari (flexible timing)
✓ All camping gear (if camping): tents, sleeping bag, mattress
✓ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✓ Safari chef (for camping safaris)
✓ Emergency air ambulance service
✓ Safari Jeep 4×4 with pop-up roof, radio, cooler fridge, and charging ports

❌ Not Included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and chef
Optional Maasai village visit or other cultural tours
Personal expenses and souvenirs

TRAVEL TIPS

Bring Binoculars for better sighting
Bring appropriate clothes for Safari, Pants, Long sleeve shirts, Hats, Sunglasses, and Sun cream.
Don’t forget/bring Cameras to take pictures for memories
It is recommended to bring mosquito spray with high mint
A warm sweater and Jacket as the night can be chilly at high altitudes (Up to 5 C)
You are to avoid Blue and Black colors while in the park as they attract Tsetse flies
Being on a long Safari up your chances of seeing the Big five
June to October is the best time to visit, but the parks mentioned on the tour may be visited all year round
You are advised to wear light and breathable materials as it can get hot out on a game drive
In the dry season, you may expect strong sun during the day so you are advised to carry wet wipes with you
Bring warm clothes because you may expect cold nights at the parks, mostly in Ngorongoro.
Visas are required when traveling to Tanzania, Foreigners may apply for a visa online in advance of travel
A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond visa insurance and/or date of entry
Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers arriving from or having transited through countries where yellow fever is endemic