8 Days Southern Tanzania Safari by Road

Experience an unforgettable 8-day journey through Southern Tanzania’s most pristine wilderness areas. This adventure combines thrilling game drives, serene boat excursions, and immersive walking safaris, offering intimate encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

• Afternoon: Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, our friendly driver will greet you and escort you to your comfortable hotel. Take this time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at a selected hotel in Dar es Salaam.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)

• Morning: After a hearty breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Nyerere National Park, approximately 220 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam, a journey of about 6 hours.
• Afternoon: Upon arrival, savor a delightful lunch before embarking on a captivating boat safari along the Rufiji River. Glide past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and a vibrant array of birdlife as the sun sets over the water.

Accommodation: Overnight at Selous River Camp.

Day 3: Exploring Nyerere National Park

• Full Day: Delve deep into the heart of Nyerere with extensive game drives. Traverse diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to dense woodlands, in search of majestic elephants, elusive leopards, playful wild dogs, towering giraffes, and an array of antelope species.

Accommodation: Overnight at Selous River Camp.

Day 4: Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park

• Morning: Depart for Mikumi National Park, covering a distance of about 320 kilometers, which translates to a 5-hour drive through picturesque Tanzanian countryside.
• Afternoon: After settling in and enjoying lunch, venture into Mikumi for an introductory game drive. The park’s expansive plains are reminiscent of the Serengeti and are teeming with wildlife.

Accommodation: Overnight at Foxes Safari Camp.

Day 5: Discovering Mikumi National Park

• Full Day: Embark on morning and afternoon game drives. Keep your eyes peeled for large herds of buffalo, graceful zebras, mighty elephants, and predators like lions and hyenas. The park’s varied habitats also make it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Accommodation: Overnight at Foxes Safari Camp.

Day 6: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

• Morning: Set off towards Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, located approximately 320 kilometers from Mikumi, a journey of about 7 hours.
• Afternoon: Upon arrival and after a refreshing lunch, embark on a game drive to acquaint yourself with Ruaha’s rugged beauty and abundant wildlife.

Accommodation: Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Day 7: Immersive Experience in Ruaha National Park

• Full Day: Explore the wilds of Ruaha with comprehensive game drives. The park boasts one of Tanzania’s highest concentrations of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Additionally, its diverse landscapes support large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

Accommodation: Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Day 8: Return to Dar es Salaam

• Morning: After breakfast, commence the journey back to Dar es Salaam, approximately 625 kilometers, which typically takes around 8 hours by road.
• Evening: Depending on your onward travel plans, we can arrange a transfer to the airport for your departure flight or to a hotel for an extended stay in Dar es Salaam.