Explore the Ultimate 10-Day Southern Tanzania Wilderness Experience, a comprehensive safari adventure through the most pristine and remote parks of southern Tanzania. This journey combines Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and an authentic African wilderness experience.

Over ten unforgettable days, travelers will witness elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife while enjoying luxury or mid-range lodges, guided game drives, and optional boat safaris. This itinerary is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, families, and adventure seekers seeking a deep and immersive safari experience.

Why Choose a Southern Tanzania Wilderness Safari?

1. Exceptional Wildlife Diversity

Southern Tanzania offers an incredible variety of species:

• Mikumi National Park: Open savannah with zebras, giraffes, elephants, and lions.

• Ruaha National Park: Remote wilderness with large lion prides, leopards, and rare African wild dogs.

• Nyerere National Park: Riverine habitats with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife.

2. Scenic Contrasts

• Mikumi: Expansive plains reminiscent of the Serengeti.

• Ruaha: Rolling hills, miombo woodlands, and dramatic river valleys.

• Nyerere: Floodplains, riverine forests, and wetlands.

3. Exclusive Safari Experience

Southern Tanzania receives fewer tourists than northern circuits, ensuring private game drives, relaxed schedules, and intimate wildlife encounters.

4. Immersive Safari Duration

Ten days provide ample time to experience multiple parks in depth, combining morning and evening game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, and lodge relaxation.

Safari Overview

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park
Safari Type: Luxury or Mid-Range Wilderness 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 lush scenery and birding.

Detailed 10-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Mikumi National Park

Morning:

Depart Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and drive (~4–5 hours) to Mikumi National Park. Enjoy scenic views en route of Morogoro’s hills and local villages.

Afternoon:

After lunch at your lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive across Mikumi’s open plains. Spot:

• Herds of elephants and buffaloes

• Lions and leopards resting under acacia trees

• Zebras and giraffes grazing

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp / Mikumi Wildlife Camp

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

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi

Morning:

Explore the Mkata Floodplain for early-morning predator and plains wildlife activity:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Elephants and buffalo herds

• Grazing zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests

Midday:

Bush lunch or lodge return for rest.

Afternoon:

Game drives to Hippo Pools and birding areas. Optional sundowner photography session.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Morning:

After breakfast, transfer to Ruaha National Park by road (5–6 hours) or domestic flight. Enjoy scenic views en route.

Afternoon:

Arrive at lodge and embark on an evening game drive:

• Elephants along the Great Ruaha River

• Lions and leopards in shaded areas

• Hippos and buffaloes near water sources

Accommodation Options:

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

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

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Ruaha

Morning:

Early drive along Mwagusi and Jongomero Rivers to spot:

• Large lion prides and leopards

• Elephant herds

• Sable, kudu, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes

Midday:

Return to lodge for lunch.

Afternoon:

Explore Ruaha’s hills, river valleys, and miombo woodlands. Optional photography session for landscapes and wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Optional Walking Safari & Game Drive in Ruaha

Morning:

Guided walking safari with armed rangers for a safe, intimate experience of flora, birds, and smaller wildlife.

Midday:

Lunch at lodge.

Afternoon:

Afternoon game drive to spot any missed wildlife species, with a focus on big cats and elephants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Morning:

Drive or fly to Nyerere National Park, the largest park in Tanzania.

Afternoon:

Check into lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive or optional boat safari on the Rufiji River:

• Hippos and crocodiles

• Elephants along riverbanks

• Lions, buffaloes, and birdlife

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Selous Safari Camp / Siwandu Camp / Beho Beho Safari Camp

• Mid-Range: Rufiji River Camp / Sand Rivers Selous

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive & Boat Safari in Nyerere

Morning:

Morning game drive in floodplains, miombo woodlands, and riverine areas:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Elephant and buffalo herds

• Rare antelopes like sable and roan

Midday:

Lunch at lodge.

Afternoon:

Take a boat safari for unique wildlife viewing and photography:

• Hippos, crocodiles, elephants

• Birdwatching: African fish eagles, kingfishers, storks

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Leisure

Morning game drive in Nyerere for wildlife not yet spotted. Return to lodge for lunch and leisure activities such as:

• Lodge nature walks

• Swimming or relaxation

• Cultural storytelling sessions

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Final Game Drives

Morning:

Early morning game drive in Nyerere to maximize sightings.

Midday:

Lunch at lodge and pack for departure.

Afternoon:

Optional short game drive or photography session before overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Departure

Final morning game drive for last wildlife encounters. After breakfast, transfer to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for onward flights, completing your 10-day southern Tanzania wilderness safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Mikumi National Park:

• Vuma Hills Tented Camp: Elevated tents overlooking plains

• Mikumi Wildlife Camp: Close to wildlife, mid-range comfort

Ruaha National Park:

• Jabali Ridge: Luxury lodge with panoramic views

• Ruaha River Lodge: Riverside tented accommodations

Nyerere National Park:

• Selous Safari Camp: Luxury riverside lodge

• Siwandu Camp: Exclusive tented camp in the heart of wilderness

• Sand Rivers Selous: Boutique luxury lodge

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

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

• Hippos and crocodiles along Nyerere rivers

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

• Rare African wild dogs in Ruaha

• Over 500 bird species across the southern parks

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Optimal for wildlife viewing and photography

• Green Season (November–May): Lush scenery, waterfalls, and excellent birdwatching

Safari Extensions

• Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Hiking and waterfalls

• Zanzibar: Beach relaxation after the wilderness safari

• Extra days in Mikumi or Nyerere: For deeper wildlife immersion

Packing List

• Neutral-colored safari clothing and light layers

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal medications

• Light jacket for mornings and evenings

Safari Tips

• Follow guides’ instructions at all times

• Wear neutral clothing for better wildlife observation

• Carry cash for tips and lodge extras

• Charge cameras and devices nightly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I get to southern Tanzania parks?
Flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Iringa are available; road transfers are also possible.

Q2: Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, all lodges are family-friendly, and game drives can be tailored for children.

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

Q4: Can this safari be customized?
Yes, additional days can be added in Mikumi, Ruaha, or Nyerere; a Zanzibar extension is possible.

Q5: Are walking safaris offered?
Yes, walking safaris with armed guides are available in Ruaha and Nyerere for a safe, intimate experience.

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Conclusion

The Ultimate 10-Day Southern Tanzania Wilderness Experience is an extraordinary journey through some of Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas. From the plains of Mikumi to the hills of Ruaha and the riverine landscapes of Nyerere, travelers will experience diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and intimate safari encounters.

This itinerary offers private lodges, expert guides, and a fully immersive wilderness experience. Pack your camera, binoculars, and sense of adventure, and explore the untamed beauty of southern Tanzania on this 10-day ultimate wilderness safari.