Untouched Nature With Iconic Wildlife & Luxury
This adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a true connection with nature, far from the crowds of the more developed northern circuit.
Unlike the northern parks, Tanzania’s south remains largely untouched, offering an authentic and raw safari experience. Discover diverse landscapes, from vast savannas and wetlands to rugged hills and forests, all teeming with wildlife. Enjoy incredible game drives, bird watching, and walking safaris, all while immersing yourself in Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Established in 1964, Mikumi National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts, named after the distinctive Borassus palm trees that dot the landscape. The park’s Mkata Plain is home to vast herds of plains game, including wildebeest, impala, zebra, and giraffe, all frequently pursued by predators such as lions and hyenas. Beyond the plains, you’ll find rarer sightings of Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, greater kudu, roan, and sable antelope in the more rugged hills.
Mikumi is also one of the best places to spot the elusive African wild dog. Known for hunting in coordinated packs, the wild dog is often seen chasing prey across the open savanna. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, Mikumi’s diverse ecosystems and wide-ranging habitats offer a unique and rewarding safari experience.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Karibu Tanzania - Dar es salaam
Upon arrival at Dar es salaam, you will be warmly greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name. After assistance with immigration and baggage claim, you’ll be escorted to your driver for a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some leisure time to relax after your international flight.
Day 2: Nyerere National Park Safari
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous). Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and begin your exciting safari adventure. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive through the park’s stunning landscapes. After an early dinner, head out for a night game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3: Boat Safari & Game Drive
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for a morning boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. After lunch at the camp, enjoy an afternoon game drive, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars.
Day 4: Transfer To Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive on your way to the airstrip for your flight to Mikumi National Park. Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and begin your safari. A picnic lunch will be served in the park. After your game drive, head to your camp for dinner and a restful evening.
Day 5: Mikumi - "Little Serengeti"
Start your day with breakfast at the camp, then embark on a full day of game viewing in Mikumi Game Drive. This expansive park offers a great opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including predators and plains game. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Return to the camp for dinner and relax after an exciting day of exploration.
Day 6: Drive To Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive towards Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote parks. Along the way, stop at Iringa town to visit the Neema Crafts Centre, where you can explore local arts and crafts, followed by a delicious lunch. Continue your journey to Ruaha, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon for some leisure time before dinner.
Day 7: Full-day Ruaha Game Drive
Start your day with a morning game drive, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Ruaha National Park. After a relaxing breakfast at the lodge, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before embarking on an afternoon safari. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner, reflecting on the day’s adventures in one of Tanzania’s most remote and pristine parks.
Day 8: Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive
Begin your day with a morning walking safari, offering a unique opportunity to experience the park’s wilderness up close with an expert guide. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive to explore more of Ruaha’s rugged beauty. Meals at the lodge include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the serenity of the park.
Day 9: Game Drive & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive through the park. On the way to the airstrip, you’ll have the chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed. Afterward, take a scenic flight to your next destination—Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Islands—to continue your Tanzanian adventure or unwind on the pristine beaches.
From $ 5,305 pp