Overview
This 8-day Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari, organized by Africa Climbers Adventures, provides an unforgettable adventure, starting and ending in Dar es Salaam. Explore the vast Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park), famous for its wildlife and stunning landscapes, followed by a thrilling visit to Ruaha National Park, known for its rugged terrain and abundant wildlife, including elephants and wild dogs. The journey continues to Mikumi National Park, renowned for its open plains and diverse animals. Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris offer an immersive experience in Tanzania’s lesser-known, yet equally spectacular, wilderness areas.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s gateway to the southern circuit. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a representative from Serengeti Wildlife Safaris and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, explore the city, visit the National Museum, or enjoy a delicious meal of local coastal cuisine. This evening is free to unwind, preparing for the adventure ahead. This is a great opportunity to relax and acclimate before beginning your safari the next day.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not Included
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve
After breakfast, depart for Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), one of Tanzania’s largest and most biodiverse reserves. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, showcasing scenic views of the Tanzanian countryside. Once you arrive, enjoy an afternoon game drive in this vast and remote area, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. The peaceful nature of Selous offers an intimate safari experience. Later, unwind at your lodge, where you can enjoy dinner with stunning views over the Rufiji River.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not Included)
Day 3: Full Day in Selous Game Reserve
After breakfast, travel by road to Ruaha National Park, approximately 6-7 hours away. Ruaha, Tanzania’s second-largest national park, is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive to spot large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and the rare wild dog. The park’s remoteness ensures a private and undisturbed safari experience. Spend the night at your lodge, nestled in the heart of Ruaha’s wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Fb (Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner)
Day 4: Selous to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, travel by road to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second-largest national park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife diversity. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, passing through picturesque rural areas. Once you arrive, embark on a late afternoon game drive, where you may encounter large herds of elephants, lions, and rare wild dogs. Ruaha's remote location ensures a more private and tranquil safari experience. Spend the night at your lodge nestled within the park's wilderness.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Fb (Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner)
Day 5: Full Day in Ruaha National Park
Dedicate today to a full exploration of Ruaha National Park. Start with an early morning game drive, as the park's rugged landscapes provide excellent opportunities to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Park is also home to large herds of buffalo and elephants. After a lunch break, enjoy an afternoon safari or visit one of the park’s beautiful viewpoints. Ruaha is renowned for birdwatching, with over 570 species recorded. Return to your lodge for a restful evening, listening to the sounds of the African bush.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Fb (Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner)
Day 6: Ruaha to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, which is about 4-5 hours away. Mikumi is famous for its vast plains and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, head straight for an afternoon game drive, where you can spot lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, among other species. Mikumi’s open plains and flat terrain provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the early morning or late afternoon. After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Fb (Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner)
Day 7: Full Day in Mikumi National Park
Enjoy a full day of safari in Mikumi National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to maximize wildlife sightings as animals are more active at dawn. Mikumi is home to a variety of species, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants, as well as numerous antelope species. After a picnic lunch in the park, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Mikumi’s flat terrain offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife, especially predators hunting at dusk. Return to your lodge in the evening for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
- Accommodation:
- Meals: Fb (Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner)
Day 8: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam
On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive in Mikumi before returning to Dar es Salaam. The journey will take approximately 4-5 hours, offering a chance to reflect on the incredible safari experiences of the past week. Once in Dar es Salaam, enjoy some free time for shopping or relaxing at the beach or hotel. Serengeti Wildlife Safaris will assist with your transfer to the airport, depending on your flight time. Your safari ends with cherished memories of an unforgettable adventure through Tanzania’s southern circuit.
Included/Excluded
- Airport transfers
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$25.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees












