7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

Experience the wild beauty of Southern Tanzania on a 7-day safari combining Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. This Southern Circuit safari blends Rufiji River boat safaris, Big Five wildlife viewing, private 4×4 game drives, walking adventures, rainforest scenery and the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls. Beginning in Dar es Salaam, the itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Tanzania safari away from the busier Northern Circuit. Nyerere offers river, woodland and floodplain wildlife experiences, Mikumi provides accessible savannah game viewing, while Udzungwa adds rainforest, endemic primates, waterfalls and hiking.

• Availability: January – December
• Duration: 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
• Locations: Tanzania – Nyerere, Mikumi & Udzungwa Mountains
• Start: Nyerere International Airport
• End:  Nyerere International Airport

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s major coastal gateway, where your safari representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy time to relax, recover from your journey and prepare for your Southern Tanzania safari adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Dar es Salaam or simply enjoy a comfortable evening before heading into the wilderness. This overnight stay provides a convenient starting point for the journey toward Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the legendary Selous ecosystem. Overnight: Hotel in Dar es Salaam. Meals: Bed and breakfast or as booked.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park – Rufiji River Boat Safari

After breakfast, depart Dar es Salaam by road toward Nyerere National Park, covering approximately 240 km via the southern route, depending on your selected gate and road conditions. After arrival and check-in at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy an unforgettable Rufiji River boat safari, ideally around sunset. Cruise through channels and wetlands looking for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbuck, buffalo and abundant birdlife while enjoying the changing colors of the African evening. Nyerere is renowned for combining boat safaris with classic game drives and walking experiences. Overnight: Lodge or tented camp. Meals: Full board.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

Enjoy a full-day Nyerere National Park game drive exploring its vast floodplains, grasslands, miombo woodlands and riverine habitats. With an experienced safari guide and private 4×4 vehicle, search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes and other African wildlife. Nyerere is also an important stronghold for African wild dogs, making predator sightings a special highlight. Early morning and late-afternoon game drives can provide excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. The day offers an authentic Southern Tanzania safari experience, with expansive landscapes and fewer vehicles in many areas than heavily visited safari circuits. Overnight: Nyerere lodge or tented camp. Meals: Full board.

Day 4: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park – Walking Safari or Cultural Experience

After breakfast, depart Nyerere and travel toward Mikumi National Park, continuing your Southern Tanzania safari through rural landscapes, villages and changing scenery. Depending on your itinerary and permissions, enjoy an optional guided walking safari in Nyerere before departure, or arrange a cultural experience near the Mikumi area. Continue to Mikumi for an afternoon arrival and check-in at your lodge or camp. Mikumi is centered around the scenic Mkata floodplain and is well known for elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and other plains wildlife. Overnight: Lodge or camp in Mikumi National Park. Meals: Full board.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park on game drives across the Mkata floodplain and surrounding savannah habitats. Search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and other wildlife while your professional guide explains animal behavior, tracks, habitats and conservation. Mikumi’s open landscapes can provide rewarding wildlife photography and game-viewing opportunities, while its proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it one of Tanzania’s more accessible safari destinations. Birdwatchers can also look for rollers, bee-eaters, hornbills, raptors and seasonal waterbirds. Overnight: Lodge or camp in Mikumi National Park. Meals: Full board.

Day 6: Udzungwa Mountains – Sanje Waterfalls Hike – Return to Mikumi

After breakfast, travel approximately 60 km, depending on your accommodation and selected trailhead, toward Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a guided Sanje Waterfalls hike. Walk through ancient Eastern Arc rainforest surrounded by lush vegetation, birds, butterflies and distinctive wildlife. The Udzungwa Mountains Tours & Holidays trail leads toward spectacular tiered waterfalls, viewpoints and natural pools, subject to current trail and safety conditions. Udzungwa is especially notable for endemic primates including the Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje mangabey. After the hike, return to Mikumi for your final safari-night accommodation. Overnight: Lodge or camp in Mikumi. Meals: Full board.

Day 7: Mikumi to Morogoro – SGR Train to Dar es Salaam – Farewell

After breakfast, leave Mikumi and drive toward Morogoro, enjoying views of the surrounding landscapes and the Uluguru Mountains before reaching the railway station. From Morogoro, board the SGR train to Dar es Salaam, providing a comfortable conclusion to your Southern Tanzania safari. Tanzania Railways Corporation confirms the SGR passenger connection between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, making rail travel a practical option for the final journey when the selected service and schedule align with your itinerary. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, continue to your hotel, airport or onward destination. Farewell to Tanzania, carrying memories of Nyerere, Mikumi and Udzungwa.

Safari style: Private, tailor-made, budget, mid-range, luxury or VIP options.

What to pack for a 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

Packing for a 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari requires smart, lightweight, and adventure-ready essentials to match changing safari conditions across Nyerere, Mikumi & Udzungwa Mountains. Include neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive) for game drives, breathable long-sleeve shirts, quick-dry trousers, and a warm jacket for early morning safaris. Pack comfortable hiking shoes, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Add binoculars, a good camera with extra batteries, and memory cards for wildlife photography. Don’t forget travel documents, travel insurance, and basic medication. A soft duffel bag is ideal for Tanzania bush flights and safari transfers.

When to go on a 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

The best time for a 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari depends on wildlife experiences and weather conditions across Tanzania’s top safari parks. The dry season (June to October) is the most popular, offering excellent game viewing in Nyerere, Mikumi & Udzungwa Mountains as animals gather around water sources. This is also the prime time for witnessing the Great Migration river crossings. The green season (November to March) brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdwatching opportunities, especially for photography safaris. April and May are rainy months with lower prices and fewer tourists. For the ultimate Tanzania safari experience, June to October is highly recommended.