Safari in forgotten lands

Safari in southern Tanzania

While northern Tanzania has enjoyed significant tourist success for decades, the south is not yet very frequented. Yet, there are many advantages, no matter which national park is visited.

Trip Description

Between the felines of Ruaha and Selous (now Nyerere National Park), the wild dogs, much more present in the south, the pleasure of going on a safari aboard a small boat on the Rufiji River, or admiring the elephant families, numerous in all three parks, and not to forget the incredible diversity of beautiful birds, you will be amazed by the landscapes and especially by the atmosphere that prevails in this much less visited part of Tanzania.

Accomodation

Comfort to luxury.

Stay program

day 1
Dar-es-Salaam - Mikumi National Park
At the airport exit, you will be greeted by your driver-guide, then you will head towards Mikumi National Park. Depending on your arrival time, you will have lunch at a restaurant in Morogoro. Afternoon safari. Dinner and overnight at Vuma Hills Tented Camp or Camp Bastian, depending on the chosen option.
day 2
Mikumi National Park
Full day safari on the tracks of Mikumi National Park. With around 400 species of birds, ponds frequented by groups of hippos, crocodiles, and many animals that come to drink there (large herds of buffalo, zebras, elephants), just for that, Mikumi is worth your attention. But that's not counting the presence of lions and leopards, even if the latter, being more discreet, are not easy to spot. You will enjoy this safari day which will allow you, along the tracks, to discover a rich and diverse wildlife. Lunch box for lunch (picnic). Dinner and overnight at Vuma Hills Tented Camp or Camp Bastian, depending on the chosen option.
day 3
Mikumi National Park - Iringa
Small safari in the morning after breakfast. Perhaps you will try to spot a leopard or large antelopes such as elands and kudus before leaving the national park to reach the city of Iringa in the afternoon. Lunch en route. Discovery of the Neema Craft Centre workshops, which employs disabled artisans in fields such as weaving, sewing, carpentry, screen printing… A moving visit with a particularly warm welcome. Dinner and overnight at the Sunset Hotel in Iringa.
day 4
Iringa - Ruaha National Park
From Iringa, you will head to Ruaha National Park where you will spend 3 nights. Much less frequented than the Serengeti or Ndutu in northern Tanzania, Ruaha allows for wildlife viewing in an exceptional setting. Lion populations are significant, and both leopards and striped hyenas are present. However, the number of cheetahs, whose declining numbers are alarming, remains low. In Ruaha, you will take the time to travel the winding tracks in search of animals. Thanks to your driver, you will admire many birds, as well as hippos and crocodiles. Numerous giraffes and beautiful populations of antelopes, including greater kudus, roan antelopes, and sable antelopes, are also present. Elephants and buffaloes in large numbers. Your accommodation is planned at Mwagusi Safari Camp or Ruaha River Lodge, depending on the option chosen.
day 5
Ruaha National Park
Full day safari in Ruaha. You will follow the river to observe the wildlife that comes to drink or hear the African fish eagle, the large bird of prey that is easily recognized. You will go in search of felines and other carnivores. Here, the atmosphere is very "Out of Africa" and you will enjoy, after a beautiful day of safari, relaxing while watching the sun set. Picnic lunch. Your accommodation is planned at Mwagusi Safari Camp or Ruaha River Lodge, depending on the chosen option.
day 6
Ruaha National Park
Full day safari in Ruaha. You will leave with a picnic in order to make the most of this last day of safari in this national park. Depending on the sightings from the previous day, you may focus your search on elephants, greater kudus, or gatherings of buffalo. You will also discover vegetation where the baobab stands out for its size and silhouette. Your accommodation is planned at Mwagusi Safari Camp or Ruaha River Lodge, depending on the chosen option.
day 7
Ruaha National Park - Mikumi
After breakfast, you will hit the road to reach Mikumi, which will serve as a stopover town between Ruaha and Nyerere National Park. Lunch in Iringa. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Mikumi.
day 8
Mikumi - Nyerere National Park
Early departure for Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve. This is where you will end your stay. Here, expect to be amazed, whether on the trails or aboard a small boat on the Rufiji River. Depending on the option chosen, you will be accommodated either inside the park, at Selous Impala Tented Camp, or just outside, at Selous River Camp.
day 9
Nyerere National Park
Each morning, you will leave early enough to enjoy beautiful light. A boat safari is planned on the Rufiji River. Its numerous islets are home to an incredible birdlife and many crocodiles lying in wait for prey. Its steep banks are the refuge of colonies of carmine bee-eaters during the breeding season. Other bee-eaters, kingfishers, and weavers are part of the ornithological highlights. Another, more unusual outing: a night safari. After dinner, you will travel along the tracks to discover a very different world. The atmosphere is nothing like the safaris done during the day. With a bit of luck, you will encounter exclusively nocturnal species.
day 10
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere/Selous is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa. Even though our observations are limited to the northern part, the area dedicated to game viewing safaris offers both stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife: felines (lions and leopards) and other carnivores (hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs), herbivores (elephants, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests, giraffes, kudus, warthogs...) as well as an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. The reserve is also a dream location for birdwatchers, especially near or in aquatic areas, as more than 440 bird species have been recorded there. One of the most sought-after: the African openbill. It is in this park that it is easiest to see wild dogs in Tanzania. Endangered, these carnivores nevertheless play an essential role in maintaining the balance of animal populations by naturally culling injured or sick antelopes. Victims of poaching and traps, wild dogs resist the pressure we exert, but for how much longer? Several groups live within the Selous reserve, but the vastness of the area does not guarantee that you will see them on every safari. Nevertheless, when it happens, the emotion is immense. Your driver-guide will know how to share it with you.
day 11
Nyerere - Dar-es-Salaam
Your safari is coming to an end. You will therefore head to Dar-es-Salaam, the economic capital of Tanzania. A meal is planned on the return journey. The transfer to the airport will depend on your return flight to Europe. If your flight is the next morning, you will spend the night in a hotel in Dar-es-Salaam (not included).