Overview & Summary
Discover the remarkable diversity of southern Tanzania on this 7-day journey that weaves together three distinct wildernesses. Begin in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest and most rugged wilderness, where the Great Ruaha River draws massive herds of elephants and buffalo, and predators lions, leopards, and endangered wild dogs roam freely across baobab studded landscapes. Journey to the Udzungwa Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot where ancient rainforests harbor endemic primates found nowhere else on earth. Trek to the thundering Sanje Waterfalls and swim in cool mountain pools. Conclude in Mikumi National Park, where open savannahs offer classic wildlife viewing with frequent lion sightings and large elephant herds. With fly in convenience, expert BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guides, and a pace that lets you absorb each landscape, this is the ultimate southern Tanzania safari.
Full Itinerary
Flight to Ruaha National Park & Afternoon River Game Drive
Your safari begins with a scenic flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Ruaha National Park. As you descend over Tanzania's largest park, the Great Ruaha River snakes through baobab studded hills below. Upon landing at the airstrip, your private BMC TOURS & SAFARIS guide welcomes you and escorts you into the wilderness. Enjoy an afternoon game drive along the river, where during the dry season (June to October), wildlife concentrates in spectacular numbers elephants gather in herds, buffalo graze on the banks, and lions wait in the shade. Ruaha is known for its large predator population, including one of Africa's highest lion densities and endangered wild dogs. Arrive at your comfortable camp as the sun sets, with dinner and overnight in the heart of Ruaha.
Dinner and overnight at Ruaha River Camp
Predator Tracking, Riverbank Observation & Bush Picnic
Wake before dawn for an early morning game drive as the light spreads across Ruaha's rugged landscape. The Great Ruaha River is the lifeblood of the park, and during the dry season, it draws one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wildlife. Your guide positions you along the riverbanks, where elephants drink, hippos wallow, and crocodiles bask in the morning sun. Ruaha is home to over 10% of the world's lion population, and sightings are frequent. Look also for leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, then continue your exploration through acacia woodlands and baobab dotted plains. As the afternoon light softens, return to the river for one last game drive before heading back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Ruaha River CampTransfer to Udzungwa Highlands & Forest Walk
After a final morning game drive in Ruaha, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to the Udzungwa Mountains area. As you cross from the savannah plains to the lush, misty highlands, the landscape transforms dramatically. Upon arrival, your guide escorts you to your comfortable lodge nestled at the base of the mountains, where you settle in and take in the cool, green surroundings. The afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps taking a short walk through the surrounding forest or simply enjoying the views. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge, preparing for tomorrow's trek into one of Africa's most important biodiversity hotspots.
Dinner and overnight at Udzungwa Falls Lodge
Rainforest Canopy Hike, Rare Endemic Primates & Waterfall Swim
After an early breakfast, meet your local guide and park ranger and begin your trek into Udzungwa Mountains National Park. This pristine rainforest is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot with species found nowhere else on earth. The trail winds through lush vegetation, with towering trees, lianas, and the calls of endemic birds surrounding you. Your guide helps you spot the Iringa red colobus and the rare Sanje crested mangabey primates that exist only in these forests. After a challenging but rewarding 4 to 6 hour round trip, you reach the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, which plunge 170 meters into a deep pool below. Swim in the cool, clear water and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the mist and beauty of the falls. After resting, descend back through the forest, arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Udzungwa Falls LodgeHiking or Cultural Interaction, then Scenic Drive to Mikumi
Today you have a choice. For a more relaxed day, take an easier hike to the lower falls of the Udzungwa Mountains, where you can enjoy the beauty of the forest without the full day trek. Alternatively, immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a nearby village, where you can learn about the traditions of the people who live at the edge of this ancient forest. Your guide shares insights into their farming practices, crafts, and relationship with the natural world. After a morning of exploration, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Mikumi National Park, arriving at your comfortable lodge near the park in the early evening. Enjoy dinner and overnight, preparing for tomorrow's game drives.
Dinner and overnight at Camp Bastian
Mkata Floodplain Game Drives, Savannah Lions & Hippo Pools
After breakfast, set out for a full day of game drives in Mikumi National Park, a classic African savannah landscape often called "Little Serengeti." The Mkata Floodplain is the centerpiece of the park, offering excellent predator sightings and large herds of herbivores against the stunning backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains. Lions are frequently spotted resting in the grass, elephants roam in herds, and giraffes browse acacia trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, perhaps near the hippo pools where you can watch these enormous creatures wallow and play. The afternoon offers more exploration through acacia woodlands and open grasslands. Return to your lodge as the sun sets, sharing stories of the day's wildlife encounters over dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Camp BastianMorning Wildlife Sightings & Flight Back
After a final morning game drive in Mikumi, capture any last wildlife sightings before the day heats up. Return to your lodge for breakfast and time to refresh. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short walk or simply enjoy the lodge's surroundings. Transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside. Upon arrival, your BMC TOURS & SAFARIS driver meets you for transfer to your hotel or the airport. As your southern Tanzania safari concludes, you carry memories of Ruaha's great herds, Udzungwa's misty forests, and the open savannahs of Mikumi.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Domestic flights: Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar to Ruaha, Ruaha to Udzungwa, Mikumi to Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar
- Private transfers from arrival airport
- Accommodations as listed (2 nights Ruaha, 2 nights Udzungwa, 2 nights Mikumi)
- All meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
- Daily game drives in Ruaha and Mikumi with expert BMC guide
- Guided trek to Sanje Waterfalls with local ranger
- Optional lower falls hike or village cultural visit
- All park entry fees and conservation levies
- Bottled drinking water
- All government taxes
Excluded
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tanzania visa fees
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, spa)
- Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
- Accommodation before or after safari
Optional Activities
Optional add-on activities for this package are coming soon. Contact our team to request custom modifications to your itinerary.
