8 Day:
Mikumi, Ruaha, Selous
Discover Tanzania’s best-kept secret on this southern circuit adventure through three spectacular parks that offer authentic wilderness experiences with minimal crowds. From Mikumi’s accessible Serengeti-style plains to Ruaha’s massive lion prides and Selous’s pristine river systems, you’ll experience Africa as it was meant to be – wild, remote, and unforgettable.
This circuit showcases Tanzania’s incredible diversity beyond the famous northern parks, offering unique experiences like walking safaris, boat safaris, and encounters with some of Africa’s largest elephant and lion populations. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic wilderness adventures away from tourist crowds while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guiding.
Drive Time: 4 hours | Activities: Afternoon game drive
Depart Dar es Salaam after breakfast for the scenic 4-hour drive to Mikumi National Park, Tanzania’s most accessible southern park. The journey takes you through rural villages and changing landscapes from coast to savanna. Arrive for lunch then enjoy afternoon game drive across the park’s open plains that mirror the famous Serengeti with large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo.
Accommodation: Mikumi Wildlife Camp.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives
Complete day exploring Mikumi’s 3,230 square kilometers of diverse landscapes including floodplains, miombo woodlands, and mountain ranges. The park hosts over 400 bird species and large mammals including elephants, giraffes, lions, and hippos. Visit the hippo pools where hundreds of hippos spend their days, and search for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation: Mikumi Wildlife Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: 5 hours | Activities: Travel day with scenic stops
Early departure for the journey to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest park covering 20,226 square kilometers. The drive takes you through spectacular landscapes of baobab trees, rocky outcrops, and traditional villages. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch and afternoon rest before tomorrow’s wilderness adventures begin.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives
Explore Ruaha’s incredible wildlife including Tanzania’s largest elephant population with over 12,000 individuals. The park hosts the largest concentration of lions in East Africa with prides reaching 30+ members, plus one of Africa’s largest wild dog populations with over 100 individuals. The Great Ruaha River creates dramatic landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight Time: 1 hour | Activities: Afternoon boat safari
Morning flight from Ruaha to Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), Africa’s largest protected area covering 50,000 square kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers pristine wilderness with minimal tourism development. Arrive for lunch then enjoy afternoon boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River spotting hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Accommodation: Selous Safari Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Walking safari & afternoon game drive
Experience Africa’s ultimate wilderness adventure with a guided walking safari through pristine bush, getting close to wildlife on foot with armed ranger escort. This unique experience offers intimate encounters with smaller wildlife and detailed bush craft lessons. Afternoon game drive across diverse landscapes including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands teeming with wildlife.
Accommodation: Selous Safari Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight Time: 45 minutes | Activities: Morning game drive
Final morning game drive in Selous spotting elephants, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs in this untouched wilderness. The reserve hosts over 350 bird species and provides authentic safari experiences far from tourist crowds. Afternoon flight back to Dar es Salaam for overnight before international departure or onward travel.
Accommodation: Southern Sun Dar es Salaam Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for international departure, taking with you memories of Tanzania’s incredible southern wilderness and authentic safari experiences that few travelers ever discover.
Meals: Breakfast
✔ All accommodations in lodges and luxury tented camps
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour
✔ Mount Kilimanjaro day trek with guide and porter
✔ All park fees and conservation charges
✔ Transport in a 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
✔ Meals as per itinerary
✘ Visa fees
✘ Tips and gratuities
✘ International & domestic flights
✘ Hotel drinks and optional activities
✘ Personal spending money (souvenirs, etc.)
Find your ideal Tanzania adventure with our comprehensive range of safari itineraries, each carefully crafted to deliver exceptional wildlife viewing, cultural insights, and authentic African experiences.
“Excellent guides who not only know how to guide a raft through the rapids, but can explain the geology and the history of the area. This trip gives you the opportunity to see a part of Dinosaur National Monument that most people never get to see”
Tourist, Canada
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