This 7-day Southern Tanzania safari explores two of the country’s most rewarding yet less-crowded national parks—Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park. Designed as a drive-in safari starting and ending in Dar es Salaam, the itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking diverse wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and authentic safari experiences.
The journey begins in Mikumi, known for its open plains and abundant wildlife, before continuing inland to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest protected area. Ruaha’s rugged scenery, baobab-studded landscapes, and high predator densities create unforgettable game-viewing opportunities.
While the safari is planned as a drive-out experience, travelers may opt to fly back from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam for added comfort and convenience. The itinerary is fully customizable to suit individual preferences and budgets.
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Difficult
Medium
Age
12 Years
Best time
June to October
Transport
4x4 vehicles
Destinations
Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park
Tour Type
Private Safari
Accommodation
Mid-range Lodges & Camps (Upgrades available)
Safari Style
Drive-In Safari (Optional Fly-Out)
Price
On Request
You will be picked up from your hotel, residence, or the airport in Dar es Salaam and begin the scenic drive to Mikumi National Park. The journey passes through rural landscapes and vibrant towns, offering insight into everyday Tanzanian life.
Arrive in Mikumi in time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Mikumi’s open plains provide excellent visibility for spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and predators. As the day ends, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight near the park.
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park, one of Southern Tanzania’s most accessible and wildlife-rich parks. Morning and afternoon game drives take you across floodplains and woodland habitats where lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras are commonly seen.
Mikumi is also a rewarding birding destination, with over 400 recorded bird species including hornbills, kingfishers, bustards, and oxpeckers. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing wildlife viewing. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
After breakfast, depart Mikumi and drive toward Ruaha National Park via Iringa town. The journey showcases changing landscapes as you move from open plains to rugged highlands and river valleys.
Arrive in Ruaha National Park in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy lunch before heading out on an introductory game drive. Ruaha’s vast wilderness is home to large elephant herds, big cats, and impressive baobab trees. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Spend a full day exploring Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of its most wildlife-rich areas. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal diverse habitats along the Great Ruaha River and surrounding plains.
Expect sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs, as well as large populations of elephants and antelope species. The park’s dramatic landscapes and limited visitor numbers create a truly exclusive safari experience. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Continue your safari adventure with another full day in Ruaha National Park. Today allows deeper exploration of remote sections of the park, increasing chances of encountering predators and rare species.
Optional activities include guided walking safaris and night game drives, offering a different perspective of the bush and its nocturnal wildlife. These activities can be arranged in advance, subject to permits. Enjoy the flexibility of the day before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Spend a third full day in Ruaha, allowing for relaxed safari pacing and in-depth wildlife viewing. Morning game drives focus on predator activity, while afternoons can be spent exploring river systems or scenic viewpoints.
With fewer visitors than northern parks, Ruaha offers an unspoiled and intimate safari atmosphere. This final full safari day ensures ample time to absorb the park’s scale, wildlife, and raw beauty before your return journey.
After breakfast, begin the long drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving later in the evening. For added comfort, you may opt to fly back to Dar es Salaam at an additional cost, significantly reducing travel time.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or airport for onward travel. This marks the end of your Southern Tanzania safari adventure.
PAX
Solo
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
6 People
Costs Per Person
Whether it’s your first safari or one of many, let us turn your travel dreams into reality. With DL Adventure Travel and Safaris, your journey promises to be more than a trip—it’s a lifelong memory waiting to unfold.
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