Overview
This classic adventure safari takes you to explore two parks in the Southern circuit of Tanzania; Mikumi and Nyerere National Park. These two parks share an ecosystem where animals migrate on both sides, depending on the season. This tour is highly recommended during the Dry season, as it brings a full wilderness experience of a safari tour in Africa.
Highlights
- Untamed Hidden Gems
- Little Serengeti
- Southern Tanzania
- Off the beaten Path
Itinerary
This classic Southern Tanzania adventure takes you deep into the untamed wilderness of Mikumi National Park and Nyerere National Park (Selous). Together, these two parks form one vast ecosystem, with wildlife moving freely across both areas depending on the season.
Expect open savannahs, riverine forests, and wetlands alive with elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species. This safari is especially rewarding during the Dry season, when animals gather around water sources, offering unbeatable game-viewing opportunities.
With fewer crowds than the Northern circuit, this safari promises a truly wild and authentic African experience
At 7:00 AM, meet your professional safari guide in Dar es Salaam and set off on a scenic drive southwest along the Morogoro road. After a lunch stop in Morogoro town, continue toward Mikumi National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive until sunset.
Mikumi’s landscapes are rich with wildlife: elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and more. At the Hippo Pool, spot hippos wallowing and crocodiles sunbathing. After sunset, retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi (mid-range lodge just outside Mikumi NP, with swimming pool & chalets)
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner included (non-alcoholic drinks; breakfast not included)
After breakfast, head out for a full day in Mikumi National Park with a picnic lunch. The Mkata floodplain and Miombo woodlands attract herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and warthogs.
This park also offers sightings of lions and leopards, as well as a fantastic birdlife list of over 350 species. At sunset, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Main Destination: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (non-alcoholic drinks)
After breakfast, drive to Nyerere National Park (Selous), Africa’s largest protected area (approx. 6 hrs). En route, stop at a Maasai village for a 1-hour cultural tour before checking in at your lodge.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds thrive. Watch the sun set over the water before returning for dinner.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge (mid-range lodge just outside Nyerere NP)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (non-alcoholic drinks)
Day 4: Discover the Wild Heart of Nyerere
Spend the day exploring Nyerere National Park, covering 31,000 sq km of pure wilderness. Search for elephants, giraffes, lions, elands, kudus, hyenas, and an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy over 400 recorded species.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (non-alcoholic drinks)
Spend the day exploring Nyerere National Park, covering 31,000 sq km of pure wilderness. Search for elephants, giraffes, lions, elands, kudus, hyenas, and an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy over 400 recorded species.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (non-alcoholic drinks)
Another full day in Nyerere National Park, exploring deeper into its wild landscapes. Today, you may also visit the historic Selous Grave, final resting place of the legendary explorer Frederick Selous, who died here in World War I.
After a rewarding day, return to your lodge for dinner.
Main Destination: Nyerere National Park
Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (non-alcoholic drinks)
Rise early for a 2-hour guided walking safari with local bushmen and an armed ranger. Learn about wildlife tracking, medicinal plants, animal footprints, and the secrets of the forest. After breakfast, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam for drop-off.
Main Destination: Dar es Salaam (City)
Accommodation: None (end of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch included (dinner not included)
Costing
Included in the Price
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver–guide
- All park entrance fees and conservation fees
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River (Day 3)
- Walking safari with ranger & bushmen (Day 6)
- Maasai cultural village visit
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary (mid-range lodges)
- All Meals as specified
Excludes
- International flights & visas
- Airport transfers (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Accommodation before and after the tour (on request)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities (balloon safari, additional cultural visits, etc.)
- Tips & gratuities for guide, ranger, and lodge staff
- Alcoholic drinks & soft drinks not specified
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone, etc.)