5-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa & Nyerere

Your safari begins with a morning departure from Dar es Salaam as you drive towards Mikumi National Park, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours.

The drive takes you through changing landscapes, rural villages, and open countryside, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Tanzania. As you approach Mikumi, the scenery opens into wide savannah plains, often compared to the Serengeti due to their rich wildlife.

Upon arrival, you will begin your first game drive in the park. Mikumi is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and lions, along with a variety of antelope and bird species. Its open terrain makes wildlife easier to spot, making it an excellent introduction to your safari experience.

Later, proceed to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Mid-range lodge/camp in Mikumi
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast at your camp, you will set out to explore the wildlife-rich plains of Mikumi National Park, one of the most accessible and rewarding safari destinations in southern Tanzania.

Mikumi is often compared to the Serengeti due to its wide, open savannah and abundant wildlife, making it an excellent location for game viewing. The open landscape allows for easier spotting of animals, giving you a great chance to see a variety of species in a relatively short time.

During your morning game drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and several species of antelope. Lions are also present in the park, often seen resting in the shade or moving through the grasslands.

After the morning safari, you can return to your camp for lunch and some time to relax, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and views over the plains.

In the afternoon, you will head out again for another game drive, exploring different areas of the park and increasing your chances of spotting more wildlife and bird species.

You will stay at Vuma Hills Tented Camp, a comfortable mid-range tented camp set on a hillside with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The camp offers a relaxed atmosphere, spacious tents, and an authentic safari experience.

As the day comes to an end, return to camp for dinner and enjoy a quiet evening in the heart of nature.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp (Mid-range Tented Camp)

After breakfast at Vuma Hills Tented Camp, you will depart for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, located a short drive from Mikumi.

Udzungwa offers a completely different experience from traditional safari parks. Known for its lush tropical forests and rich biodiversity, it is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, one of Africa’s most important ecological regions.

Upon arrival, you will begin a guided hike through the forest to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, one of the highlights of the park. The trail takes you through dense vegetation, where you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys such as the rare Udzungwa red colobus and other endemic species.

The hike leads to the beautiful multi-tiered waterfalls, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding forest and plains. You will have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural setting before descending.

After the hike, transfer to your lodge for check-in and relaxation.

You will stay at
Udzungwa Falls Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge set in a peaceful environment near the park.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and unwind after a rewarding day of hiking and exploration.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge 

After breakfast at Udzungwa Falls Lodge, you will depart for Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife areas.

The journey takes you through the scenic countryside of southern Tanzania, passing through rural villages, open landscapes, and local communities. A packed lunch will be provided along the way.

Upon arrival in Nyerere in the afternoon, you will check in at your camp located near the Rufiji River, one of the park’s defining features. This river system supports a wide range of wildlife and creates a unique safari environment different from the open plains of Mikumi.

You will stay at Rufiji River Camp, a comfortable mid-range tented camp offering an authentic safari experience along the river.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure — relax at the camp, enjoy the views of the river, and listen to the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp and prepare for the next day’s activities.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp (Mid-range Tented Camp)

Start your day early with breakfast at Rufiji River Camp, followed by a morning boat safari along the Rufiji River, one of the most unique safari experiences in Tanzania.

This calm and scenic activity allows you to observe wildlife from the water. You may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and elephants gathering along the riverbanks, as well as a wide variety of birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.

After the boat safari, return to camp to freshen up and prepare for your journey back to Dar es Salaam.

You will then begin your transfer by road, traveling through southern Tanzania’s countryside, with a packed lunch provided along the way. The drive offers a final opportunity to experience local landscapes and reflect on your safari adventure.

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam in the late afternoon or evening, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch