10 Days from$3160 p/p in USD- DeparturesYear Round
Destinations
Tanzania,
Tour Type
Guided, Large Group, Small Group
Safari Standard
Mid Range
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Southern Tanzania Grand Discovery Safari – a journey designed for true explorers who seek both adventure and authenticity. This exceptional circuit leads you through Tanzania’s untouched southern wilderness from the legendary Rufiji River in the heart of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) to the vast plains of Mikumi, the lush green forests and waterfalls of Udzungwa Mountains, and finally, the untamed wilderness of Ruaha National Park, where Africa’s raw beauty still reigns supreme. This safari combines multiple ecosystems and experiences: boat safari, classic game drives, walking safaris, cultural tours, waterfall hiking, and historical encounters offering a rare opportunity to discover Tanzania’s natural diversity and cultural richness in one seamless itinerary. You’ll stay in handpicked lodges and camps known for comfort, excellent service, and authentic bush atmosphere. Guided by our professional driver-guides, you’ll not only see wildlife but also understand the stories, history, and spirit that make southern Tanzania unique.
General Information
- Safari types:Adventure Safari, Big Five Safari, Family Safari, Guided Safari, Wildlife Safari
- You will visit:Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains NP, Nyerere National Park
- Wildlife:Big Five, Birds, Thomson's Gazelle, Zebra, Giraffe, Hippo, Crocodile, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Hyena, Wildebeest, Colobus Monkey, Baboon, Dik Dik, Blue Monkey, Forest Pig, Kudu, Eland, Waterbuck, Warthog, Blue Monkey, Gerenuk, Mongoose, Duiker, Sunni, Bush Baby, Topi, Grant's Gazelle, Sable, Roan, Jackal, Hartebeest
- Activities:Game Drive, Walking Safari, Trekking, Hiking, Boat Cruise, Nature Walk, Village Visit, Birding, Cultural Experience
- Getting around:4x4 Safari Vehicle, Game Viewing Vehicle, Transfer Vehicle, Domestic Flight, 4x4 Vehicle, Flight, Ferry
- Start/end:Start in Dar es Salaam, end in Iringa
Highlights
- Explore three of Tanzania’s most scenic and less-crowded national parks
- Experience the famous Rufiji River boat safari, one of Africa’s most thrilling water safaris
- Learn about the Maji Maji War (1905–1907) and the historical role of the Rufiji River
- Walk in the wild with an armed ranger and experience nature up close
- Hike to Sanje Waterfall in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Visit a traditional Maasai village for cultural immersion
- Discover the Isimila Stone Age site, one of East Africa’s best-preserved archaeological wonders
Price Per Person – USD
From USD 3,160 per person
What's Included
- Airport transfer, pick up & drop off
- Accommodation, three meals of the day & unlimited drinking water
- Professional safari driver guide & private safari vehicle
- Maasai village tour
- Boat safari at Rufiji River
- Udzungwa Mountain day hike
- Soft drinks inside the safari vehicle during the safari
What's Excluded
- Flights & visas
- Accommodation before & after the safari
- Beverages at the accommodations
- Tips to the safari driver guide
- Personal souvenirs
- Travel insurance
Disclaimer
- This itinerary is owned and delivered by ‘Stan Safaris‘
- All prices are ‘From’ and may vary at the time of booking
- Display price is usually based on two people sharing
- ‘Stan Safaris‘ reserves the right to change the content and price of the itinerary
- All itineraries and services are subject to availability
Day by Day Overview
After breakfast or upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, meet your driver-guide for a briefing before departing on a scenic drive south toward Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), Africa’s largest protected area. The 5–6-hour drive takes you through local villages, sisal plantations, and stretches of coastal forest.
Arrive at Selous Kinga Lodge in time for lunch and a refreshing welcome drink overlooking the Rufiji floodplain. Take time to relax after your journey before heading out for an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River. As you glide silently past hippo pods and crocodiles basking on the banks, your guide will explain how this mighty river once served as a lifeline for ancient traders and later became strategic ground during the German colonial campaigns and the Maji Maji War a significant uprising that shaped Tanzania’s early struggle for freedom.
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge (Half Board)
After an early breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive in Nyerere. The park’s landscapes from riverine forests to open woodlands are teeming with wildlife. Keep your camera ready for elephants, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, and perhaps the elusive African wild dogs for which the park is famous. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the bush before continuing your adventure. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge (Full Board)
Wake up to the melodies of birds and set off for another day of exploration. Today’s drive takes you deeper into the untouched corners of the park, where few travelers venture. Spot prides of lions, graceful giraffes, and herds of elephants crossing the plains. The diversity of Nyerere’s ecosystems makes each game drive unique. Return to your lodge in the evening, relax by the pool, or enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Rufiji River.
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge (Full Board)
Start your day with an early morning walking safari guided by an armed ranger and your professional safari guide. Learn about animal tracks, bird calls, and medicinal plants while experiencing the African bush up close an exhilarating and educational adventure. After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and local villages. Arrive in the evening and check in at Camp Bastian Mikumi for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi (Full Board)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then venture into Mikumi for a full-day safari. The park’s open savannah, dotted with acacia trees, offers superb game-viewing opportunities similar to the Serengeti. Spot lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeests and zebras. Lunch will be served at a scenic restaurant located inside the park, giving you a perfect break before continuing your afternoon exploration. Return to Camp Bastian for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi (Full Board)
After breakfast, set out again for another exciting day of wildlife photography and exploration. Each corner of Mikumi offers new surprises — from antelope grazing peacefully to playful baboons and colorful birds. Your guide will help you spot some of the park’s rare species such as elands and sable antelopes. Dinner and overnight at Camp Bastian.
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi (Full Board)
Today, trade the savannah for the rainforest. After breakfast, drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, often called the “African Galápagos” for its high number of endemic species. Embark on a guided hike to the famous Sanje Waterfalls, cascading 170 meters down the lush escarpment. Along the way, spot primates such as colobus monkeys and listen to the songs of forest birds. After your hike, return to Mikumi for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi (Full Board)
After breakfast, visit a nearby Maasai village to experience their traditional lifestyle, culture, and vibrant dances. Learn about their customs, livestock practices, and colorful beadwork. Later, begin your drive to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most dramatic park. Arrive in time for an evening game drive where you may spot elephants, kudu, lions, and leopards as the sun sets. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge or similar (Full Board)
Enjoy an early breakfast, then spend the day exploring Ruaha National Park, known for its rugged beauty and predator concentrations. The park is home to over 10,000 elephants — one of the largest populations in East Africa. Expect to see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and large buffalo herds along the Great Ruaha River. In the evening, drive to Iringa town for dinner and overnight at Iringa Sunset Lodge.
Accommodation: Iringa Sunset Lodge (Full Board)
After breakfast, visit the Isimila Stone Age Site, one of the most important prehistoric sites in East Africa. Walk among towering sandstone pillars and learn about ancient tools left by early humans nearly 70,000 years ago. Later, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Dar es Salaam, where you’ll connect to your international flight or be transferred to your residence.
End of Safari — Memories of Southern Tanzania will stay with you forever!
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