Safari Overview
This safari tour provides an opportunity to discover two of Africa’s most significant wildlife sanctuaries within the Southern safari circuit of Tanzania: Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, along with a permit for an overnight stay and a brief game drive at Mikumi National Park situated between the two parks.
Safari Highlights
- Birdwatching
- Game Drives
- Walking Safari
- Community Village Visits
Itinerary
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, meet and greet with our representative and transfer to the city center for overnight
Accommodation: Golden Tulip or Similar Lodge/Camp
Meals: Booked on Bed & breakfast
After breakfast, drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park with packed lunch for a game drive. Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park. It’s also the most accessible from Dar es Salaam. With almost guaranteed wildlife sightings, the open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular center piece of Mikumi, draws frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. Head back to the lodge late afternoon for overnight.
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp or Similar lodge/camp
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
Today, we head to Ruaha National Park where we will have a game drive in the afternoon. This is a more extensive ecosystem, which includes Rungwa Game Reserve, Usangu Game Reserve, and several other protected areas. The name of the park is derived from the Great Ruaha River, which flows along its South-Eastern margin and is the focus for game-viewing. Ruaha is believed to have a high concentration of elephants than any National Park in East Africa. It is also a place where, magnificent mammals like Kudu, Sable and Roan antelopes can easily be spotted in Miombo woodland. The park is also a habitat for endangered wild dogs. Other animals in the park include lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffes, zebras, elands, impala, bat eared foxes and jackals.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or Simliar Lodge/camp
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
After breakfast, you dedicate these days in Ruaha for morning and afternoon game drives. You will have all meals at your lodge. Ruaha National Park (10.300km²) is the most visited National Park in the southern part of Tanzania. Due to its size and the fact that the South of Tanzania is less visited than the northern parks, you still have ample of space and you will see hardly any safari vehicles. Ruaha National Park forms a border between Africa’s eastern and southern eco- system. Here you will find kudus, which you will find seldom further north and during the same time you can see grant gazelles which reach their southernmost breeding area. The source of life in the park is doubtless the Great Ruaha River with its huge numbers of crocodiles and hippos.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or Simliar Lodge/camp
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
Full Day Ruaha National Park
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or Simliar Lodge/camp
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
After breakfast, we head for a game drive en route back to Mikumi. This is to make our way to the Selous Game Reserve the following day as Mikumi is bordered to the south with the Selous Game Reserve, the two areas forming a unique ecosystem.
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp or Similar Lodge/Camp
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
After breakfast, we head towards the Selous Game Reserve through Matemwe gate. After Morogoro, you will leave the tar road and drive along the Uluguru Mountains through remote villages. Depending on our time of arrival, we can go on a short game drive or you can spend this day relaxing in your lodge and to prepare for 2 full days of safari in this reserve.
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp or Similar Camp/Lodge
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
Selous Game Reserve is the biggest wildlife conservation area in Africa and forms together with the bordering Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks an area which is as big as Switzerland! Today, you drive through the northern part of the reserve which is open for photo safaris. On the way, you have plenty of time for unique wildlife encounters in this unspoiled environment. Besides the typical residents of the African bush, you can spot up to 400 different bird species. However, it is not always easy to see the animals and birds because of the dense vegetation. Optional Activities such as walking in the wilderness or boat cruise can be arranged at extra cost.
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp or Similar Camp/Lodge
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
Full day Selous Game Reserve
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp or Similar Camp/Lodge
Meals: All Meals included (Premium Drinks not included)
After breakfast, we drive towards the Indian Ocean through Mtemere Gate and at around noon you will reach Dar Es Salaam. Transfer to airport or hotel at your own arrangement.
No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Premium Drinks not included)
What's Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
What's Not Included
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Most Asked Safari Questions
Many travelers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Please find a comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Tanzania here.
Dry Season (June to October & December to February): These months are ideal for safaris and beach visits due to the pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, expect higher hotel rates and more crowded parks and attractions.
Mid Season (March & November): This period offers a balance of moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists. The weather can be variable, and some attractions might have limited availability (due to rains), but you still get great wildlife sightings and a more relaxed safari experience.
Wet Season (April & May): Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the low season features the lowest hotel rates and the least crowded parks. The heavy rains make the scenery vibrant and lush, but travel plans can be affected by the weather.
Our safaris in Tanzania offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Landcruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.
At Tanzania Specialist, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be observed in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Absolutely, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country offers a hospitable environment, especially in tourist areas like Arusha, and you can explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife with confidence. Local people are friendly, and safety measures, such as keeping an eye on your belongings, are always advisable, just as you would in any other part of the world. Tanzania’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people make it a fantastic place to visit.
