9 Days Safari Mikumi, Ruaha and Selous (Nyerere National Park)

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our 9 Days Safari Mikumi, Ruaha, and Selous (Nyerere National Park). This extraordinary safari takes you through three of Tanzania’s southern national parks, each offering its own unique wonders.

Mikumi National Park boasts an incredible array of wildlife, including the majestic ‘Big Five’ except the rhino. Witness a mesmerizing sight as lions effortlessly climb trees, a spectacle more common here than anywhere else. Discover the untamed beauty of Ruaha National Park, home to an unparalleled concentration of elephants that surpasses all other parks in East Africa. And finally, delve into the untouched wilderness of Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the freedom to travel at your own pace, accompanied by a personal safari vehicle and guide.

Our carefully selected mid-range class hotels ensure your comfort throughout the journey, but for those seeking added luxury, we offer the option to luxury class accommodations. Prepare to immerse yourself in the breathtaking wonders of Tanzania’s southern national parks.

9 Days Safari Mikumi, Ruaha and Selous Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Dar es Salaam

Arriving in Dar Es Salaam, our team will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the city center hotel. Take a moment to soak in the vibrant African atmosphere and relax. Our knowledgeable safari guides are here to enhance your experience and answer any questions you may have about Tanzanian culture, national parks, and sights. Feel free to customize your safari according to your preferences – choose your departure time, observe specific animals for as long as you like, and embrace the freedom of an exclusive private safari. Your personal guide will provide expert advice throughout the journey, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Your safari adventure begins tomorrow morning! Spend the night at the conveniently located Golden Tulip Hotel in the city center.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

After a delicious breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel for a scenic 4-hour drive to Mikumi National Park. As you arrive, prepare for your first thrilling game drive where you can spot a diverse range of wildlife. Often compared to the famous Serengeti Plains, Mikumi boasts vast horizons and an abundance of animals. Keep an eye out for cheetahs, lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and even lions climbing trees – a unique sight that sets Mikumi apart. Your day ends with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at Camp Bastian.

Day 3: Mikumi National Park

This day is dedicated to exploring Mikumi National Park further with a full day game drive. Traverse the Mkata Foodplain, a wildlife haven offering fantastic viewing opportunities. Lions survey their grassy kingdom from atop termite mounds or in the trees during the rainy season. Giraffes gracefully forage in the acacia stands near the Mkata River, which is also a favored spot for Mikumi’s elephants. Keep your eyes peeled for elands, greater kudus, and sable antelopes in the park’s foothills. Don’t miss the chance to witness the entertaining hippos in their mud pools, accompanied by a variety of water birds. Retire for the night at Camp Bastian, cherishing the memories made during the day.

Day 4: Drive from Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

Embark on a scenic 5-hour drive from Mikumi to Ruaha National Park on day 4. Upon arrival, indulge in an afternoon game drive, immersing yourself in Tanzania’s second-largest park. The Great Ruaha River, flowing through the park, attracts a significant population of African elephants, offering incredible opportunities for close encounters. Ruaha boasts one of the largest concentrations of elephants in East Africa and boasts a considerable lion population. Keep an eye out for the diverse plant and tree species, including acacias and baobabs that dominate the landscape. Enjoy a delightful dinner and settle in for the night at Ruaha River Lodge.

Day 5: Explore Ruaha National Park

Conduct at a thrilling full day game drive in Ruaha National Park. As you explore the park, admire the remarkable variety of plants and trees, with over 1,650 identified species. Marvel at Ruaha’s impressive wildlife, including kudus, sable and roan antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, bat-eared foxes, and jackals. With luck on your side, you may even catch a glimpse of the endangered wild dogs. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner and a restful overnight stay at Ruaha River Lodge.

Day 6: Fly from Ruaha to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

After enjoying your breakfast we will transfer you to the nearby Msembe airstrip for a remarkable flight to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park). This expansive reserve showcases an array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, Masai giraffes, and more. Unlike the bustling parks, Selous offers a quieter and undisturbed safari experience. The reserve is crossed by the Rufiji River, which eventually reaches the Indian Ocean, and features a swampy area favored by crocodiles and hippos. Selous stands out as one of the few national parks where you can also enjoy  game viewing experience on game drives, boat safari and walking safari escorted by an armed ranger. Alternatively, explore the landscape from the comfort of a car, spotting numerous animals along the way. Enjoy dinner and restful night at Rufiji River Camp.

Day 7: Exploring Selous (Nyerere National Park)

Today you embark on an un-forgetable  morning boat safari in the able boat safari on the Rufiji River and its lakes. From the boat, you’ll have the privilege of observing animals coming to the water to drink or cool down. Keep a lookout for giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, kudus, warthogs, and even elephants bathing. Indulge in a picturesque picnic lunch at one of the lakes, surrounded by breathtaking views and serenaded by a chorus of birds. We highly recommend the full-day boat tour as it allows you to get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife. Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of nature, creating cherished memories.

Day 8: Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Today morning you can opt to go on walking safari and later proceed with game drives in the game reserve.  Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River camp

Day 9: Fly out Selous

Depending on your flight your driver will transfers you to the airport for your departure flight back to Dar es Salaam or other destination to continue with your holiday.

Safari Cost Includes

Mikumi park fee
Mineral water 1.5lt per person per day
Salary for a Professional English speaking driver guide
Full board Accommodation at Camp Bastian
Transport on 4WD vehicle with the pop-up roof

Safari Cost Excludes

Accommodation in Dar es salaam.
Airport departure tax
Hot and cold drinks at the lodges
Flying doctors insurance
Tips to the driver guide
All items of the personal nature