7 Days Tanzania Safari to Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha Safari
The 7 days Tanzania Safari to Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha Safari leads visitors to the southern circuit,a rarely explored part of Tanzania for a trip of a lifetime. Be prepared for 7 days of action-packed adventures as well as 6 nights in the best safari Lodges that create the real picture of Africa’s wilderness.
Selous is one of the largest remaining Protected Areas in the African Continent, extending for over 21,100 square miles.
It was gazetted in 1922 and comprises of sweeping African wilderness with verdant forests, savannah plains, open woodlands, and mountains that shelter Masai giraffes, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, African wild dogs, Sable antelopes, Hippos, cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, Black Rhinos, Puku, spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, zebras and many others.
Also found in the southern circuit, Mikumi National Park is the 4th largest Park in the country covering an area of 1247 square miles.
This secluded safari destination offers shelter to jackals, impalas, African bush elephants, leopards, Liechtenstein’s hartebeests, Yellow baboons, Burchell’s zebras, spotted hyenas, Sable antelopes, lesser and greater kudu, Hippos, common elands, Masai and reticulated giraffes, lions and so much more.
Ruaha National Park covers an area of 7809 square miles and also encompasses parts of the Usangu Game Reserve as well as significant wetlands that surround it.
It was named after River Ruaha and offers home to Hippos, East African cheetahs, striped hyenas, Sable antelopes, lions, Cape buffaloes, Black rhinos, Roan antelopes, Masai giraffes, Ostriches, African wild dogs, Grant’s gazelles, spotted hyenas, lesser and greater kudu, wildebeests, African leopards, and so much more.
7 days Tanzania Safari Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve (or Nyerere National Park).
- Day 2: Full-day tour of Selous Game Reserve.
- Day 3: Leave Selous Game Reserve for Mikumi National Park.
- Day 4: Explore Mikumi National Park for a full day.
- Day 5: Depart for Ruaha National Park.
- Day 6: Explore Ruaha National Park for half a day.
- Day 7: Leave for Dar es Salaam City.
Detailed Itinerary for 7 days Tanzania Safari
Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve (or Nyerere National Park)
Early in the morning, we leave for Selous Game Reserve with a lunch box and the scenic journey lasts 6-7 hours. Expect magnificent views along the way and later in the afternoon be treated to a refreshing boat cruise along River Rufiji on arrival at the stunning and extensive Selous Game Reserve.
The adventurous activity comes with sights of Hippos, and Nile crocodiles as well as a wide range of aquatic bird species. As you make your way to the River banks, sights of Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Masai giraffes, and lions will be relished along the banks.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: The Retreat or Sand Rivers Selous.
- Midrange: Selous Mapumziko Lodge or Sable Mountain Lodge Selous.
- Budget: Mwagusi Safari Camp or Ngalawa Tented Camp.
Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: Full day tour of Selous Game Reserve
Guests have an entire day to explore the beauty of Selous Game Reserve and this is done on-board an open-roof safari vehicle to have clearer views of the animals and have better photographic opportunities.
At about 21,100 square miles, it is the largest Protected Area in Tanzania, sheltering a considerable population of Cape buffaloes, African wild dogs, lesser and greater kudu, lions, common elands, Cape buffaloes, bushbucks, Burchell’s zebras, yellow baboons and so much more.
This activity ends by sunset, although comes with breaks to have lunch and enjoy siesta. Get treated to the beautiful views of the horizon filled with stars and bonfire for interaction with colleagues before retiring to bed.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: The Retreat or Sand Rivers Selous.
- Midrange: Selous Mapumziko Lodge or Sable Mountain Lodge Selous.
- Budget: Mwagusi Safari Camp or Ngalawa Tented Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Leave Selous Game Reserve for Mikumi National Park
Pack your bags after breakfast and leave Selous Game Reserve for Mikumi National Park. Before you consider leaving, join an armed Ranger on a guided walking safari that lasts 2-3 hours to spot smaller creatures and hidden habitats that can’t be possibly explored during game drives.
