Tanzania's South

The South

Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha

7 Nights Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 7-night safari through the heart of southern Tanzania, featuring the pristine wilderness of Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, and Ruaha National Park. 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.

DAR ES SALAAM

After your long international flight, it’s best to begin your adventure with an overnight stay in Dar es Salaam. This allows you to rest and recharge before embarking on your exciting journey through the wild heart of Southern Tanzania the following morning. Starting fresh ensures you make the most of your safari experience as you explore the unique landscapes and wildlife of Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks.

Dar Es Salaam

SELOUS – The South of Tanzania

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is a vast wilderness shaped by the meandering Rufiji River. This river forms a network of lakes and deltas that ebb and flow with the seasons, creating a dynamic ecosystem. The park’s predominantly flat landscape is covered in acacia woodlands, offering a peaceful yet vibrant setting.

The Rufiji River is teeming with wildlife, especially hippos and crocodiles, which can often be spotted lounging along its banks. Nyerere National Park is also home to large populations of buffaloes, lions, and a variety of antelope species. The diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes make this park an exceptional destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.

Selous Game Reserve
DAY 1 – Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport, 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 (Selous Game Reserve)

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.

We recommend for your overnight: Selous Impala Camp

Selous Impala Camp
Selous Impala Camp
Selous Impala Camp

We recommend for your overnight: Roho ya Selous

Asilia Roho ya Selous
Asilia Roho ya Selous
Asilia Roho ya Selous

MIKUMI – The South of Tanzania

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.

Mikumi National Park
DAY 5 – Full Day Safari in Mikumi

Start your day with breakfast at the camp, then embark on a full day of game viewing in Mikumi National Park. 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 center, 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.

We recommend for your overnight: Vuma Hills Camp

Vuma Hills Camp
Vuma Hills Camp
Vuma Hills Camp

RUAHA – The South of Tanzania

Ruaha National Park is a gem of biodiversity, boasting a rich array of species that include both Greater and Lesser Kudu, Roan and Sable Antelope, and both striped and spotted hyenas. The park is famous for its abundant lion population, which has even been featured in documentaries for their remarkable hunting skills, including targeting giraffe—an unconventional prey for lions. The rugged terrain of Ruaha also provides a safe haven for leopards, while the park’s remote areas host the rare African wild dog, along with cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared foxes, genets, and civets.

Elephant herds are commonly seen roaming across the park, and with over 530 recorded bird species, Ruaha is a birdwatcher’s paradise—particularly during the green season when migratory species make their appearance.

Having recently expanded by incorporating nearby wildlife reserves, Ruaha is now the largest national park in Tanzania. Located at the convergence of northern and southern wildlife zones, it is a rich melting pot of flora and fauna, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Whether you’re tracking predators, marveling at the abundant bird life, or observing herds of elephants, Ruaha offers an immersive and breathtaking adventure.

Ruaha National Park
DAY 7 – Full Day Safari in Ruaha

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 – Departure to Zanzibar or Pemba

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 Island—to continue your Tanzanian adventure or unwind on the pristine beaches.

We recommend for your overnight: Hodi Hodi Ruaha Camp

Hodi Hodi Ruaha Camp
Hodi Hodi Ruaha Camp
Hodi Hodi Ruaha Camp

We recommend for your overnight: Jabali Ridge

Asilia Jabali Ridge
Asilia Jabali Ridge
Asilia Jabali Ridge

Did you like The South of Tanzania and are curious to see our other taylor made ZanTours Safari Itineraries?

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