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8 Day Best of Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha Parks
Tanzania Safari

8 Day Best of Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha Parks

Safari price
From $2,530
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Trip Overview

The 8 Day Best of Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha Parks starts and finishes in Dar es Salaam. Its route includes Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Zanzibar, following the destination order and transfers set out in the day-by-day itinerary.

The journey is shaped around a boat safari and cultural encounters, highlighting Tanzania’s southern parks and more remote landscapes.

Southern Tanzania rewards travellers who appreciate varied habitats and a less hurried approach to wildlife. The daily programme explains where you travel, the activities planned and the stays along the way; our safari experts can help adapt transport, camp choices and time in each park to your priorities.

Where every day follows the rhythm of the journey
Wildlife viewed on safari in Nyerere National ParkNyerere National Park
African buffalo in Mikumi National ParkMikumi National Park
Lion beneath a baobab in Ruaha National ParkRuaha National Park
Elephant herd in Ruaha safari countryRuaha Wildlife
Moments along the route
Safari Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park & Boat SafariExperience Nyerere’s riverine and savannah habitats through the guided activities named in this itinerary.
  • Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National ParkExperience Nyerere’s riverine and savannah habitats through the guided activities named in this itinerary.
  • Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National ParkExperience Nyerere’s riverine and savannah habitats through the guided activities named in this itinerary.
  • Relaxation & Evening Game Drive in Mikumi National ParkExplore Mikumi’s open plains and woodland on a game drive that fits naturally into the southern-circuit route.
  • Maasai Cultural Tour & Drive to Ruaha National ParkDiscover Ruaha’s baobab country, river systems and remote game-viewing areas with an experienced guide.
  • Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National ParkDiscover Ruaha’s baobab country, river systems and remote game-viewing areas with an experienced guide.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park & Boat Safari

  • Activity: Boat Safari & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

After a short briefing about your safari, you will start your journey at 8:00 AM, heading to Nyerere National Park. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, and you will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will check in and then head out for a relaxing boat safari. As you cruise along the river, you will have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Accommodation

Nyerere Tented Camp

Nyerere Tented Camp is a canvas safari base in the Nyerere ecosystem of southern Tanzania. The region’s river channels, lakes and woodland create a different setting from the open plains of the northern circuit. En-suite tents and a shared mess area support game-drive, boat and walking-safari schedules where those activities are included. The camp is best suited to itineraries spending several days around the Rufiji landscape rather than making a brief transit stop.

LocationNyerereStay styleTented safari camp
Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park. This vast and wild park is home to many animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and even the rare African wild dog. You will have a packed lunch and continue exploring the park in the afternoon, spotting more wildlife and enjoying the beauty of the African wilderness.

Accommodation

Nyerere Tented Camp

Nyerere Tented Camp is a canvas safari base in the Nyerere ecosystem of southern Tanzania. The region’s river channels, lakes and woodland create a different setting from the open plains of the northern circuit. En-suite tents and a shared mess area support game-drive, boat and walking-safari schedules where those activities are included. The camp is best suited to itineraries spending several days around the Rufiji landscape rather than making a brief transit stop.

LocationNyerereStay styleTented safari camp
Day 03

Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park

  • Activity: Walking Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake up early for a guided walking safari, where you will explore the park on foot and learn about the smaller animals, birds, and plants. After breakfast, begin your journey to Mikumi National Park, enjoying scenic views of the countryside along the way. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing the drive.

Accommodation

Camp Bastian Mikumi

Camp Bastian Mikumi is a family-run lodge close to Mikumi National Park and the main A7 road through southern Tanzania. Its leafy grounds offer cottages and other guest accommodation around a relaxed base with a restaurant serving locally prepared food. A swimming pool and garden setting give travellers space to unwind after a road transfer or game drive. The location makes the camp useful for Mikumi visits and for longer itineraries continuing toward Udzungwa, Ruaha or Dar es Salaam.

LocationMikumiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 04

Relaxation & Evening Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

In the afternoon, head out for an exciting evening game drive in Mikumi National Park. This is a great opportunity to see wildlife at dusk, when many animals become more active. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. Your guide will shape the route around current wildlife activity, road conditions and the best available viewing areas. Stops are unhurried, allowing time to observe animal behaviour, photograph the landscape and understand how the park’s habitats connect. Rather than chasing a checklist, the day follows the rhythms of the ecosystem and the guide’s local knowledge. Breaks are arranged at suitable points while keeping the experience comfortable, focused and respectful of the wildlife.

