Day 1: Journey from Dar es Salaam to Selous (Nyerere NP)

Your safari begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam, followed by a scenic 5-hour drive to Selous (Nyerere NP). Upon arrival, relax and soak in the natural beauty of your surroundings at Rufiji River Camp. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the camp’s serene, shaded area, perfect for acclimatising to the tranquil wilderness setting.

In the afternoon, embark on an enchanting boat safari along the Rufiji River. This time of day is ideal for wildlife watching, with animals frequently approaching the water’s edge. You’ll get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird colonies and enjoy a stunning African sunset over the river. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Rufiji River Camp, nestled by the river’s banks.

Day 2 & 3: Wildlife Adventures in Selous (Nyerere NP)

Rise early each morning for an immersive full-day game drive across the expansive Selous (Nyerere National Park). Navigate through a variety of terrains, encountering open savannahs and lush riverine areas teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for the park’s inhabitants, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalos, zebras, and the elusive African wild dogs.

Enjoy a midday break with a picnic lunch in one of the park’s scenic spots, offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness. Afterwards, delve deeper into the reserve’s natural wonders. As dusk falls, retreat to the comfort of Rufiji River Camp, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures before enjoying a hearty dinner. Spend your nights at the camp, enveloped in the serene night sounds of the bush, ensuring a restful end to each adventurous day.

Day 4: Journey from Selous (Nyerere National Park) to Mikumi National Park

Begin your day with an early breakfast at Selous (Nyerere National Park), then embark on an 8-hour drive to Mikumi National Park. This journey traverses through Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, offering a glimpse into the country’s changing scenery and wildlife. Enjoy a midday picnic lunch in a picturesque spot, a perfect interlude amidst the natural beauty of the Tanzanian countryside.

Upon arrival in Mikumi, check into Vuma Hills Camp. Situated amidst the rolling hills of the national park, this camp provides stunning views and a serene environment ideal for relaxation after a day of travel. Spend your evening unwinding in this tranquil setting, perhaps enjoying a leisurely walk or relaxing on your private deck.

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Vuma Hills Camp, where the local cuisine is served in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Your overnight stay at the camp, surrounded by the peace and beauty of Mikumi National Park, promises a restful night and prepares you for the adventures that await.

Day 5: On Safari – Mikumi National Park      

After an early breakfast at Vuma Hills Camp, embark on a full-day safari in Mikumi National Park. The park’s centrepiece, the Mkata Floodplain, is often compared to the famous Serengeti Plains, known for its open horizons and abundant wildlife: witness lions, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and buffaloes in their natural habitat.

The park’s landscape offers unique vantage points for wildlife watching, especially from termite mounds or tree perches during the rainy season. Mikumi is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 400 species recorded, including the colourful lilac-breasted rollers and bateleur eagles. After a day filled with wildlife encounters, return to Vuma Hills Camp for dinner, followed by another peaceful night’s stay, enveloped in the sounds and sights of the African wilderness.

Day 6: Mikumi National Park to Ruaha National Park

Start your day with an early breakfast at Mikumi National Park before departing for Ruaha National Park. Your journey takes you along the picturesque route adjacent to the Great Ruaha River, leading up to the high plateau near Iringa. Pause in Iringa for a delightful lunch break, offering a taste of the local flavours and a glimpse into the area’s culture.

Resume your travel to Ruaha, arriving in the late afternoon. As you enter the park, enjoy an enroute game drive, providing an exciting introduction to Ruaha’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at your destination, check into the Ruaha River Lodge. Take some time to relax and soak in the serene surroundings of the park. Conclude your day with a savoury dinner at the lodge, followed by a comfortable overnight stay at Ruaha River Lodge, nestled in the heart of this magnificent wilderness.

Day 7 & 8: Immersive Safari – Ruaha National Park

Embark on two days of exhilarating safari in the expansive Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second-largest national park, sprawling over approximately 22,000 km². Start each day with an early breakfast, fueling up for a full day of game viewing in this vast wilderness, characterised by its captivating landscapes and the meandering Great Ruaha River.

Ruaha is a haven for elephant enthusiasts, boasting a significant population of these majestic creatures. The park’s miombo woodlands provide the perfect setting to observe other magnificent mammals, including greater kudus, sable, and roan antelopes. Additionally, Ruaha is a habitat for endangered wild dogs and is home to leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, bat-eared foxes, and jackals, offering a diverse wildlife experience.

Enjoy a picnic lunch each day amidst the park’s natural beauty, then continue your game drives until late afternoon. Return to the tranquil Ruaha River Lodge for dinner as the sun sets. Spend your evenings relaxing at the lodge, nestled on the banks of the river, offering a serene end to your action-packed days. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge, where the sounds of the African wilderness create a harmonious backdrop to your stay.

Day 9: Ruaha National Park to Udzungwa National Park

Wake up to a delightful breakfast in Ruaha National Park before departing for Udzungwa National Park. Your journey takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Tanzania, including a stop in the historic town of Iringa for a lunch break. Enjoy the local flavours and stretch your legs in this culturally rich setting.

Then, continue to Udzungwa, where you’ll arrive in the afternoon. Check into the Udzungwa Forest Camp, a peaceful retreat nestled in the park’s natural beauty. Spend the rest of your day relaxing in this tranquil environment. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the camp, followed by a restful overnight stay, enveloped by the soothing sounds of the forest.

Day 10: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Udzungwa National Park

After breakfast, set out on a hike through the Udzungwa Mountains, a journey offering sightings of unique endemic species. The trail leads you to the magnificent Sanje Waterfall, a 180-meter-high wonder set amidst vibrant rainforests with spectacular views over the Kilombero floodplain. At the waterfall’s summit, swim in the refreshing plunge pool of the 40-meter high tier encircled by lush forest.

For those seeking more adventure, an optional 20-minute detour is available, either on the ascent or descent, to the bottom of the large waterfall. This spot provides breathtaking views of the falls and a warmer swimming experience in its pool.

Return to the Udzungwa Forest Camp in the late afternoon for some well-deserved relaxation. The evening is yours to unwind, followed by a delightful dinner. Cap off your day with an overnight stay at the camp, nestled in the serene ambience of Udzungwa’s natural landscape.

Day 11: Farewell Journey from Udzungwa National Park to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy a final breakfast in the serene surroundings of Udzungwa National Park. Take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your safari as you pack your bags. Then, set off on your journey back to Dar es Salaam. The drive provides a chance to absorb the last views of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes.

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be escorted to your chosen hotel or the airport, concluding your remarkable journey through Tanzania’s natural wonders.