10 Days Southern Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Mountains

10 Days Southern Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Mountains

Experience the beauty of Southern Tanzania on this 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari. Starting from Dar es Salaam, you will explore four incredible destinations: Nyerere National Park, famed for its elephant herds that can be spotted on game drives and boat cruises on the Rufiji River, which is the longest river in the country, along with its vibrant birdlife; Mikumi National Park, ideal for straightforward wildlife viewing, including the Mkata Floodplain, hippo pools, and the south's wilder areas, making it a prime destination for safaris; Ruaha National Park, known for its lions and wild dogs, large populations of elephants, and predators like lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs, as well as its incredible diversity of birdlife and rare antelopes like greater and lesser kudu. Visitors on a 10 days southern circuit Tanzania safari also can  enjoy the remote and authentic safari experience it offers due to being less crowded than other Tanzanian parks, along with its stunning landscapes and opportunities for guided walking safaris and river cruises along the Great Ruaha River; and the Udzungwa Mountains, a major ecotourism and hiking destination known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls like the Sanje Waterfall, and unique wildlife, including primates like the Iringa red colobus and Sanje mangabey, rich in unique species and thick forests. This 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari itinerary is tailored for those who have already explored the northern parks and are seeking a more authentic wilderness experience.

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Tour Highlights

  • Spot elephants on game drives in Nyerere.
  • Cruise the Rufiji River for wildlife viewing.
  • Discover vibrant birdlife in diverse ecosystems.
  • Experience Mikumi’s accessible wildlife and stunning scenery.
  • Explore the Mkata Floodplain’s rich biodiversity.
  • Witness lions and wild dogs in Ruaha.
  • Encounter rare antelopes like greater kudu.
  • Enjoy guided walking safaris in Ruaha.
  • Take river cruises along the Great Ruaha.
  • Hike to Sanje Waterfall in Udzungwa Mountains.
  • Spot Iringa red colobus monkeys in Udzungwa.
  • Marvel at diverse landscapes and ecosystems throughout.
  • Experience authentic wilderness away from crowded parks.
  • Enjoy stunning sunsets over African plains daily.
  • Savor traditional Tanzanian meals at local restaurants.

Detailed Itinerary Day By Day

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Rauha and Udzungwa Mountains begins when you land at Julius Nyerere International Airport. After customs, you will be welcomed by your guide and taken to your hotel. Take some time to relax before enjoying a traditional Tanzanian meal at a local restaurant in the evening. This day is about settling in and embracing Tanzania's vibrant culture, setting the stage for the adventures ahead.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park

On Day 2 of your southern Tanzania safari, you’ll start early with breakfast before a scenic 5-hour drive to Nyerere National Park. This park is home to large elephant herds and diverse birdlife. After settling in at your lodge and enjoying lunch, you’ll head out for your first game drive. Keep an eye out for elephants, zebras, and hippos. As the sun sets, the park becomes a magical setting. Return to your lodge for dinner and share your initial observations from your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Nyerere National Park

Day 3 of your southern Tanzania safari is dedicated to exploring the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park. After breakfast, you’ll spend the entire day on game drives, looking for lions, wildebeest, and various bird species, including the African fish eagle. Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature. In the evening, consider a night game drive to witness the park's nocturnal wildlife. This day will surely stand out in your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

On Day 4, you’ll travel about 3 hours from Nyerere to Mikumi National Park, known for its easy wildlife viewing. After checking into your lodge and having lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Look for elephants, giraffes, and lions as the sun sets, creating beautiful views. Return to your lodge for dinner and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters as part of your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Mikumi National Park

Day 5 is a full day in Mikumi National Park. After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive where you might see elephants, lions, and many bird species. Your guide will explain the significance of the wildlife you encounter. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, visit the Mikumi floodplain for more wildlife sightings, including hippos. As the day ends, enjoy a scenic sunset over the plains before heading back to your lodge.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

On Day 6, you’ll leave Mikumi for Ruaha National Park, a drive of about 4 hours. This park is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, particularly its lions and rare African wild dogs. After checking into your lodge and having lunch, head out for your first game drive. Watch for elephants and possibly a pride of lions. As the sun sets, the park’s beauty is ideal for photography. Enjoy dinner at your lodge, sharing stories from your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Ruaha National Park

Your seventh day is dedicated to exploring Ruaha National Park. After breakfast, set off for a full day of game drives. The park is home to leopards, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Enjoy a packed lunch in the bush, allowing you more time to soak in your surroundings. Your guide will provide fascinating insights about the wildlife. In the late afternoon, continue your game drive, capturing the golden hour’s light before returning to your lodge for dinner.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Ruaha to Udzungwa Mountains

On Day 8, you will drive about 5 hours from Ruaha to the Udzungwa Mountains, where unique species thrive in dense forests. After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, take a guided hike through the forests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Look for the Iringa red colobus monkey and various bird species. As you walk the trails, enjoy the sounds of the forest. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner, celebrating your time in the Udzungwa Mountains.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Udzungwa Mountains

Day 9 is focused on hiking and exploring the Udzungwa Mountains. After breakfast, set out for a guided trek through beautiful scenery, including waterfalls and diverse wildlife. The trails vary in difficulty, allowing you to choose your adventure. Keep an eye out for rare species and colorful birds. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature before returning to your lodge for a final dinner, wrapping up your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Return to Dar es Salaam

On your final day of your southern circuit Tanzania safari, enjoy an early breakfast before departing the Udzungwa Mountains for Dar es Salaam, a journey of about 6 hours. The drive allows for one last opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Southern Tanzania. Upon arrival, you may visit local markets or relax before departure. Depending on your flight schedule, explore the city’s culture or enjoy a final meal at a local restaurant. As your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari concludes, reflect on the wildlife encounters and diverse parks you’ve explored. Safe travels!




