11-Day Best Of Southern Tanzania Safari

Experience an unforgettable 11-Day Best of Southern Tanzania Safari through the Southern Circuit, combining Nyerere National Park (Selous), Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains and Ruaha National Park. Discover diverse landscapes, wildlife, rivers, forests and waterfalls through private game drives, boat safaris and nature hiking. Nyerere is renowned for the Rufiji River, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs; Mikumi offers classic savannah wildlife; Udzungwa features rainforest, endemic primates and Sanje Waterfalls; while Ruaha delivers vast wilderness, elephants, predators and the Great Ruaha River.

• Availability: January – December
• Duration: 11-Day Best Of Southern Tanzania Safari 
• Locations: Tanzania – Nyerere, Mikumi & Udzungwa Mountains
• Start: Nyerere International Airport
• End:  Nyerere International Airport

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s vibrant coastal gateway, where your private safari representative welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Relax after your journey, enjoy the city atmosphere, and prepare for your Southern Tanzania wildlife adventure. This arrival day allows flexibility for international flight schedules and provides time to meet your professional safari guide, review the itinerary, and organize luggage before departing for Nyerere National Park the following morning. Overnight: Hotel in Dar es Salaam. Meals: As arranged.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Begin your private Tanzania safari with a scenic journey from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve. Travel through changing coastal and inland landscapes before arriving at your safari accommodation. Nyerere is famous for its vast wilderness, Rufiji River, floodplains, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and African wild dogs. Depending on arrival time, optional activities may be arranged. Enjoy dinner and relax beneath the African wilderness. Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous Camp or similar. Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Nyerere National Park

Enjoy a full-day Nyerere National Park game drive, exploring expansive wilderness in a private 4×4 safari vehicle. Search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, leopards and the park’s notable African wild dogs while enjoying excellent photographic opportunities. The diverse miombo woodland, floodplains and riverine habitats create a rewarding wildlife experience. Your experienced guide selects productive wildlife-viewing areas and provides insights into animal behavior, ecology and conservation. Return to camp for dinner and a peaceful evening. Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous or Kulinda Camp, or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Nyerere National Park

Spend another memorable day discovering Nyerere’s exceptional wildlife and landscapes. A private morning game drive provides opportunities for wildlife photography when temperatures are cooler and animals are active. Depending on your safari plan and park regulations, you may also enjoy a Rufiji River boat safari, offering a different perspective of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and abundant birdlife. Nyerere’s combination of land and water experiences makes it particularly distinctive within Southern Tanzania. Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation. Accommodation: Africa Safari Selous or Kulinda Camp, or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, depart Nyerere and continue your Southern Tanzania safari toward Mikumi National Park, travelling through scenic countryside, villages and changing landscapes. Mikumi is a major Southern Circuit destination centered around the Mkata floodplain, where elephants, buffalo, lions, zebra, wildebeest and giraffes are commonly encountered. The journey provides a fascinating transition from Nyerere’s riverine wilderness to Mikumi’s open savannah environment. Arrive at your accommodation, settle in and enjoy dinner. Accommodation: Camp Atupele or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Mikumi National Park

Enjoy a full-day Mikumi National Park safari with private game drives across the spectacular Mkata floodplain and surrounding woodland. Look for elephants, lions, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, hippos and numerous bird species while your guide explains the park’s ecosystems and wildlife. Mikumi’s accessible plains offer excellent opportunities for first-time visitors, families, photographers and private safari travelers seeking diverse wildlife without rushing between destinations. Enjoy a picnic or lodge lunch before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration. Accommodation: Mikumi Wildlife Camp or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Leave Mikumi for the spectacular Udzungwa Mountains National Park, an Eastern Arc biodiversity hotspot renowned for ancient rainforest, dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife. Enjoy a guided Sanje Waterfalls hike, following forest trails toward spectacular cascades and natural pools. Keep watch for endemic Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje mangabeys, along with diverse birds, butterflies and forest species. This active day provides a refreshing contrast to traditional savannah game drives and adds hiking, nature and adventure to your Tanzania safari itinerary. Accommodation: Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Udzungwa to Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, depart Udzungwa and travel toward Ruaha National Park, continuing your private Southern Tanzania adventure. The route reveals changing scenery, from mountain landscapes and agricultural areas to drier woodland and expansive wilderness. Ruaha is Tanzania’s second-largest national park and is celebrated for its Great Ruaha River, elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, crocodiles and exceptional birdlife. Arrive at your camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote safari destination. Accommodation: Tandala Tented Camp or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Ruaha National Park

Spend a full day exploring Ruaha National Park on private 4×4 game drives. Search the park’s rugged landscapes and river valleys for large elephant and buffalo herds, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife. Ruaha is particularly notable for its extensive wilderness, Great Ruaha River and diverse birdlife, with more than 570 recorded bird species. Your experienced guide tailors the day around wildlife activity, photography and your interests, creating an immersive African safari experience. Accommodation: Tandala Tented Camp or similar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Ruaha National Park

Enjoy your final full day in Ruaha National Park with another private game drive focused on wildlife viewing, photography and the park’s dramatic scenery. Explore different areas to increase opportunities for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes and birdlife, while appreciating Ruaha’s baobab-studded wilderness and riverine habitats. Depending on your interests and schedule, your safari guide can emphasize wildlife photography, birdwatching or scenic viewpoints. Return to Tandala Tented Camp for your final dinner and overnight in the African wilderness. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11: Ruaha to Dar es Salaam – Flight & End of Tour

After breakfast, transfer to the appropriate Ruaha airstrip for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy aerial views of Southern Tanzania’s changing landscapes before arriving in the coastal capital, where your 11-Day private best of Southern Tanzania Safari concludes. This convenient flight provides an efficient alternative to a long overland return journey. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, connect with your international flight, onward travel or optional Zanzibar beach extension. Meals: Breakfast. End of tour. Flight schedules and baggage conditions should be confirmed when booking.