Tanzania’s southern national parks, Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are popular among tourists for their diverse wildlife and untouched wilderness. Visitors can go on game drives and walking safaris to see animals like elephants, lions, and rare species up close and learn about conservation efforts. The remote and pristine wilderness areas offer visitors a sense of adventure and escape from everyday life.
Arrival in Dar es Salaam. One of our experienced drivers will meet you at Julius Nyere International Airport (DAR) and drive you to your accommodation in Dar es Salaam to recover from your journey before we begin our adventure.
This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a 5-hour drive to Selous Game Reserve. Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected wildlife area in Africa and is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and many others. The reserve covers an area larger than Switzerland and features a variety of habitats, however, only 5% of the reserve is open to tourists. The park’s terrain includes savannah woodlands, grassland plains, and rocky outcrops along the banks of the Rufiji River and its tributaries. During our 2 days here we will participate in the many different activities that the park has to offer. These activities include game drives, educational walking safaris, and a boat trip on the Rufiji River. At the end of each day, we will camp at one of the many fly camps in the reserve. Guests at these fly camps can look forward to delicious coal-fired meals and the cool breeze at night under the stars.
You will depart for Ifakara after breakfast and arrive around lunchtime. Ifakara is a town located in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania and is home to the Kilombero River. The Kilombero River is the largest river in this region of Tanzania, and it is an important water source for the region’s agriculture and livestock. Upon arrival, a canoe will be waiting for us and we will be transported upstream. During the journey, we may have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and birds, including the Kilombero Weaver and possibly even a shoebill. You will spend the afternoon boating and having a picnic lunch on a beautiful sandbank. In the evening, we will drive to a lodge for the night in the Udzungwa Mountains.
This park is located in the Eastern Arc Mountains, which are home to a large number of endemic species found nowhere else in the world. We will spend the day hiking through the picturesque forests and landscapes of Udzungwa with a professional guide. Along the way, you will learn about traditional medicinal plants and observe various birds. At the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Sanje Waterfalls. From the top, you will also be able to see the expansive Kilombero Valley, one of Tanzania’s most beautiful sightseeing attractions. The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a popular destination for hikers, offering a network of trails for you to explore. After our day of exploration, we will head back to our lodge/tented camp to have a wonderful dinner and campfire.
Wake up early and depart Uzungwa Mountains en route to Ruaha National Park. This park is the largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of over 10,000 square kilometers. The park is known for its diverse plant and animal life, including elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and rare and endangered species such as wild dogs. It is a wild and relatively untouched environment that offers a true taste of the African bush. During our three days here there is an array of activities for you to enjoy. Game drives in the morning to experience all that Ruaha has to offer and see the wildlife at their most active. There are also areas in the park we can go to to see amazing avian wildlife. Each day you will have the option to go on an evening walking safari when the weather cools down so you can get close to the wildlife and learn about the plants and animals you haven’t seen previously.
Birdwatching is another activity that our clients really enjoy. Many people come uninterested in birdwatching but are quickly amazed by the incredible birds that call this park home. We will also have the opportunity to visit a local Hehe tribe in a nearby village, where you can learn about their culture and traditions. We make sure to include some time to relax and unwind at our lodge/camp during these three days, so you can feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the next park after these active days.
You will begin today with a drive from Ruaha to Mikumi National park (aproxx. 5 Hours). We will make one stop along the way at the Isimila Stone Age Historical Site, an archaeological site that has yielded important fossils about the origins of mankind. Mikumi is known for its rich variety of bird species and large numbers of giraffe, buffalo, and elephants. You may also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. Upon arrival we will embark on a game drive and have a bush lunch in the heart of the park. The Mkata river floodplain is a vast, open area where you can easily spot a variety of animals, making it an ideal place to observe wildlife before your journey comes to an end.
The afternoon will be spent at our accommodation with an optional nature walk in the evening. Activities the following days wil be cultural site visits, final game drives(some of which being at nighttime!), and relaxing at our lodge/camp to play games and have a good time.
After a lazy breakfast and relaxing morning we wil begin the journey back to Dar es Salaam. The drive will take approximately 5-6 hours with one stop for lunch along the way. We will arrive at the hotel in Dar es Salaam in the evening and check into our accommodation where you can enjoy the comfortable amenities before your journey the next day.
One of our guides will pick you up from your hotel and shuttle you to the airport in time for your flight.
Please note that this is just a suggestion and can be modified to suit your specific interests and preferences. Your personal guide will be available to offer recommendations and help you tailor your safari to your interests. You can choose when to start and end your daily activities, and how much time to spend observing particular animals or herds. This tour includes significant driving time, but flights can be arranged between parks to reduce travel time if you prefer. This customized approach allows you to make the most of your safari and create lasting memories. Safari Add ons are available upon request.
If you have questions about any aspect of an itinerary, don’t hesitate to ask. Customization is our specialty.
