Southern Circuit Β· Off the Beaten Path
Wander Through Untamed, Raw Africa
This expedition guides you through the untamed heart of Tanzania across the south’s premier protected areas. Beginning in Dar es Salaam, you fly to Ruaha National Park for big-cat encounters amid baobab landscapes, continue overland through Mikumi’s savannahs, and immerse yourself in Nyerere National Park’s wetlands along the mighty Rufiji River.
Remote and minimally touristed, these parks deliver Africa’s Big Five and rare species β including African wild dogs β across three safari styles: game drives, boat excursions and ranger-led walking safaris.
- Remote, uncrowded parks β Ruaha, Mikumi & Nyerere (Selous)
- Game drives, boat safaris & walking safaris in one trip
- Over 570 recorded bird species in Ruaha alone
- Authentic lodges far from the crowds
9 Days
8 Nights, Mostly Full Board
3 Parks
Ruaha Β· Mikumi Β· Nyerere
3 Styles
Drive Β· Boat Β· Walk
570+
Bird Species in Ruaha
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Dar es Salaam
Arrive in the port city and transfer to your hotel. Relax by the pool or explore the vibrant city streets at your leisure, with optional tours available.
- π 1-hr transfer
- ποΈ City hotel
Day 2
Fly to Ruaha National Park
After an early breakfast, take a domestic flight to Ruaha. Your guide meets you on arrival and, after lunch at the lodge, the first game drive begins.
- βοΈ 1-hr flight + 30-min drive
- ποΈ Ruaha safari lodge
- π½οΈ Full board
Day 3
Ruaha Exploration
Begin with a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active, followed by a bush breakfast. The afternoon drive seeks leopards and African wild dogs β while bird enthusiasts enjoy over 570 recorded species.
- π Sunrise drive & bush breakfast
- π Leopard & wild dog country
- ποΈ Ruaha safari lodge
Day 4
Ruaha to Mikumi
An overland drive through rural Tanzania with lunch en route, reaching Mikumi by late afternoon for a short game drive as the sun sets over the distant Uluguru Mountains.
- π 5β6 hrs
- ποΈ Mikumi safari camp
- π½οΈ Full board
Day 5
Mikumi National Park
A full-day exploration of the vast Mkata Floodplain, which offers superb game viewing with easy visibility. Picnic lunch in the park and an afternoon visit to the Hippo Pools; optional night drives available.
- π¦ Mkata Floodplain
- π Hippo Pools
- ποΈ Lodge in Mikumi
Day 6
Mikumi to Nyerere National Park
Depart after breakfast through dramatic countryside, arriving at your lodge by the Rufiji River in time for a late lunch. The afternoon boat safari brings hippos, crocodiles and spectacular birdlife.
- π 6β7 hrs
- πΆ Afternoon boat safari
- ποΈ Rufiji River lodge
Day 7
Nyerere Immersion
An early-morning walking safari with armed rangers reveals the secrets of animal tracks, medicinal plants and bush survival. The afternoon brings a game drive and a sunset boat safari on the Rufiji.
- π₯Ύ Walking safari
- π Sunset boat cruise
- ποΈ Rufiji River lodge
Day 8
Fly Back to Dar es Salaam
A morning transfer to the airstrip for your return flight. On arrival you’re met and transferred to your city hotel, with the afternoon at leisure or on an optional city tour.
- π 1-hr drive + βοΈ 1-hr flight
- ποΈ City hotel
Day 9
Departure
A relaxed morning at your hotel or a short city tour depending on your flight schedule β perhaps the waterfront market or Msasani Peninsula β before your airport transfer.
- βοΈ Flexible timing
- π Karibu tena β welcome again
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Accommodation as listed
- Domestic flights (Dar es SalaamβRuaha, NyerereβDar)
- Ground transport in a 4Γ4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All park and conservation fees
- Scheduled game drives, boat safaris & walking safaris
- Meals as specified (mostly full board) & mineral water
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance & visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses β souvenirs, laundry, extra drinks
- Optional excursions not listed
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours β usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
Go Wild in the South
Escape the crowds on a tailor-made southern-circuit adventure β we’ll handle every leg.