Accommodation

Camp Bastian Mikumi

Camp Bastian Mikumi is a family-run lodge close to Mikumi National Park and the main A7 road through southern Tanzania. Its leafy grounds offer cottages and other guest accommodation around a relaxed base with a restaurant serving locally prepared food. A swimming pool and garden setting give travellers space to unwind after a road transfer or game drive. The location makes the camp useful for Mikumi visits and for longer itineraries continuing toward Udzungwa, Ruaha or Dar es Salaam.

LocationMikumiStay styleTented safari camp
Day 05

Maasai Cultural Tour & Drive to Ruaha National Park

  • Activity: Cultural Experience & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Start your day with an early visit to a Maasai village. Here, you will learn about their unique culture, traditions, and way of life. With packed lunches, depart for Ruaha National Park. The drive takes about six hours and passes through Iringa town, offering beautiful landscapes, valleys, and mountains along the way.

Accommodation

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge is built on the slopes of Ideremle Mountain about fifteen kilometres from the gate of Ruaha National Park. Individual cottages and a large viewing terrace look across the surrounding savannah, giving the property a broad sense of the southern landscape. The lodge includes a restaurant, bar and shared relaxation areas for evenings after game drives. Its position makes it a practical road-safari base for Ruaha while remaining outside the park boundary and accessible from Iringa.

LocationRuahaStay styleSafari lodge
Day 06

Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

  • Activity: Game Drive & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for a full-day game drive in Ruaha National Park. This park is famous for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, including kudu, wildebeests, elephants, zebras, lions, hippos, hartebeests, impalas, and giraffes. With a packed lunch, continue exploring different areas of the park, spotting more animals in their natural habitat.

Accommodation

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge is built on the slopes of Ideremle Mountain about fifteen kilometres from the gate of Ruaha National Park. Individual cottages and a large viewing terrace look across the surrounding savannah, giving the property a broad sense of the southern landscape. The lodge includes a restaurant, bar and shared relaxation areas for evenings after game drives. Its position makes it a practical road-safari base for Ruaha while remaining outside the park boundary and accessible from Iringa.

LocationRuahaStay styleSafari lodge
Day 07

Another Day of Wildlife Exploration in Ruaha

  • Activity: Walking Safari & Game Drive
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, embark on another full-day safari in Ruaha. You can choose between a game drive or a walking safari, both offering unique ways to experience the park. Ruaha is known for its large herds of elephants, buffalo, gazelles, and its over 400 bird species. Keep an eye out for the rare sable and roan antelopes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your adventure.

Accommodation

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge is built on the slopes of Ideremle Mountain about fifteen kilometres from the gate of Ruaha National Park. Individual cottages and a large viewing terrace look across the surrounding savannah, giving the property a broad sense of the southern landscape. The lodge includes a restaurant, bar and shared relaxation areas for evenings after game drives. Its position makes it a practical road-safari base for Ruaha while remaining outside the park boundary and accessible from Iringa.

LocationRuahaStay styleSafari lodge
Day 08

Ruaha National Park to Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam

  • Activity: Island Experience & Fly-in Safari
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, drive to Iringa Airport for your morning flight to Zanzibar. This marks the end of your incredible safari adventure, but a new journey begins as you arrive on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. You can spend your time relaxing on the beach or exploring the island’s rich culture and history. End of Safari

Plan your safari
Your Safari Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Flight Tickets
Not included

Additional costs

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
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Before you go

Safari Questions,
Simply Answered

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8 days / 7 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $2,530 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Nyerere National Park – Boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and big game, Mikumi National Park – Open plains with elephant herds, lions, and rich birdlife, Ruaha National Park – Remote wilderness, predator action, and rare species like sable antelope and African wild dogs, Authentic Safari Camps – Stay in small, intimate lodges and tented camps close to nature, Off-the-Beaten-Track – Fewer vehicles, more freedom, and real wilderness adventures

Nyerere Tented Camp, Camp Bastian, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.