10  Days

Southern Tanzania Safari – Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Adventure

Call Our Expert Now

+255 784 991 576

Send an Enquiry

Fill Out The Online Enquire Form

Request Call Back

Enter a Time For Us to Call You

Explore Tanzania’s remote southern circuit on this diverse 10-day safari from Dar es Salaam.

Traverse four distinct ecosystems—rivers, plains, baobab-dotted hills, and lush rainforests—across Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains. With thrilling game drives, cultural visits, a river boat safari, and a hike to Sanje Waterfalls, this itinerary is perfect for adventurous wildlife lovers.

Is this 10-day safari suitable for families?

Yes, especially for families with older children. The variety of activities—from game drives to waterfalls and cultural visits—offers something for everyone.

June to October (dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing. However, the Udzungwa region is green year-round, and birding is excellent during the wet season too.

Absolutely. Flights from Iringa or Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar are available and easy to arrange post-safari.

This depends on your tour operator. Most packages include all park fees, game drives, and guide services.

The hike is moderately challenging with some steep sections. Good walking shoes are recommended. The view and experience are well worth the effort!

Itinerary

Included

Excluded

Call Our Expert Now

+255 784 991 576

Send an Enquiry

Fill Out The Online Enquire Form

Request Call Back

Enter a Time For Us to Call You

DAY 1

Drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous + Boat Safari on Rufiji River

 Start Your Safari in Selous with an Afternoon Boat Safari on the Rufiji River

Your journey begins early from Dar es Salaam as you drive southwest through Tanzania’s rural landscapes to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park). The drive takes 4–5 hours, arriving in time for lunch.

Sunset Boat Safari on the Rufiji River

In the afternoon, embark on a guided boat safari on the Rufiji River, a serene experience offering sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. It’s a peaceful way to begin your wilderness adventure.

DAY 2

Full-Day Game Drive in Selous Game Reserve

Wildlife Safari in Selous – Tanzania’s Largest Game Reserve

Spend the entire day exploring the diverse terrain of Selous Game Reserve. This UNESCO-listed park is famed for its remote wilderness and high concentration of wildlife including elephants, lions, wild dogs, and giraffes.

Bush Lunch & Game Drive Across Varied Ecosystems

You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch inside the reserve and continue the game drive in Selous across woodlands, river channels, and open plains, returning to camp by evening.

DAY 3

Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Mikumi + Maasai Village Visit

Morning Safari in Selous and Cultural Experience in Mikumi

After a final early morning game drive in Selous, you’ll depart for Mikumi National Park. Along the way, soak in beautiful views of the Tanzanian countryside.

Visit to a Maasai Village Near Mikumi National Park

Before reaching your lodge, stop at a traditional Maasai village near Mikumi. Engage with the locals, explore their customs, and enjoy cultural performances. Arrive at your lodge in the evening.

DAY 4

Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Safari in Mikumi – The Southern Circuit’s Hidden Gem

Explore Mikumi’s vast plains and floodplains on a full-day game drive in Mikumi National Park. Its open terrain offers clear views of zebras, elephants, wildebeests, and occasionally lions and leopards.

Wildlife Viewing in the Mkata Floodplain & Hippo Pools

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing the safari through areas like the Mkata Floodplain and hippo pools. Return to your lodge before sunset.

DAY 5

Drive to Ruaha National Park via Isimila Stone Age Site

Scenic Transfer to Ruaha with a Historical Stop at Isimila Site

After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park. On the way, explore the Isimila Stone Age Site, famous for its archaeological discoveries and sandstone formations.

Arrive in Ruaha for an Evening at Leisure

Continue your drive into the Southern Highlands, reaching Ruaha in the late afternoon. Settle into your lodge and prepare for two days of exceptional wildlife viewing.

7 Days Selous Udzungwa Ruaha

DAY 6

Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Big Game Safari in Remote Ruaha National Park

Today you’ll embark on a full-day safari in Ruaha, known for its rugged landscapes, baobab trees, and dramatic predator-prey encounters. It’s one of the best places in East Africa to see lions and elephants.

 Discover Ruaha’s Unique Ecosystems and Birdlife

Explore riverbanks, rocky hills, and open savannahs with chances to spot kudu, roan antelope, and rare African wild dogs. Picnic lunch is served in the bush.

DAY 7

Another Safari Day in Ruaha – Optional Balloon or Night Game Drive

Optional Ruaha Hot Air Balloon Safari or Night Game Drive

Choose your adventure: experience a magical Ruaha hot air balloon safari at sunrise (seasonal), or opt for a night game drive in Ruaha to observe nocturnal animals like genets and civets.

Daytime Game Drive for More Wildlife Encounters

Regardless of your optional activity, a daytime game drive is included to explore more remote corners of this vast park.

DAY 8

Transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Travel to Udzungwa Mountains – Tanzania’s Rainforest Paradise

After breakfast, depart Ruaha and head toward Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Arrive by afternoon and settle in near the park’s forested edges.

Evening Leisure or Short Nature Walk Near the Forest

Spend the evening relaxing or take a short guided walk to explore the rich biodiversity around your lodge.

13 Days Southern Circuit Safaris

DAY 9

Hike to Sanje Waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains

Hiking Safari in Udzungwa Mountains – Sanje Waterfalls Trail

Start the day with a guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Tanzania. The trail passes through lush rainforest home to endemic primates and rare birds.

Picnic and Swimming at the Base of the Waterfall

At the top, enjoy sweeping valley views and, if conditions allow, swim in the cool natural pools at the bottom of the falls.

DAY 10

Drive Back to Dar es Salaam

Return to Dar es Salaam – End of Southern Tanzania Safari

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of your unforgettable 10-day southern Tanzania safari. Estimated arrival in the evening.

Call Our Expert Now

+255 784 991 576

Send an Enquiry

Fill Out The Online Enquire Form

Request Call Back

Enter a Time For Us to Call You

REQUEST A CALL

“Schedule a quick, 15-minute call with an expert tour operator to get ideas on where to go and how long to spend in each place.”