Southern Tanzania Circuit

Destination

Ruaha, Nyerere, Mikumi, Gombe

Duration

Overview

The Southern Tanzania Circuit offers a rare and refined safari experience, where vast, untamed landscapes meet abundant wildlife. From the dramatic plains and baobab-studded vistas of Ruaha National Park to the remote rivers and lush forests of Nyerere (Selous) National Park, this circuit is known for its low visitor numbers, intimate game viewing, and a true sense of wilderness. Travelers can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and exceptional wildlife encounters, including elephants, lions, wild dogs, and hippos. With secluded, eco-friendly lodges, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities to connect with local communities, the Southern Tanzania Circuit reveals a quieter, wilder side of safari, where adventure, authenticity, and luxury come together in perfect harmony.

Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam → Nyerere - Coffee Lunch & Evening Boat Safari

Depart Dar es Salaam in the morning, traveling through rural villages and scenic landscapes. Stop en route for a coffee lunch before reaching Nyerere National Park. In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Overnight at a lodge or camp inside the reserve.

Day 2: All-Day 4×4 Game Drives in Nyerere

Spend the entire day exploring Nyerere on 4×4 game drives. Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and other wildlife. The park also offers over 400 species of birds, perfect for birdwatchers. Return to the lodge for meals and overnight.

Day 3: Morning Walking Safari – Drive to Morogoro Village

Start the morning with a guided walking safari, experiencing the African bush at close range with your ranger. After the walk, depart Nyerere and drive to Morogoro village for an overnight stay, enjoying local scenery and Tanzanian culture along the way.

Day 4: Morogoro → Ruaha – Evening Game Drive

Continue the journey to Ruaha National Park, arriving in time for an evening game drive. Explore the park’s wide-open plains and woodlands for early predator sightings. Overnight at a safari lodge or tented camp.

Day 5: Full Day Safari in Ruaha

Enjoy a full-day safari exploring the Great Ruaha River area and the park’s diverse landscapes. Look for elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, sable antelopes, and other wildlife. Return to camp in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Second Day in Ruaha

Spend another day on game drives, exploring different parts of Ruaha. Your guide will take you to areas frequented by predators and large herds, maximizing wildlife encounters. Optional sundowner stops offer perfect photo opportunities.

Day 7: Drive to Udzungwa Mountains – Afternoon Forest Walk

Depart Ruaha and drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided forest walk, discovering endemic wildlife, lush flora, and bird species unique to this rainforest ecosystem. Overnight at a lodge near Udzungwa.

Day 8: Hike to Sanje Waterfalls - Wildlife & Endemic Primates

Today is a full day hike to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, passing through dense rainforest. Spot endemic primates like the Sanje mangabey, colorful birds, and unique plant species along the trails. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Udzungwa → Mikumi – Sunset Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Udzungwa and drive to Mikumi National Park. Arrive in time for a sunset game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions before the day ends. Overnight at your lodge or camp in Mikumi.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive – Return to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy a final morning safari in Mikumi, capturing last-minute wildlife moments. Depart for Dar es Salaam, arriving in time for your flight or onward travel. The 10-day Southern Circuit safari concludes.

Your Home in the Wild

Discover our handpicked accommodations under the African sky.

Jabali Ridge

Beho Beho camp

Mbali Gombe Lodge

Camp Bastian Mikumi

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included With Your Journey

Excluded In This Journey

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Vugane

+255 693 068 214