Experience the ultimate southern Tanzania adventure with this Exclusive 5-Day Ruaha and Mikumi Combined Safari, a perfect mix of untouched wilderness, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes. This itinerary takes you through Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote wildlife sanctuary, and the iconic Mikumi National Park, often referred to as the “mini-Serengeti.”

Over five days, you’ll encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and a rich diversity of birds across two of Tanzania’s most remarkable safari destinations. Perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts, this safari offers an intimate and private experience of Tanzania’s southern circuit.

Why Choose the Ruaha & Mikumi Safari?

1. Diverse Wildlife Encounters

Combine Ruaha’s vast wilderness, home to large lion prides, leopards, and African wild dogs, with Mikumi’s open plains teeming with elephants, giraffes, and zebras. This dual-park itinerary maximizes your chances of seeing the Big Five.

2. Scenic Contrasts

• Ruaha National Park: Rolling hills, baobab forests, river valleys, and dramatic escarpments.

• Mikumi National Park: Wide savannah plains reminiscent of the Serengeti, dotted with acacia trees and the famous Mkata Floodplain.

3. Exclusive Safari Experience

Both parks are less crowded than northern Tanzania, ensuring private game drives, relaxed schedules, and intimate wildlife encounters.

4. Ideal Duration for Short Explorers

This 5-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a concentrated yet immersive safari experience without spending weeks in the bush.

Safari Overview

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Ruaha National Park & Mikumi National Park
Safari Type: Luxury or Mid-Range Wildlife Safari
Starting Point: Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar / Iringa
Best Time to Visit: June – October (Dry Season) for optimal wildlife viewing; November – May (Green Season) for birding and lush scenery.

Detailed 5-Day Ruaha & Mikumi Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ruaha National Park – Begin the Adventure

Morning:

Fly from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Iringa to Msembe Airstrip inside Ruaha National Park. Your professional safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge or tented camp.

Afternoon:

After lunch, embark on your first afternoon game drive in Ruaha. Explore river valleys and open plains to spot:

• Herds of elephants near the Great Ruaha River

• Lions and leopards resting under acacia trees

• Hippos and crocodiles along the riverbanks

• Various antelopes and buffaloes

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Jabali Ridge / Ruaha River Lodge / Ikuka Safari Camp

• Mid-Range: Mdonya Old River Camp / Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Rise early to witness Ruaha’s wildlife activity in the cool morning hours.

Morning:

Explore the park’s Mwagusi and Jongomero Rivers, prime habitats for elephants, lions, and leopards. Capture stunning photos of wildlife against the backdrop of rolling hills and acacia forests.

Midday:

Enjoy a bush lunch or return to your lodge for a relaxing meal.

Afternoon:

Continue your safari with a focus on:

• Observing predator-prey interactions

• Spotting giraffes, zebras, and rare antelopes like sable and kudu

• Birdwatching along riverbanks

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Mikumi National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Ruaha and drive or fly north to Mikumi National Park (approx. 5–6 hours by road). En route, enjoy scenic views of Tanzania’s southern highlands, small villages, and farmland.

Afternoon:

Arrive at your lodge or camp and check in. After lunch, take your first evening game drive in Mikumi. The Mkata Floodplain offers incredible sightings:

• Herds of elephants, zebras, and wildebeests

• Lions lounging under acacia trees

• Giraffes browsing the open plains

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp / Mikumi Wildlife Camp

• Mid-Range: Camp Bastian / Tan-Swiss Lodge

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Start early to catch the morning wildlife activity.

Morning:

Drive across the Mkata Floodplain, the heart of Mikumi, and explore:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting or resting

• Herds of elephants and buffaloes

• Grazing giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests

Midday:

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while surrounded by wildlife.

Afternoon:

Continue with your safari in Mikumi:

• Visit Hippo Pools to see hippos and crocodiles

• Engage in birdwatching: hornbills, kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers

• Optional sundowner photography session

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Wake early for a final morning game drive in Mikumi. Spot wildlife one last time and capture morning light photos of elephants and lions.

After breakfast, check out and begin your transfer back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, arriving in the afternoon. Depart with unforgettable memories of southern Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Ruaha National Park:

• Jabali Ridge: Luxury lodge with panoramic views and exceptional service.

• Ruaha River Lodge: Tented lodge on the river, perfect for wildlife sightings from your veranda.

Mikumi National Park:

• Vuma Hills Tented Camp: Elevated tents overlooking the savannah plains.

• Mikumi Wildlife Camp: Close to wildlife and excellent for first-time safari visitors.

Both parks offer mid-range and budget options with comfortable accommodations and meals included.

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

• Big Five: Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and occasional rhinos in Ruaha

• Hippos and crocodiles in rivers and waterholes

• Plains species: zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, elands, and kudu

• Over 500 bird species, including fish eagles, hornbills, and kingfishers

• Rare sightings of African wild dogs in Ruaha

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Excellent for game drives; animals congregate near rivers and waterholes.

• Green Season (November–May): Lush scenery, waterfalls, and excellent birding; some lodges offer reduced rates.

Safari Extensions

Enhance your southern Tanzania safari with:

• Selous Game Reserve: Combine Ruaha and Mikumi with a river safari or boat trip in Selous.

• Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Add hiking, waterfalls, and endemic species to your trip.

• Zanzibar: End your safari with a relaxing beach stay on pristine white sands.

Packing List

• Light, breathable safari clothing (neutral colors)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal medication

• Reusable water bottle

• Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings

Safari Tips

• Follow your guide’s instructions for safety and wildlife encounters.

• Avoid bright-colored clothing; neutral tones help blend into the environment.

• Carry small amounts of cash for tips and lodge extras.

• Charge all electronic devices each evening; wildlife moves fast!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I get to Ruaha and Mikumi?
Flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Iringa to Msembe Airstrip (Ruaha) and road transfer to Mikumi.

Q2: Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes. Both parks are family-friendly with safe lodges and kid-friendly activities.

Q3: What wildlife will I see?
Expect elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Q4: Can I customize this safari?
Yes. Options include adding Selous, Udzungwa, or a Zanzibar beach extension.

Q5: Are walking safaris available?
Yes, some lodges in Ruaha offer guided walking safaris with armed rangers.

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Conclusion

The Exclusive 5-Day Ruaha and Mikumi Combined Safari offers the perfect combination of adventure, wildlife, and luxury in southern Tanzania. From the dramatic landscapes and predator-rich plains of Ruaha National Park to the open savannah and abundant wildlife of Mikumi, every day is filled with extraordinary experiences.

Travelers will enjoy intimate wildlife encounters, breathtaking photography opportunities, and unmatched serenity away from crowded northern parks.

Prepare your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and embark on a journey into the wild heart of Tanzania with this exclusive Ruaha and Mikumi safari experience — a southern African adventure you’ll never forget.