10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
Africa's wildest and most untouched safari — Nyerere, Ruaha & Mikumi with barely another vehicle in sight
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive Dar es Salaam — Fly to Nyerere
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Transfer to the domestic terminal for a short flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve — Africa's largest protected area at 54,600 km²). Afternoon game drive from your bush camp. The Rufiji River, Africa's largest river delta, dominates the ecosystem.
Nyerere fly camp or lodge
Day 2 — Nyerere — Rufiji Boat Safari
A unique East Africa experience: a three-hour boat safari along the Rufiji River. Hippos crowd every bend, crocodiles sunbathe on sandy banks, and fish eagles cry overhead. Elephants come to drink in enormous herds. The boat brings you level with the waterline — a completely different perspective from a vehicle game drive. Afternoon walking safari with an armed ranger.
Nyerere fly camp or lodge
Day 3 — Nyerere — African Wild Dog Tracking
Nyerere has one of the highest concentrations of African wild dogs in the world. Packs cover huge ranges and sightings require an experienced tracker, but the effort is worth it — wild dogs are considered more endangered than lions and leopards. Morning game drive targeting wild dog territory, afternoon exploring the lake system near your camp.
Nyerere fly camp or lodge
Day 4 — Fly to Ruaha National Park
Morning game drive before a domestic flight to Ruaha — Tanzania's largest national park and one of the best-kept secrets in East Africa. Over 12,000 elephants roam Ruaha's semi-arid landscape. Afternoon game drive as you arrive into this extraordinary wilderness. The Great Ruaha River is the lifeblood of the park.
Ruaha bush camp
Day 5 — Ruaha — Lion and Wild Dog Territory
Full day in Ruaha. The park holds Tanzania's largest lion population — and uniquely, the African wild dog is resident here too, making Ruaha one of only a handful of parks where both apex predators coexist with large elephant herds. The semi-arid landscape is dramatically different from the northern circuit: rocky hills, mopane woodland, and dry riverbeds.
Ruaha bush camp
Day 6 — Ruaha — Morning Walking Safari
Walking safaris in Ruaha are a particular highlight — the semi-open bush and wide riverbeds are ideal terrain for tracking on foot. Walk with an armed ranger and experienced guide, learning to read tracks, identify dung, and understand the ecosystem at ground level. A truly immersive experience. Afternoon vehicle game drive.
Ruaha bush camp
Day 7 — Ruaha — Full Day Exploration
Final full day in Ruaha. Head to the more remote areas of the park where four-wheel drive is essential and wildlife is undisturbed. The Mwagusi Sand River holds water late into the dry season, concentrating elephants and predators. Ruaha's bird list exceeds 570 species — with migratory species from October onwards.
Ruaha bush camp
Day 8 — Fly to Mikumi — Afternoon Game Drive
Fly to Mikumi National Park — often called the "mini Serengeti" for its open floodplain and high wildlife density. Mikumi is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, making it popular with Tanzanian families on weekend trips, yet the wildlife is spectacular. The Mkata Floodplain is home to massive buffalo herds, giraffe, and resident lion prides.
Mikumi lodge
Day 9 — Mikumi — Full Day Safari
Full day in Mikumi exploring the floodplain and woodland zones. Mikumi offers one of Tanzania's most reliable wildebeest and zebra concentrations outside the northern circuit. Yellow baboons are abundant and provide entertaining viewing. The hippo pool near the park entrance is worth a stop — sometimes 50+ hippos visible from the viewing platform.
Mikumi lodge
Day 10 — Mikumi Morning Drive — Return Dar es Salaam
Final morning game drive before a transfer or flight back to Dar es Salaam. Arrive in time for connecting international flights or an overnight in the city. Dar es Salaam has excellent seafood restaurants and the bustling Kariakoo market for last-minute souvenirs.
Return to Dar es Salaam
Included
- ✓All domestic flights (Dar–Nyerere–Ruaha–Mikumi)
- ✓All park entrance and conservation fees
- ✓Private safari vehicle and guide
- ✓Full-board accommodation
- ✓Walking safari in Nyerere
- ✓Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- ✓Transfers from Dar es Salaam
Not included
- ✗International flights to Dar es Salaam
- ✗Tanzania visa ($50 USD)
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Gratuities
- ✗Premium beverages
- ✗Personal items
Frequently Asked Questions
Why visit the southern circuit instead of the northern circuit?
The southern circuit offers dramatically fewer tourists — you'll often have game drives with no other vehicles in sight. Wildlife density in Ruaha and Nyerere rivals the Serengeti, but the experience feels wilder and more exclusive. African wild dogs, rarely seen elsewhere, are reliably spotted. Southern parks are also better value at mid-range price points.
Is Nyerere the same as the Selous Game Reserve?
Yes — the Selous was renamed Nyerere National Park in 2019 to honour Tanzania's first president Julius Nyerere. The northern section became a national park with stricter protections; the southern section remains a game reserve. Most camps in the "Selous" area are now within Nyerere National Park.
What wildlife can I see in Ruaha that I can't see elsewhere?
Ruaha is the only park in Tanzania with both African wild dogs and large resident lion populations together. It also has the greatest elephant numbers in Tanzania (12,000+). Greater kudu, roan antelope, and sable antelope are more commonly seen here than in northern parks. Ruaha's bird list is also exceptional.
Do I need to fly between parks or can I drive?
Flying between Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mikumi is strongly recommended — roads are rough and distances large. The domestic flights are short (30–60 minutes) and offer aerial wildlife viewing over the parks. Several operators include these flights in their packages, and the time saved is substantial.
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