Trip Overview
Explore Tanzania’s rich and diverse landscapes on this 9-day safari combining the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park, the classic savannah of Mikumi, the lush forests of the Udzungwa Mountains, and the vast beauty of Ruaha National Park. Conclude your adventure with a scenic flight to Zanzibar Island for beach relaxation and cultural experiences.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 : Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park + Sunset Boat Safari
Day 2: Full Day Safari in Nyerere National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Nyerere’s vast wilderness. The park’s landscapes include river channels, lagoons, open plains, and miombo woodlands. Game drives offer opportunities to see elephants in large family herds, giraffes browsing on acacias, buffalo gatherings, and predators such as lions and leopards. Nyerere is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot endangered African wild dogs. The sense of scale here is immense — wildlife roams freely across enormous untouched terrain, creating a true wilderness atmosphere.
Day 3: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, depart by road for an 8 to 9-hour drive to Mikumi National Park. The journey offers scenic views of southern Tanzania’s varied landscapes. Mikumi is often compared to the Serengeti due to its wide open plains and excellent visibility.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive across the Mkata Floodplain, where zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and buffalo graze in large numbers. Predators such as lions are commonly sighted, often resting on termite mounds, scanning the plains.
Day 4: Full Day Safari in Mikumi National Park
A full day of exploration allows you to discover more of Mikumi’s ecosystems, including woodland areas and seasonal waterholes. Elephants move between forest patches, giraffes stride gracefully across the plains, and hippos gather in muddy pools. The park is also rich in birdlife, with eagles, hornbills, and colorful rollers frequently spotted.
With fewer vehicles than in northern parks, wildlife sightings here feel intimate and unhurried. Return to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 5: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
After breakfast, drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, part of the Eastern Arc Mountain range. Unlike traditional safari parks, Udzungwa is best explored on foot. Upon arrival, embark on a guided hike through tropical rainforest trails. The park is home to endemic primates such as the Iringa red colobus monkey and Sanje mangabey. The highlight of the hike is the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, cascading dramatically from the forest canopy. The panoramic views from the upper falls are breathtaking. Overnight at a lodge near the park.
Day 6: Udzungwa – Ruaha National Park
Today’s journey takes you west toward Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second-largest national park and one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. As you enter Ruaha, the landscape shifts to rugged terrain, baobab- studded hills, and the life-sustaining Great Ruaha River. Afternoon game drives begin immediately upon arrival. Ruaha is known for its high concentration of predators, particularly lions, and large elephant populations. Dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 7 & 8 : Full Day in Ruaha National Park
Spend the day exploring Ruaha’s dramatic and varied landscapes. The Great Ruaha River attracts abundant wildlife, especially during the dry season. You may encounter large prides of lions, leopards in riverine trees, cheetahs on open plains, and substantial herds of buffalo. Ruaha is also home to rare antelope species such as sable and roan. The park’s remote nature ensures an authentic safari atmosphere with minimal vehicle traffic.
Day 9 : Fly-out to Zanzibar Island
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a scheduled bush flight to Zanzibar. As you soar above Tanzania’s landscapes, reflect on the diverse ecosystems experienced — river safaris, open plains, mountain forests, and predator-rich wilderness. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be transferred to your hotel and continue your journey with beach relaxation, historical and cultural exploration, or other tours. This marks the end of your Southern Parks drive-in-fly-out safari adventure.
Trip-Highlights
Trip Duration
9 Days, 8 Nights
Tour Start
On Any Date
Physical Rating
Easy
Accommodation
Budget/Luxury/Mid-Range
Detailed Breakdown
Safari Cost Includes
- All park fees, entrance fees, and Government Taxes;
- Pick-up at the Airport;
- Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof;
- Experienced English-speaking safari guide;
- 24/7 phone support;
- All accommodations under your program;
- Three meals per day on safari;
- Bottled water and soft drinks throughout the tour;
Safari Cost Excludes
- Air tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Tips for your safari guide.
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
Inquiry Space
DISCLAIMER
Please note that all trip prices are based on our own company costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. We reserve the right to alter trip prices should inflation, the cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp, or any other service provider raises their rates, we reserve the right to require additional payment from the client.
