9 Days Safari: Mikumi, Ruaha, and Selous

Embark on a captivating 9-day safari through Tanzania’s Southern Circuit, featuring the untamed beauty of Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, and Ruaha National Park. Away from the bustling northern parks, this adventure offers exclusive game viewing, diverse landscapes, and a variety of activities that promise an intimate connection with nature. 9 Days Tanzania Southern Selous Mikumi and Ruaha

Why Choose the Southern Circuit?
The Southern Circuit showcases some of Tanzania’s most pristine wilderness areas, with fewer tourists and unparalleled opportunities for exploration. From Selous’ vast waterways to Mikumi’s open savannahs and Ruaha’s rugged terrain, each destination provides unique encounters with wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Itinerary Highlights

Selous Game Reserve: Discover one of Africa’s largest protected areas, home to vast herds of elephants, lions, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. Enjoy traditional game drives, walking safaris, and serene boat excursions along the Rufiji River.
Mikumi National Park: Known as the “Little Serengeti,” Mikumi offers excellent wildlife viewing, including giraffes, zebras, lions, and hippos, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Ruaha National Park: Venture into Tanzania’s largest national park, renowned for its dramatic scenery, predator-rich ecosystem, and large populations of elephants and kudu.

Unique Safari Activities
This itinerary includes a blend of traditional and adventurous activities, such as:

Guided walking safaris for an up-close experience with nature.
Boating safaris on the Rufiji River to view aquatic wildlife and birds.
Game drives in uncrowded settings, maximizing wildlife encounters.

Exclusive Wilderness Encounters
Beyond the Southern Circuit, consider extending your adventure to explore the remote western parks of Katavi and Mahale for rare and unparalleled safari experiences. These destinations offer secluded fly-camping and the chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit
The Southern Circuit can be explored year-round, but the dry season from June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources.

Immerse Yourself in Untamed Beauty
Uncover the hidden treasures of Tanzania’s southern wilderness on this 9-day journey, where every moment offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience. Whether it’s gliding on tranquil rivers, walking amidst wildlife, or witnessing breathtaking sunsets, this adventure promises memories to last a lifetime.

Day 1

Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve

Commence your journey from the heart of Dar es Salaam as you are picked up from the city center. Head towards the vast wilderness of the Selous Game Reserve with a delightful picnic lunch en route.

As the day unfolds, experience the magic of the Selous with a late afternoon boat safari along the majestic Rufiji River. Be prepared to encounter a myriad of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, as they thrive in abundance along the riverbanks. The reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 350 recorded bird species. The avian diversity, typical of miombo woodlands, adds an extra layer of fascination to the Rufiji swamplands.

As the sun begins its descent, relish in the unique charm of the surroundings. Your dinner and overnight stay await you at the enchanting Zarafa Tented Camp, where the sounds of the wild will serenade you into a restful night (L, D).

Embark on this captivating journey, where the rhythm of the Rufiji River sets the tone for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Selous Game Reserve.

Day 2

Game Drive in Selous Game Reserve

2 + 3: Game Drive in Selous Game Reserve

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve with two full days dedicated to exploring its vast landscapes aboard a 4-wheel drive vehicle. These excursions not only provide excellent photographic opportunities but also allow you to venture into different sections of this expansive park. Retire to the comfort of Zarafa Tented Camp for a well-deserved dinner and a restful overnight stay (B, L, D).

On the third day, awaken to the anticipation of a day filled with adventure. Commence with an early morning walking safari, an intimate journey into the African wilds guided by an armed ranger. This two-hour stroll unveils the subtle nuances of nature before reuniting with your driver at the reserve gate. Walking safaris offer a unique chance to encounter giraffes, zebras, elephants, and a diverse array of birdlife.

The Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest, spans an impressive 54,600 square kilometers and holds a storied history. Named after the legendary hunter and explorer Frederick Courtney Selous, who met his fate here during World War I, the reserve is renowned for its majestic elephant population. Lions, wild dogs, buffaloes, bushbucks, impalas, elands, baboons, zebras, and greater kudus are among the other common sightings.

Originally designated as a hunting area, Selous stands as a sanctuary where animals abound, yet exhibit a more reserved demeanor compared to the Northern Parks. Excursions by 4×4 vehicle enable you to capture the essence of this expansive park, offering both exceptional photographic opportunities and the chance to explore its diverse ecosystems. Your evenings at Zarafa Tented Camp promise tranquility, completing your days of thrilling exploration and wildlife encounters (B, L, D).

Day 4

Selous Game Reserve – Mikumi National Park

As the sun rises, fuel yourself with a hearty breakfast before embarking on the next leg of your adventure. Depart from Selous Game Reserve and set course for Mikumi National Park, accompanied by a delightful picnic lunch. The journey unfolds with awe-inspiring landscapes and an immersion into the untouched wilderness of Tanzania.

Your route takes you through the captivating Uluguru Mountains, navigating across rivers and passing through quaint local villages and farms. Although the drive may be demanding, it is undeniably the most rewarding and adventurous segment of the Tanzania Tourist Circuit. The untamed beauty of this journey unveils the raw essence of the Tanzanian landscape.

As you reach Mikumi National Park, your haven for the night awaits at Tan Swiss Lodge. Revel in the comfort of this retreat, where dinner and a restful overnight stay provide a perfect conclusion to a day filled with both challenges and extraordinary discoveries (B, L, D).

Embark on this journey into the wild, where the road itself becomes an integral part of your Tanzanian adventure, offering a glimpse into the untouched and authentic facets of this remarkable region.

Day 5

Mikumi National Park – Ruaha National Park

Rise with the sun and kick off your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a mesmerizing morning game drive through the expansive Mikumi National Park. Revel in the diverse wildlife that populates the park, capturing moments of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, elands, greater kudu, wildebeest, roan and sable antelope. Mikumi, covering 3,230 square kilometers, is renowned for its vibrant ecosystem.

Pause for a picnic lunch at 10:00 AM, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. Following this immersive experience, set out for the next leg of your journey towards Ruaha National Park. As the day unfolds, the scenic drive unveils the changing landscapes, providing a picturesque transition from Mikumi to Ruaha.

Dinner and a restful overnight stay await you at Tungamalenga Lodge, ensuring a comfortable retreat after a day filled with wildlife encounters (B, L, D).

Ruaha National Park, covering an extensive 3,230 square kilometers, is a haven for diverse wildlife. As you venture into this remarkable landscape, anticipate sightings of tree-climbing lions, leopards, wild hunting dogs, and black-backed jackals. The park also boasts a rich avian population, with over 300 species of birds, including migratory wonders like the red-billed oxpecker, marabou stork, and lilac-breasted roller. Embark on this wildlife odyssey, where each moment unfolds a new chapter in the untamed beauty of Tanzania.

Day 6,7

Game drive in Ruaha National Park

Day 6 + 7: Game drive in Ruaha National Park

Embark on two full days of awe-inspiring exploration in the vast and diverse Ruaha National Park. Following a satisfying breakfast, set out for immersive game drives that span the entire day, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the incredible array of wildlife that calls Ruaha home.

As your 4×4 traverses the expansive landscapes of Ruaha, be prepared to encounter the park’s rich biodiversity, including elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and a myriad of other fascinating species. Ruaha National Park, covering an extensive 13,000 square kilometers, takes its name from the mighty Ruaha River. Your journey unfolds against the backdrop of this majestic river, offering a unique perspective into the heart of the wilderness.

Dinner and overnight accommodations at Tungamalenga Lodge provide a perfect haven after each thrilling day of exploration. Nestled along the Great Ruaha River, the lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of this remarkable landscape (B, L, D).

Indulge in the untold wonders of Ruaha National Park, where each game drive promises a captivating encounter with the wild, and every moment unfolds a new chapter in your Tanzanian safari adventure.

Day 8

Ruaha National Park – Mikumi National Park

As the sun rises, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive with your picnic lunch in hand, heading from Ruaha National Park to the enchanting Mikumi National Park. The journey is filled with the breathtaking vistas and landscapes that characterize the Tanzanian wilderness.

Upon reaching Mikumi, take a moment to relax and unwind at your lodge, savoring the tranquility that surrounds you. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the peaceful ambiance or explore the immediate surroundings.

Dinner and overnight accommodations await you at Tan Swiss Lodge, providing a comfortable retreat as you reflect on the adventures of your Tanzanian safari (B, L, D).

This day marks a seamless transition between two remarkable national parks, allowing you to appreciate the unique charms of each and savor the moments of relaxation amidst the natural beauty of Mikumi National Park.

Day 9

Mikumi National Park – Dar es Salaam

Bid farewell to Mikumi National Park with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a final morning game drive through the park. Capture any last-minute wildlife sightings and immerse yourself in the beauty of Mikumi.

Later, as the day unfolds, embark on the journey back to Dar es Salaam, accompanied by a picnic lunch. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories crafted during your Tanzanian adventure.

Your 9-day Southern Circuit Safari concludes with this scenic drive back to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of an unforgettable journey filled with wildlife, landscapes, and the magic of Tanzania. (B, L)

END OF TOUR

Inclusions:

Safari base vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide
8 nights of full-board accommodation
Park fees and game drives
Shared boat and walking safari experiences

Exclusions:

Beverages (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)
Medical and luggage insurance
Tips: Recommended at USD 20 per group per day
Other personal expenses
Emergency evacuation insurance

Note: The inclusions encompass the essential elements to ensure a comprehensive and immersive safari experience. The exclusions provide clarity on additional expenses that may be incurred for personal preferences, emergencies, and gratuities. Travelers are encouraged to consider these aspects for a seamless and enjoyable journey.

9 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Selous Mikumi and Ruaha

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9 Days Safari: Mikumi, Ruaha, and Selous