The full southern circuit weaves together three contrasting parks over nine unhurried days. Start with game drives, boat safaris and walks in Nyerere National Park on the Rufiji River, then cross to the wildlife-rich Mkata Floodplain of Mikumi for classic plains game.
The journey climbs to finish in the rainforest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a walkers park of endemic red colobus and the towering Sanje Waterfalls. This overland adventure blends water, savannah and forest for the most complete taste of southern Tanzania.
Leave Dar es Salaam after breakfast for the road transfer to Nyerere National Park, about five to six hours. Arrive at your riverside tented camp for lunch and a rest. Set out on an afternoon game drive to open your safari, returning to camp for dinner as darkness falls.
Enjoy a morning game drive across the floodplain in search of lions, giraffe and wild dogs. After lunch and a midday pause, board a boat for a Rufiji River cruise. Watch hippos and crocodiles at close range while herons and fish eagles work the shoreline.
Rise early for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, learning the bush at a slower pace. Continue to Lake Tagalala and its hot springs for a memorable stop. Return with a game drive in the afternoon and unwind at camp with a sundowner.
Spend a full day exploring deeper corners of Nyerere by vehicle, following the Rufiji channels and lakes. Break for a picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp during the heat. A second drive in the golden afternoon light offers more chances with elephant and buffalo before dinner.
After breakfast drive overland to Mikumi National Park along the Tanzam highway. Settle into your lodge near the park and take lunch. In the afternoon head onto the Mkata Floodplain for a game drive among elephants, zebra and grazing herds on the open plains.
Devote a full day to game drives across Mikumi, often called a mini Serengeti. Look for lions resting near the floodplain, along with giraffe, buffalo and abundant plains game. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and stay out until the light softens at sunset.
Take a short morning drive in Mikumi, then transfer the short distance to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Check in at your lodge at the forest edge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon set out on a gentle guided forest walk, listening for birds and the calls of endemic primates.
Spend the day hiking the rainforest trails of Udzungwa, a park explored entirely on foot with no game drives. Climb through lush forest toward the Sanje Waterfalls, which tumble around 170 metres in stages. Watch for the endemic Udzungwa red colobus in the canopy before returning to your lodge, tired and rewarded.
Enjoy a final breakfast at the forest edge before the long road transfer back to Dar es Salaam. Travel along the Tanzam highway with a lunch stop en route. Arrive in the city in the late afternoon, where your southern circuit safari concludes.
6 Days
5 Days
4 Days
