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Tanzania
6 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Price
- From $2,504 pp
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
Tanzania’s southern parks see a fraction of the northern circuit’s visitors, and this six-day loop out of Dar es Salaam is the shortest honest way to see three of them.
Nyerere National Park comes first, carved out of the old Selous and now one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It is big, hot, and empty of vehicles, and the boat safari on the Rufiji is what sets it apart from anywhere in the north. Then Mikumi, where the Mkata floodplain holds lion, elephant, buffalo and giraffe on open savannah with the Uluguru mountains behind.
The last stop is different again: the Udzungwa Mountains, where there are no game drives at all because you walk. The hike to Sanje Falls climbs through rainforest to a 170-metre waterfall you can swim beneath, and the forest holds two primates found nowhere else on earth.
This is a driving trip on real distances. If you want the Serengeti, this is not that. If you want to be somewhere most safari-goers never reach, it is.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Your adventure begins with a pickup from either the airport or your hotel in Dar Es Salaam, followed by a scenic drive to the Selous Game Reserve, lasting approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the beauty of the reserve with an afternoon boat safari along the majestic Rufiji River. Here, marvel at the abundance of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Your overnight stay awaits at the Selous Tented Camp, where both lunch and dinner will be served.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Selous Safari Lodge
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Exploration of Nyerere National Park
Today is filled with exhilarating activities in the sprawling Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary spanning an impressive 54,600 square kilometers, larger than Denmark and four times the size of the Serengeti! Embark on walking safaris, private game drives, and boating safaris to encounter an array of wildlife, including the world’s largest population of large game animals such as elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. Additionally, spot wildebeests, elands, giraffes, waterbucks, zebras, impalas, hippos, leopards, lions, and over 350 bird species. Retire for the night at the Selous Tented Camp, enjoying dinner and the comforts of your accommodation.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Selous Safari Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Drive from Nyerere National park to Mikumi National Park
Depart from Nyerere National Park in the morning, driving through the park’s northern sector with scenic wildlife viewing en route toward Mikumi National Park. This overland journey offers continued opportunities to spot plains game and diverse birdlife. Upon arrival in Mikumi, and depending on timing, proceed for an afternoon game drive across its open savannah landscapes. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Camp Bastian Mikumi.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Vuma Hill Tented Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Exploration of Mikumi National Park
Enjoy a full day of immersive game drives within the picturesque landscapes of Mikumi National Park. Marvel at a rich diversity of bird species, along with sightings of giraffes, buffalos, elephants, and, if fortunate, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. Keep an eye out for zebras, hippos, hartebeests, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs, elands, and various antelope species. Rest for the night at Camp Bastian Mikumi.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Vuma Hill Tented Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Hiking at Udzungwa – Sanje Waterfalls
Embark on an enchanting hiking experience after breakfast, venturing into the pristine primary forest towards the magnificent 180-meter Sanje Waterfall. Along the way, keep a lookout for primates, including the rare Iringa Red Colobus and Sanje Mangabey. Take a refreshing swim in plunge pools, witness endemic African Violets thriving in the misty spray zones, and savor lunch amidst the forest canopy overlooking the falls. Descend from this breathtaking vantage point and return to Udzungwa Forest Camp (Hondo Hondo) for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Camp Bastian
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 6
Transfer back to Dar Es Salaam
Conclude your unforgettable safari with a hearty breakfast before departing for Dar es Salaam. As you journey back, enjoy a packed lunch en route while reflecting on the exceptional wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic safari moments experienced across Tanzania’s iconic parks. Arrival in Dar es Salaam marks the end of a seamless and enriching adventure, leaving you with lasting memories of East Africa’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Meals:
- Breakfast and lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Round Trip Airport Transfers in Private Car
- Accommodations and Meals as specified in the Itinerary
- All wildlife/National park`s Entry fees
- En-route lunches
- All concessions/Camping fees
- Flying Doctors Evacuation fees
- Game drives in 4×4 extended safari land cruiser with pop-up roof
- Experienced and Knowledgeable English speaking driver-guide
- Packed Lunch boxes where necessary
- Enough bottled drinking water per person per day
Not Included
- International, and Local flight tickets
- Visa, and Travel Insurance
- Medical costs after being evacuated.
- Items of Personal Nature
- Drinks, beverages, and alcoholics drinks at the Hotel, Lodge or Tented Camp
- Tipping a driver-guide (USD 10-20 per person per day)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 6 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari cost?
- This safari starts from $2,504 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 6 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- June to October for the dry-season game viewing on the Mkata floodplain. Mikumi stays accessible year-round, which is part of its appeal.
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