11-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Through Untamed Wilderness

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Journey to Nyerere National Park & Rufiji River Boat Safari⌄

   Depart Dar es Salaam and journey south to Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and some relaxation before heading out for a scenic boat safari along the Rufiji River. As the afternoon light softens, watch hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife from the water while enjoying one of Southern Tanzania’s most memorable safari experiences.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge

2. 2Full-Day Safari in Nyerere National Park⌄

   Set out for a full day of game viewing across Nyerere’s vast wilderness. From open plains and riverine forests to lakes and woodlands, the park supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and the endangered African wild dog. A picnic lunch in the bush allows for uninterrupted exploration throughout the day.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge

3. 3Further Exploration of Nyerere National Park⌄

   Another day in Nyerere offers the opportunity to explore different areas of the park and follow wildlife movements across its diverse landscapes. With relatively few visitors, every sighting feels authentic and unhurried. Return to camp in the evening and enjoy your final night in this remarkable wilderness.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Selous Safari Lodge

4. 4Journey to Mikumi National Park⌄

   Leave Nyerere behind and travel towards Mikumi National Park, passing through rural landscapes and local communities along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of one of Southern Tanzania’s most accessible safari destinations.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Camp Atupele

5. 5Full-Day Safari in Mikumi National Park⌄

   Spend the day exploring the famous Mkata Floodplain, often referred to as the “Little Serengeti” of Southern Tanzania. The open grasslands provide excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. A picnic lunch inside the park maximizes your time in the field.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Camp Atupele

6. 6Journey to Ruaha National Park⌄

   Continue west towards Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas. The route passes through the scenic highlands of Iringa before descending into Ruaha’s rugged and wildlife-rich landscapes. An en-route game drive provides your first introduction to this extraordinary ecosystem.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

7. 7Exploring Ruaha’s Untamed Wilderness⌄

   Discover the diverse landscapes of Ruaha, from baobab-studded plains and rocky escarpments to the wildlife-rich Great Ruaha River. The park is renowned for its large elephant populations, thriving predator numbers, and outstanding game viewing. With fewer vehicles than many of Tanzania’s better-known parks, the experience here feels truly wild.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

8. 8Full-Day Safari in Ruaha National Park⌄

   A full day in Ruaha allows time to venture deeper into the park’s remote wilderness. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to observe animal behaviour, track predators, and explore diverse habitats throughout this vast ecosystem. As the day comes to an end, return to camp and enjoy another evening in the heart of the bush.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

9. 9From Ruaha to the Udzungwa Mountains⌄

   After breakfast, travel east towards the Udzungwa Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot known for its lush rainforests and endemic wildlife. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your camp surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp

10. 10Hiking to Sanje Waterfalls⌄

    Today is dedicated to exploring Udzungwa Mountains National Park on foot. Follow forest trails through one of East Africa’s most important rainforest ecosystems before reaching the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls. The hike offers excellent opportunities to spot endemic birds, primates, and unique plant species while enjoying sweeping views across the Kilombero Valley.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp

11. 11Return to Dar es Salaam⌄

    Bid farewell to the Udzungwa Mountains and begin the journey back to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy changing landscapes along the way as your Southern Tanzania adventure gradually comes to a close. Arrive later in the day for your onward flight or hotel drop-off, taking with you lasting memories of Tanzania’s untamed wilderness.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch