6-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa

Your safari adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Dar es Salaam between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. After boarding your comfortable vehicle, you’ll begin your 5-6 hour drive to Mikumi National Park. If you haven’t had breakfast yet, feel free to make a stop along the way to pick up some local breakfast snacks.

Upon arrival at Mikumi between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, enjoy a hot lunch at the park or opt for a packed lunch to save time and maximize your game drive experience. Be sure to let us know your preference beforehand. After lunch, get ready for your exciting half-day game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, and zebras.

At around 5:30 PM, you’ll head back to your lodge. Expect to arrive around 6:00 PM, where you can unwind and enjoy the lodge’s facilities, indulge in a delicious dinner, and rest up for the next day’s adventures.

If you’d prefer to end your game drive earlier and enjoy the lodge’s amenities, that’s completely up to you. This flexible schedule ensures you get the most out of your safari experience.

Rise and shine! After a restful night, your safari continues with an early start. Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, you’ll begin your drive towards Ruaha National Park. The journey will take you through stunning landscapes with scenic views as you approach the park entrance. Upon arrival, your game drive will begin, offering you the chance to witness the park’s abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, and numerous bird species.

Around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch at a restaurant inside the park, or you can opt for a picnic lunch in the park if you prefer to stay on the move. If you’re planning for an extended game drive, we recommend choosing a packed lunch so you can venture further into the park and explore more remote areas. If you prefer a hot meal, enjoy the convenient dining at the park’s restaurant.

By 5:30 PM, you’ll head back to the lodge located within the park, where you can relax and unwind after a full day of exploration. You might even spot more wildlife from the comfort of your room’s porch!

Tonight, you’ll stay at Tanapa Cottages, where you’ll experience the authentic ambiance of the bush. You can also decide, within the park’s regulations, when to start and end your game drives, ensuring a customized safari experience.

Rise early to begin your adventure in the lush rainforests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, you’ll embark on the hike to the stunning Sanje Waterfalls. The hike takes you through dense tropical forest, where you may encounter various species of monkeys, reptiles, and an array of unique plant life, making for an unforgettable experience. Take your time to enjoy the vibrant surroundings as you ascend.

Around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, you will stop for a picnic at the waterfalls or another serene spot in the forest. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear waters to recharge your energy before continuing the hike. The cold water provides a perfect way to invigorate yourself before the final leg of the trek.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore additional activities in the Udzungwa Mountains area, you’re welcome to shorten the hike. The park offers a variety of experiences, so there’s no need to rush. Be sure to pack your hiking shoes, swimwear, and extra layers for a comfortable day in the tropical climate.

After completing your hike, return to Camp Bastian for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and reflect on the day’s adventures before settling in for your final night in the wilderness.

Unfortunately, your incredible safari adventure with Kasaka Tours comes to an end today. After a final breakfast in the bush, you’ll begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam around 10:00 AM. As you make your way back, keep an eye out for any last-minute wildlife sightings — you might even catch a giraffe waving you goodbye from the distance!

The drive back will take approximately 5-6 hours, but the journey offers more chances for wildlife viewing, so stay alert! Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on your adventure.

If you’re planning to take a ferry to Zanzibar or catch an international flight back home, please let us know your departure time, so we can ensure your return is scheduled accordingly.

If you’d like to immerse yourself further in Tanzanian culture, consider taking a cultural tour on your way back to experience local village life (available for an additional cost). This is a great way to wrap up your Southern Tanzania adventure with a deeper connection to the country’s diverse communities.