9-Day Southern Tanzania Safari — Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha

Day-by-day itinerary

Route: Dar es Salaam → Nyerere National Park (Selous legacy route) → Mikumi National Park → Ruaha National Park → Mikumi National Park → Dar es Salaam

1. Day 1

   Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park

   You leave Dar es Salaam after breakfast and head for Nyerere National Park. On arrival at Nyerere National Park you check in and the remainder of the day is at a relaxed pace. Expect a straightforward road journey, with the exact timing depending on conditions. Transport and game drives are shared with other travellers on this joining departure. You return for dinner and an overnight stay at Nyerere National Park.

2. Day 2

   Full-Day Nyerere National Park Safari

   The day is set aside for Nyerere National Park, with drives timed around the first and last hours of light. You explore the area with your guide through the course of the day. Transport and game drives are shared with other travellers on this joining departure. Lunch is either taken back at camp or carried as a picnic so you can stay out longer. You return to your camp or lodge for dinner and a second night at Nyerere National Park.

3. Day 3

   Full-Day Nyerere National Park Safari

   Continue wildlife viewing. A walking safari may only be operated with the required authorised guide or ranger and must be confirmed in advance. The drives cover the Rufiji River, its lakes and channels, and the miombo woodland of the former Selous Game Reserve, moving between habitats as conditions change. There is the possibility of seeing elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, giraffe and, with luck, African wild dog, though wild sightings are never guaranteed. Where the confirmed programme includes it, a boat trip on the Rufiji gives a different view of the river's hippo and birdlife. Nyerere is one of Africa's largest protected areas, and the Rufiji River system shapes much of its wildlife viewing. The evening returns you to your Nyerere National Park accommodation for dinner and overnight.

4. Day 4

   Nyerere National Park — Rufiji River Programme

   Use the final Nyerere day for the approved activity programme. A Rufiji River boat safari may be included only when confirmed with an authorised operator. The surroundings take in the Rufiji River, its lakes and channels, and the miombo woodland of the former Selous Game Reserve. There is the possibility of seeing elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, giraffe and, with luck, African wild dog, though sightings are never guaranteed. Dinner and overnight are at your accommodation in Nyerere National Park.

5. Day 5

   Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

   Following an early breakfast, the day begins with the road transfer from Nyerere to Mikumi National Park. You arrive at Mikumi National Park, check in and have time to settle before the next stage of the journey. The drive is broken with stops to stretch, and timings are approximate rather than fixed. The evening is spent at your Mikumi National Park accommodation, with dinner and overnight there.

6. Day 6

   Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

   The day opens in Mikumi with a morning departure for Ruaha National Park. On arrival at Ruaha National Park you check in and the remainder of the day is at a relaxed pace. Your guide sets the pace, allowing time for photographs where the country opens up. You return for dinner and an overnight stay at Ruaha National Park.

7. Day 7

   Full-Day Ruaha National Park Safari

   You have a complete day in Ruaha National Park, starting early while the air is still cool and animals are active. You explore the area with your guide through the course of the day. You return to your camp or lodge for dinner and a second night at Ruaha National Park. Meals are arranged around the drives rather than the other way round.

8. Day 8

   Ruaha to Mikumi National Park

   Breakfast is taken before you set out from Ruaha for the drive to Mikumi National Park. You arrive at Mikumi National Park, check in and have time to settle before the next stage of the journey. Travelling time depends on road and border conditions on the day, and your guide will confirm the schedule each morning. Dinner and overnight are at your camp or lodge in Mikumi National Park.

9. Day 9

   Mikumi to Dar es Salaam

   Following an early breakfast, the day begins with the road transfer from Mikumi to Dar es Salaam, returning east through the coastal hinterland to the city. Arrival in Dar es Salaam is usually in the afternoon, depending on traffic and road conditions on the approach. Dar es Salaam is the usual start and end point for road safaris to the southern parks. You are dropped at your Dar es Salaam hotel or the airport in the late afternoon.