10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit

DAR ES SALAAM:

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and principal commercial hub, located on the eastern coast of the country along the Indian Ocean. It serves as a major gateway for international and domestic travel, primarily through Julius Nyerere International Airport.

NYERERE NATIONAL PARK:

Nyerere National Park offers vast, pristine wilderness with exceptional biodiversity, including large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and the endangered African wild dog. The park’s sheer size (over 30,000 square kilometers), the scenic Rufiji River, and a variety of safari activities—such as boat safaris, walking safaris, and classic game drives—set it apart from other Tanzanian parks. Its relatively recent establishment means fewer crowds and a more authentic safari experience.

MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK:

Mikumi National Park stands out for its rich concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rare species like the Sable antelope and African hunting dog. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam and the Serengeti-like Mkata floodplain make it ideal for both short and extended safaris, while the surrounding mountains and diverse habitats offer excellent birding, hiking, and photography opportunities.

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK:

Ruaha is abundant and diverse, with large populations of elephants—estimated at around 12,000—the biggest lion prides in Tanzania, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and rare antelope species such as greater and lesser kudu and roan antelope. The Great Ruaha River supports hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife, making the park a global biodiversity hotspot with over 570 bird species.

MODE OF TRANSPORT:

At Angulya Tours and Travel, we provide safari using a fleet of well-maintained, comfortable 4x4 vehicles designed specifically for game viewing in Kenya and Tanzania. Our vehicles include 4x4 Safari Vans and 4x4 Land Cruisers, all equipped with pop-up roofs and large windows to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities while ensuring passenger comfort and safety throughout the safari journey.

DRIVERS & GUIDES:

At Angulya Tours and Travel, we employ highly experienced, professional, and knowledgeable tour guides and drivers who are central to delivering exceptional safari experiences across Kenya and Tanzania. With over 15 years of expertise in East African safaris, our guides are carefully selected for their deep understanding of wildlife behavior, local cultures, and the geography of the parks, ensuring guests have the best opportunities for wildlife sightings and authentic encounters.

10 DAYS ITINERARY

‘’This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Southern Tanzania’s premier parks, blending diverse wildlife encounters with scenic landscapes and cultural insights, ensuring a rich and unforgettable safari experience’’ …Joseph

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

• Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam.

• Meet and greet by your Angulya Tours guide.

• Transfer to Serene Beach Resort located at the beach for overnight rest.

• Safari briefing and preparation for the journey ahead.

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

• Early breakfast, then drive approx. 4-5 hours to Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected wilderness (formerly Selous Game Reserve).

• Check into Rufiji River Camp

• Afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat.

• Dinner and overnight

Day 3: Full Day Game Drives in Nyerere (Selous)

• Early morning and afternoon game drives exploring diverse habitats—woodlands, savannah, and wetlands.

• Expect sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and wild dogs.

• Optional walking safari with an armed ranger for a closer bush experience.

• Overnight at Rufiji River Camp

Day 4: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

• After breakfast, drive approx. 6 hours to Mikumi National Park, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages.

• Picnic lunch en route.

• Late afternoon game drive in Mikumi, known for large herds of elephants, buffalo, impalas, and lions.

• Overnight at Bandas Mikumi Lodge

Day 5: Full Day Game Drives in Mikumi National Park

• Morning and afternoon game drives exploring Mikumi’s open plains and Miombo woodlands.

• Possible sightings include tree-climbing lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and diverse bird species.

• Overnight at Bandas Mikumi Lodge

Day 6: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park (via Iringa)

• Early morning departure to Ruaha National Park (approx. 6-7 hours).

• Optional cultural stops en route in Iringa, such as the Isimila Stone Age Site or Neema Crafts Centre.

• Arrive and check into Ruaha River Lodge

• Evening at leisure or short game drive.

• Overnight in Ruaha.

Day 7: Full Day Game Drives in Ruaha National Park

• Full-day game drives in Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, famous for large elephant populations, big cats, and rare antelope species.

• Explore river valleys, baobab-studded landscapes, and rocky outcrops.

• Birdwatching opportunities with over 570 species recorded.

• Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge

Day 8: Ruaha National Park

• Another full day of game drives or a combination of walking safari and vehicle game drives.

• Look for wild dogs, leopards, lions, and diverse herbivores in this relatively untouched wilderness.

• Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge

• Early morning game drive if time permits.

• Drive back to Dar es Salaam (long drive) or take a light aircraft flight for convenience.

• En route, stop at Mikumi for a late afternoon game drive and sunset viewing at the hippo pool.

• Overnight in Dar es Salaam.

Day 10: Departure from Dar es Salaam

• Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward flight.

• End of safari.

Included Services

• All park entrance fees and conservation charges.

• Accommodation on full board basis in lodges or tented camps.

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing.

• Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver with extensive knowledge of Southern Tanzania.

• Game drives, boat safari, and walking safari activities as per itinerary.

• Airport transfers and road transfers between parks.

• Bottled water during safari.

Optional Add-ons

• Hot air balloon safari (where available).

• Additional cultural visits or hiking excursions.

• Flight transfers between parks to reduce driving time.