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Introduction: 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

This 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari invites you to explore some of Africa's less-traveled parks. Starting in Dar es Salaam, you will visit four incredible destinations: Nyerere National Park, celebrated for its elephant herds and rich birdlife; Mikumi National Park, perfect for straightforward wildlife viewing; Ruaha National Park, known for its lions and wild dogs; and the Udzungwa Mountains, rich in unique species and dense forests. This itinerary is crafted for travelers who have already visited the northern parks and are looking for a more authentic wilderness experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari begins at Julius Nyerere International Airport. After clearing customs, you’ll meet your guide and be transported to your hotel. Take some time to relax after your journey. In the evening, savor a traditional Tanzanian meal at a local restaurant. This day is about adjusting to the vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere of Tanzania, preparing you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park

On Day 2, you’ll rise early for breakfast before taking a scenic 5-hour drive to Nyerere National Park, a paradise for wildlife lovers. After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, head out for your first game drive. Look for elephants, zebras, and hippos. As the sun sets, the park exudes a captivating ambiance. Return to your lodge for dinner and share your initial thoughts about the wildlife you encountered during your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.

Day 3: Nyerere National Park

Day 3 focuses on exploring the expansive wilderness of Nyerere National Park. After breakfast, spend the day on game drives, spotting lions, wildebeest, and a variety of birds, including the African fish eagle. Enjoy a packed lunch in the park among the sounds of nature. In the evening, consider a night game drive to observe the park’s nocturnal wildlife. This day promises to be a highlight of your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.

Day 4: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

On Day 4, you’ll journey about 3 hours from Nyerere to Mikumi National Park, known for its accessible wildlife viewing. After checking in and having lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Look for elephants, giraffes, and lions as the sun begins to set. Enjoy the beautiful views before returning to your lodge for dinner and reflecting on the day's encounters during your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.

Day 5: Mikumi National Park

Day 5 is dedicated to a full day in Mikumi National Park. After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive to spot elephants, lions, and many bird species. Your guide will provide insights into the wildlife you encounter. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, visit the Mikumi floodplain for more wildlife sightings, including hippos. As the day wraps up, enjoy a scenic sunset over the plains before heading back to your lodge.

Day 6: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

On Day 6 of your Southern Tanzania saffari, you’ll travel about 4 hours from Mikumi to Ruaha National Park, known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, head out for your first game drive. Keep an eye out for elephants and possibly a pride of lions. As the sun sets, the park becomes an ideal backdrop for photography. Enjoy dinner at your lodge, sharing stories from your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.

Day 7: Ruaha National Park

Your seventh day is focused on exploring Ruaha National Park. After breakfast, set off for a full day of game drives. The park is home to leopards, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Enjoy a packed lunch in the bush, allowing you to take in your surroundings. Your guide will share fascinating information about the wildlife. In the late afternoon, continue your game drive, capturing the golden hour's light before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Day 8: Ruaha to Udzungwa Mountains

On Day 8, you will drive about 5 hours from Ruaha to the Udzungwa Mountains. Known for unique species and dense forests, this area is special. After checking into your lodge and having lunch, take a guided hike through the forests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Look for the Iringa red colobus monkey and various bird species. Enjoy the sounds of the forest as you walk the trails. Return to your lodge for dinner, celebrating your time in the Udzungwa Mountains.

Day 9: Udzungwa Mountains

Day 9 of your southern Tanzania safari is dedicated to hiking and exploring the Udzungwa Mountains. After breakfast, set out for a guided trek through beautiful scenery, including waterfalls and diverse wildlife. The trails vary in difficulty, allowing you to choose your adventure. Keep an eye out for rare species and colorful birds. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature before returning to your lodge for a final dinner, concluding your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.

Day 10: Return to Dar es Salaam

On your final day of your 10 Days Southern Tanzania safari to Nyerere, Mikumi, Rauha and Udzungwa Mountains

, enjoy an early breakfast before leaving the Udzungwa Mountains for Dar es Salaam, a journey of about 6 hours. The drive allows for one last look at the wonders of Southern Tanzania. Upon arrival, you may visit local markets or relax before departure. Depending on your flight schedule, explore the city’s vibrant culture or enjoy a last meal at a local restaurant. As your 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari wraps up, reflect on the wildlife encounters and diverse parks you’ve explored. Safe travels!

 


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast & Lunch

Cost Includes

  • Park fees and conservation levies for all national parks
  • All activities as specified in the itinerary
  • Ground transport in custom 4WD safari vehicles
  • Bottled water during all safari activities
  • Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides
  • Driver allowances and park entry fees
  • All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)

Cost Excludes

  • International Flights
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff (please tip separately)
  • Travel insurance if needed
  • Visa fee
  • Drinks and beverages in lodges
  • Value added taxe

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