Safari

Southern Circuit — 9 Days

Nyerere, Mikumi, the Udzungwa forest and Ruaha, end to end.

The full southern circuit, from the Rufiji boats of Nyerere through Mikumi and the Udzungwa forest to the lion country of Ruaha. Nine days in parks that between them see fewer visitors in a year than the Serengeti sees in a month.

Highlights

  • Boat and walking safaris in Nyerere
  • The Mkata floodplain in Mikumi
  • Forest walking and waterfalls in the Udzungwa mountains
  • Ruaha at the end, with its huge prides

The itinerary, day by day

  1. 01

    Dar es Salaam to Nyerere

    Nyerere National Park

    Flight or road transfer, afternoon game drive.

  2. 02

    Nyerere — game drive and boat

    Nyerere National Park

    A morning drive and an afternoon on the Rufiji.

  3. 03

    Nyerere — walking safari

    Nyerere National Park

    On foot at first light, then a long afternoon drive.

  4. 04

    Nyerere to Mikumi

    Mikumi National Park

    West across the plateau, arriving for an evening drive.

  5. 05

    Full day in Mikumi

    Mikumi National Park

    The floodplain early, the woodland late.

  6. 06

    Mikumi to Udzungwa

    Udzungwa Mountains

    A short transfer to the forest, and an afternoon walk to the Sanje waterfalls.

  7. 07

    Udzungwa to Ruaha

    Ruaha National Park

    A long drive west into baobab country, arriving by evening.

  8. 08

    Full day in Ruaha

    Ruaha National Park

    The Great Ruaha River at dawn, the miombo in the afternoon.

  9. 09

    Ruaha — morning drive, then fly out

    Ruaha National Park

    A last drive and the flight back.

What is included

  • All park entry and conservation fees
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional guide
  • Full board accommodation throughout
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport transfers

Not included

  • International flights and visa
  • Balloon flights and optional excursions
  • Drinks and personal items
  • Tips for your guide
  • Travel insurance

Questions about this trip

Is nine days too long in one region?

The parks are genuinely different — river, floodplain, montane forest, miombo — so it does not repeat itself the way a longer northern trip can.

Plan this journey

Tell us your dates and we will build it around you.

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