After this activity, just proceed with the journey towards another excellent safari destination in the southern circuit, and don’t turn a blind eye to the numerous animals, spectacular Uluguru Mountains, views of the beautiful countryside along the way. Relax for the remainder of the evening to get the body and mind prepared for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp.
- Midrange: Mikumi Park Bandas.
- Budget: Camp Bastian Mikumi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Explore Mikumi National Park for a full day
Following breakfast, leave your Safari Camp for an action-packed game-viewing experience within Mikumi National Park, another large Protected Area in magical Tanzania.
While this Park doesn’t take the glory like its counterparts in the northern circuit, it is a wonderful place to see African bush elephants, Burchell’s zebras, common elands, greater kudu, Hippos, jackals, Liechtenstein’s hartebeests, leopards, Masai giraffes, impalas, reticulated giraffes, Sable antelopes, lions, spotted hyenas, Yellow baboons, lesser kudu and so much more.
Hot lunch will be served at the Lodge then continue with the game drive in the afternoon until evening when you head back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Vuma Hills Tented Camp.
- Midrange: Mikumi Park Bandas.
- Budget: Camp Bastian Mikumi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Depart for Ruaha National Park
Check-out of the Safari Camp and Mikumi National Park for a transfer to Ruaha National Park with lunch along the way (in Iringa Town). Get there by afternoon for refreshment and in the evening get a chance to discover this natural gem in southern Tanzania.
However, you can spend the evening at leisure, with options of unwinding at the Lodge, having a leisure walk, or undertaking an evening game drive.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mabata Makali Luxury Tented Camp or Jongomero Camp.
- Midrange: Ruaha River Lodge or Mwagusi Safari Camp.
- Budget: Ruaha Hill View Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6: Explore Ruaha National Park for half a day
Ruaha National Park in the southern circuit of Tanzania is the last destination for this one-week safari and therefore we shall get a chance to uncover its hidden beauty. A hefty breakfast leads us into this wilderness to discover why it is a crown jewel of African wilderness safaris.
Enjoy a more relaxed and secluded wildlife viewing experience marked by views of Roan antelopes, African leopards, African wild dogs, lions, Black rhinos, spotted hyenas, Cape buffaloes, East African cheetahs, lesser and greater kudu, Hippos, wildebeests, striped hyenas, Grant’s gazelles, Sable antelopes, Masai giraffes, to mention but a few. The game drive ends by lunchtime and this is followed by a boat tour, ending by sunset.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mabata Makali Luxury Tented Camp or Jongomero Camp.
- Midrange: Ruaha River Lodge or Mwagusi Safari Camp.
- Budget: Ruaha Hill View Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 7: Leave for Dar es Salaam City – End of 7 Days Tanzania Safari
On this day while exiting Ruaha National Park, visitors are introduced to several wildlife species as well as have a stop at the Ismila Stone Age site and Natural Pillars (in Iringa Plateau and about 20 kilometers from Iringa Town) while leaving for Dar es Salaam City. This sadly brings our thrilling one-week safari to an end. In Swahili we say, “Kwaheri!
Our 7 days Tanzania Safari to Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Park include;
- Transfers between Hotel and Airport.
- 4WD Vehicle plus fuel.
- Entry fees to the National Parks/Game Reserve
- 6 nights’ accommodation plus meals.
- Private services of an expert and knowledgeable English-speaking safari driver.
- Bottled drinking water for the entire safari.
- Government taxes.
Our 7-day safari to Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Park excludes;
- Domestic and international airfares to and from Dar es Salaam Airport.
- Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, souvenir shopping, telephone calls, and many others.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Other activities that aren’t part of the itinerary.
Tanzania Packing List to Consider;
- Lightweight nuetral-colored clothing,
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Binoculars, and a camera
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof jacket
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Personal toiletries.
- Don’t forget your passport and safari documents
Best time to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Safaris
The best time to visit Tanzania for a wildlife safari is during its dry months which range from June to October. These months come with the best wildlife views as animals tend to gather around water sources making them easier to spot. The habitats are also featured with less dense vegetation offering great animal views.
These months are also great for game drives as the trails are much dryer making them accessible and increasing the chances of animal sightings.