10 Days Southern Tanzania Safari | Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa
Embark on an unforgettable 10 days southern tanzania safari through the raw and pristine landscapes of Southern Tanzania. This private safari takes you away from the crowds to experience wild game drives, walking safaris, boat excursions, and nature hikes across Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Mikumi, Ruaha, and the Udzungwa Mountains.
Boat Safari on the Rufiji River: Spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species in Nyerere National Park.
Walking Safari: Get up close with nature accompanied by an armed park ranger.
Game Drives in Ruaha: Discover huge elephant herds and large pride of lions in one of Tanzania’s largest wilderness areas.
Hiking Sanje Waterfalls: Trek through the rainforest of Udzungwa Mountains for stunning views and swimming in natural pools.
Authentic Wildlife Experience: Enjoy uncrowded parks and rich biodiversity.
Detailed Itinerary
This 10 days southern tanzania safari package offers a perfect blend of game drives, boat excursions, and nature walks. Below is the full day-by-day detailed itinerary for your trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam / Transfer to Nyerere National Park
Pick up from Dar es Salaam (airport or hotel) and drive to Nyerere National Park. Arrive in the afternoon for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, take a boat safari along the Rufiji River.
Accommodation: Mid-range / Luxury Camp in Nyerere
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park
Spend a full day exploring Nyerere’s rich wildlife, including lions, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and vast herds of buffaloes. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park.
Accommodation: Mid-range / Luxury Camp in Nyerere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Walking Safari & Transfer to Mikumi National Park
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Discover the “Mkata Floodplain,” often compared to the Serengeti. Spot elephants, wildebeests, impalas, leopards, and bird species across the open grasslands.
Accommodation: Lodge / Camp in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Spend the day hiking to Sanje Waterfalls, taking in views of the Kilombero Valley, and spotting endemic monkeys like the Iringa Red Colobus.
Accommodation: Lodge in Udzungwa / Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park via Iringa. Enjoy the changing landscapes of baobab trees and rugged terrain along the way.
Accommodation: Lodge / Camp in Ruaha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 & 8: Full Days in Ruaha National Park
Spend two full days tracking wildlife in Ruaha, famous for its high concentration of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and endangered African wild dogs along the Great Ruaha River.
Accommodation: Lodge / Camp in Ruaha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Game Drive in Ruaha & Cultural / Local Excursion
Enjoy a morning game drive in Ruaha followed by an afternoon visit to nearby local communities or historical sites around Iringa (e.g., Isimila Stone Age Site).
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge in Iringa or Ruaha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Transfer Back to Dar es Salaam or Fly Out
After breakfast, drive back to Dar es Salaam (or take an optional flight from Ruaha Airstrip) for your outbound flight or hotel transfer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included:
All park entrance fees and conservation fees.
Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
Full board accommodation as specified.
Bottled drinking water during game drives.
Rufiji River boat safari and walking safari.
Excluded:
International flights & visa fees.
Travel insurance.
Tips and gratuities for driver/guide.
Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone).
Who is this Safari For?
Wildlife Enthusiasts & Photographers: Ideal for travelers seeking raw, uncrowded wildlife viewing away from the commercial tourist circuits.
Bird Watchers: Perfect for birding enthusiasts, with over 400 species in Nyerere and Ruaha.
Adventure Seekers: Great for those who love diverse activities like boat safaris, walking safaris, and rainforest waterfall hiking.
Couples & Private Groups: Excellent for travelers looking for an authentic, intimate experience with personalized schedules.
Untouched Wilderness: Unlike the northern circuit, the southern parks offer vast, untouched landscapes with far fewer safari vehicles.
Diverse Safari Activities: Enjoy a mix of game drives, walking safaris guided by armed rangers, and scenic boat safaris.
Massive Wildlife Concentrations: Home to Africa’s largest wild dog populations, massive elephant herds, and large lion pride numbers.
Can This 10-Day Safari Be Customized?
Yes, absolutely! Every aspect of this itinerary can be tailored to match your preferences:
Accommodation: Choose between budget camps, mid-range lodges, or luxury tented camps.
Transportation: Opt for a drive-in safari or save travel time by adding bush flights between parks (e.g., fly-in to Ruaha).
Duration & Pace: Add extra days for relaxation or focus more time on specific parks.
How Much Does a 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Cost?
The cost typically ranges from $2,800 to $6,500+ per person, depending on several factors:
Travel Season: High season (July–October) vs. Low/Green season (November–May).
Accommodation Style: Mid-range comfort lodges vs. high-end luxury camps.
Group Size: Larger private groups lower the cost per person compared to solo or couple travelers.
Transport: Ground transfers in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser vs. domestic bush flights.
Why Choose Clustered Africa Safaris?
Local Expertise: Experienced local guides with deep knowledge of Southern Tanzania’s ecosystems and wildlife behavior.
Tailor-Made Experience: Customized itineraries built around your exact budget, timeline, and preferences.
Dedicated 24/7 Support: Full ground assistance from the moment you arrive in Dar es Salaam until your departure.
Top-Tier 4×4 Vehicles: Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, charging ports, and cooler boxes for maximum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the best time to visit Southern Tanzania?
The dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The wet season (November to May) is spectacular for bird watching and lush landscapes.
Is walking safari safe in Nyerere / Ruaha?
Yes, all walking safaris are escorted by highly trained, professional park rangers and expert guides to ensure complete safety
What should I pack for a Southern Tanzania safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, green), comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Most travelers require an entry visa, which can easily be obtained online via the official Tanzania e-Visa portal or upon arrival at the airport.
Ready to Explore Tanzania?
Contact our safari experts today to customize your 10-day itinerary or get an instant free quote for your trip!”