Embark on the Ultimate 7-Day Southern Tanzania Wildlife Safari, a journey through some of the country’s most spectacular and least explored wilderness areas. This safari takes you across Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, and optionally the Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), offering an unforgettable wildlife experience in Tanzania’s southern circuit.

From vast savannahs and rolling hills to riverine forests and wetlands, southern Tanzania is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking authentic African safari adventures. This seven-day itinerary combines thrilling game drives, luxurious lodges, and intimate encounters with Africa’s iconic species.

Why Choose a Southern Tanzania Safari?

Southern Tanzania is often overshadowed by the northern safari circuit (Serengeti and Ngorongoro), but it offers unique advantages:

1. Exclusive Wildlife Experiences: Fewer tourists mean more personal encounters with lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and hippos.

2. Diverse Landscapes: Explore the rolling hills of Ruaha, the savannah plains of Mikumi, and the riverine forests of Selous.

3. Exceptional Birding: Over 500 bird species can be spotted across the southern parks.

4. Authenticity: Less commercialized lodges and camps provide an intimate connection with nature.

5. Big Five Opportunities: Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rare rhinos can be encountered during your safari.

Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, this 7-day southern Tanzania wildlife safari promises adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Safari Overview

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, optional Selous Game Reserve
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 lush landscapes and birdwatching.

Detailed 7-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ruaha National Park – The Untamed Wilderness

Morning:

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

Afternoon:

Embark on your first game drive in Ruaha. Explore river valleys and plains to see:

• Herds of elephants near the Great Ruaha River

• Lions and leopards lounging in the shade

• Hippos and crocodiles in rivers

• 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

Morning:

Wake up early for a morning game drive along the Mwagusi and Jongomero Rivers, prime locations for spotting predators and elephant herds. Capture stunning photographs of wildlife against Ruaha’s dramatic landscapes.

Midday:

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

Afternoon:

Continue exploring Ruaha, focusing on:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes

• Birdwatching along riverbanks

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Mikumi National Park

Morning:

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Ruaha.

Midday:

Transfer to Mikumi National Park (approx. 5–6 hours by road or via domestic flight). Along the way, admire the scenic landscapes of southern Tanzania.

Afternoon:

Arrive at your lodge and embark on an evening game drive in Mikumi. Highlights include:

• Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests

• Lions resting under acacia trees

• Birdlife such as hornbills, kingfishers, and lilac-breasted rollers

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

Morning:

Explore the Mkata Floodplain and surrounding savannah plains for prime wildlife sightings:

• Lions and leopards

• Elephants and buffaloes

• Grazing giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests

Midday:

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to the lodge.

Afternoon:

Continue game drives, visit the Hippo Pools, and engage in birdwatching. Optional sundowner photography session as the sun sets over the plains.

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Selous Game Reserve – River Safari Adventure

After breakfast, drive or fly to Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected areas.

Afternoon:

Check in at your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive or optional boat safari along the Rufiji River:

• Hippos and crocodiles

• Elephants grazing near riverbanks

• Lions and other predators in their natural habitat

• Waterbirds including herons, storks, and fish eagles

Accommodation Options:

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

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

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Game & Boat Safari in Selous

Morning Game Drive:

Explore Selous’ floodplains, miombo woodlands, and river valleys for:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

• Large herds of elephants and buffaloes

• Rare antelopes such as sable and roan

Midday:

Return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch.

Afternoon Boat Safari:

Enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River, providing unique wildlife viewing opportunities:

• Hippos and crocodiles

• Elephants drinking at the riverbanks

• Abundant birdlife and scenic photography opportunities

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Morning:

Final morning game drive in Selous or Mikumi (depending on your chosen route). Capture last-minute wildlife sightings and photographs.

Transfer back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for your onward flight, ending your 7-day southern Tanzania safari with unforgettable memories.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Highlights

Ruaha National Park:

• Jabali Ridge: Luxury lodge with panoramic views

• Ruaha River Lodge: Riverside tented accommodation

• Ikuka Safari Camp: Intimate and nature-focused

Mikumi National Park:

• Vuma Hills Tented Camp: Elevated tents overlooking the plains

• Mikumi Wildlife Camp: Comfortable and close to wildlife

Selous Game Reserve:

• Selous Safari Camp: Luxury lodges with river views

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

• Sand Rivers Selous: Boutique luxury accommodation

Wildlife You’ll Encounter

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

• Hippos and crocodiles in Selous and Mikumi rivers

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

• Rare African wild dogs in Ruaha

• Over 500 bird species across southern parks

Best Time to Visit

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

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

Safari Extensions

• Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Hiking and waterfalls

• Zanzibar Beach Stay: Relax on pristine beaches after the safari

• Mikumi or Selous Add-Ons: Additional days for more wildlife encounters

Packing List

• Light, neutral safari clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Insect repellent and personal medications

• Reusable water bottle

• Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings

Safari Tips

• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times

• Wear neutral-colored 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 are available from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Iringa; road transfers are also possible.

Q2: Is this safari suitable for families?
Yes, all parks have family-friendly accommodations and guided activities.

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

Q4: Can this safari be customized?
Yes, add more days in Mikumi, Selous, or include a Zanzibar beach extension.

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

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Conclusion

The Ultimate 7-Day Southern Tanzania Wildlife Safari offers a complete and immersive safari experience. From the predator-rich plains of Ruaha to the vast savannahs of Mikumi and the riverine landscapes of Selous, each day is filled with incredible wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and intimate African experiences.

Travelers will enjoy exclusive lodges, personal game drives, and unforgettable photographic opportunities. Prepare your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and explore the untamed heart of southern Tanzania on this 7-day wildlife safari.