9 Days in Southern Tanzania: Wander Through Untamed Raw Africa

Arrive in the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam, where your adventure begins. Upon landing, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your comfortable hotel for an overnight stay. Relax by the pool or explore the vibrant city streets at your leisure. Take this time to prepare and rest before your upcoming safari journey. Depending on your arrival time, optional local tours can be arranged. Dinner is on your own tonight, allowing you to sample the local cuisine if you wish.
Duration: 1 hour transfer
Accommodation: City hotel in Dar es Salaam

After an early breakfast, transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your domestic flight to Ruaha National Park. As you soar above Tanzania’s landscapes, admire the dramatic scenery below. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your lodge nestled around the park. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out on your first thrilling afternoon game drive. Ruaha is known for its rugged beauty, baobab-dotted landscapes, and high concentration of predators, particularly lions. Return to camp at sunset for a hearty dinner and stories around the fire.
Duration: 1-hour flight + 30 min drive
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Ruaha National Park or Similar

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Ruaha National Park. Begin with a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active, with excellent chances of spotting elephants, kudu, and hunting prides of lion. After a hearty bush breakfast, continue exploring different habitats, from riverine forests to open plains. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and some downtime before your afternoon drive, where you may encounter elusive leopards and African wild dogs. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the rich diversity with over 570 recorded species. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of stargazing.
Duration: Full day game drives
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, bid farewell to Ruaha and set out on an adventurous drive toward Mikumi National Park. The journey offers a changing tapestry of landscapes and the opportunity to see rural Tanzanian life along the way. Stop for lunch en route before reaching Mikumi by late afternoon. After checking into your camp, embark on a short game drive across the open floodplains, famed for sightings of giraffes, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest. As the sun sets over the distant Uluguru Mountains, return to your camp for a well-deserved dinner under the stars.
Duration: 5–6 hours drive
Accommodation: Safari camp in Mikumi National Park or Similar

Rise early for a full day of exploration in Mikumi National Park. The vast Mkata Floodplain offers superb game viewing with easy visibility of animals. You may spot large herds of buffalo, giraffes gracefully crossing the savannah, and perhaps a pride of lions resting in the shade. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, visit the Hippo Pools where crocodiles and hippos laze in the muddy waters. Return to camp in the late afternoon with time to relax before dinner. Optional night drives can be arranged for nocturnal wildlife viewing.
Duration: Full day game drives
Accommodation: Mikumi Safari Lodge

After breakfast, depart for the journey to Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The drive takes you through small villages and dramatic countryside. Arrive at your lodge by the Rufiji River in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat safari along the river, where you'll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birdlife. Watch the sunset over the water while sipping a drink on board. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, listening to the sounds of the African night.
Duration: 6–7 hours drive
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Nyerere National Park

Spend the day immersed in the wild beauty of Southern Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park. Begin with an early morning walking safari, guided by armed rangers who reveal secrets of animal tracks, medicinal plants, and bush survival. Wander through open plains and riverine forests before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive in search of elephants, lions, and the elusive African wild dog. Later, glide along the Rufiji River on a boat safari, watching wildlife gather as the sun sets. Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night in this untouched wilderness.

Duration: Full day activities
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Nyerere National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip inside Nyerere National Park for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city hotel where you can relax after days of thrilling safari adventures. Spend the afternoon at leisure—whether relaxing at the hotel, shopping for souvenirs, or exploring the nearby markets. If you wish, optional tours of the city, including visits to the National Museum or the vibrant Kariakoo Market, can be arranged. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant or at your hotel.
Duration: 1-hour drive + 1-hour flight
Accommodation: City hotel in Dar es Salaam

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel or take a short city tour depending on your flight schedule. You might visit the waterfront fish market, stroll along the lively Msasani Peninsula, or simply unwind before your journey. Later, transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your departure flight, carrying home memories of Africa’s vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality. This concludes your unforgettable 9-day Southern Tanzania safari adventure. Safe travels and karibu tena – welcome again!
Duration: Flexible depending on flight schedule
Accommodation: None (departure day)