9 Days Southern Safari Circuit: Mikumi, Ruaha & Nyerere National Parks

Overview

Experience the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s southern circuit on this 9-day safari adventure through Mikumi, Ruaha, and Nyerere National Parks. Traverse the diverse landscapes of open savannahs, rugged wilderness, and riverine ecosystems as you explore the wildlife-rich Mikumi, the vast Ruaha, and the remote Nyerere (formerly Selous) Game Reserve. This safari offers an exceptional opportunity to witness Tanzania’s iconic wildlife in a more secluded and pristine environment.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Mikumi National Park

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to Mikumi National Park. After checking into your lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive. Mikumi is known for its large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and predators like lions and leopards. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 2: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Spend a full day exploring Mikumi’s vast plains, where you’ll encounter a wide variety of animals, including hippos, zebras, and antelopes. With a packed lunch in the bush, enjoy a full day of uninterrupted game drives, focusing on the park’s rich biodiversity. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon game drive. Ruaha is known for its dramatic landscapes and large elephant herds. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Explore Ruaha National Park on a full-day game drive, where you’ll encounter elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and offers one of the best opportunities to see predators and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Lunch will be enjoyed in the bush. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 5: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Enjoy another day of game viewing in Ruaha, focusing on different areas of the park. You’ll have the chance to explore the Great Ruaha River, where animals gather to drink, and predators often lie in wait. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 6: Ruaha to Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

After breakfast, depart for Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve). Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your lodge and enjoy a sunset boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 7: Full Day in Nyerere National Park

Today, explore the vast expanse of Nyerere National Park with a full day of game drives. The park is home to elephants, lions, wild dogs, and countless other species. After a packed lunch in the bush, continue your exploration of this remote and pristine wilderness. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Walking Safari & Boat Safari in Nyerere

Start your day with an exhilarating walking safari, guided by a ranger, where you’ll learn about the flora and smaller fauna. Later, enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, offering an entirely different perspective of the wildlife and the landscape. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 9: Nyerere to Dar es Salaam – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Nyerere National Park. Later, you will be transferred back to Dar es Salaam, where you will catch your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day safari.