Best 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Safari in Tanzania
This 6-Day Mikumi and Ruaha Safari in Tanzania takes you through 2 of Southern Tanzania’s top safari parks, offering an unforgettable experience in Africa. The itinerary covers Mikumi National Park (2 nights near the park) and Ruaha National Park (3 nights near the park), combining open savannah landscapes, classic wildlife viewing, remote wilderness, baobab-dotted scenery, and excellent predator sightings. The safari starts with a convenient pick-up from Dar es Salaam and ends with drop-off in Dar es Salaam at the end of the safari.
Throughout the safari, you will explore diverse ecosystems ranging from Mikumi’s open plains, acacia woodlands, wildlife-rich landscapes, and easy game viewing opportunities to Ruaha’s wild and remote wilderness, dramatic river scenery, ancient baobab trees, elephant herds, lions, leopards, and rich birdlife. This Southern Tanzania safari offers a quieter and more authentic safari experience, perfect for travelers who want to explore less-crowded parks while enjoying beautiful landscapes and rewarding wildlife encounters.
Accompanied by our certified, professional, experienced, and passionate safari guides, you will enjoy expertly guided game drives, incredible wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery at every turn. Whether spotting elephants and lions in Mikumi and Ruaha, exploring the remote wilderness of Southern Tanzania, enjoying peaceful game drives away from the crowds, watching predators in their natural habitat, or experiencing spectacular African sunsets, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.
6 Days Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Tanzania Safari
- Starting Point: Dar es Salaam City
- Ending Point: Dar es Salaam City
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Dar es Salaam
- Night 1: Lodge / Tented Camp near or inside Mikumi National Park
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near or inside Mikumi National Park
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp near or inside Ruaha National Park
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp near or inside Ruaha National Park
- Night 5: Lodge / Tented Camp near or inside Ruaha National Park
- Main Attractions: Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Mkata Floodplain, Great Ruaha River, baobab landscapes
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, greater kudus, hyenas, warthogs, antelopes, and many bird species
- Best For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, nature lovers, and safari adventurers
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park | Approximately 300 km | About 5 to 6 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions |
| Mikumi Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration across Mkata Floodplain, woodland areas, wetlands, and open savannah |
| Mikumi National Park to Ruaha National Park | Approximately 320 km | About 6 to 7 hours drive through scenic countryside and southern highland landscapes |
| Ruaha National Park Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration around the Great Ruaha River, baobab valleys, plains, hills, and wilderness areas |
| Ruaha National Park to Dar es Salaam | Approximately 620 km | About 10 to 12 hours drive depending on route, stops, and road conditions |
| Julius Nyerere International Airport to Dar es Salaam City | Approximately 12 km | About 30 to 45 minutes drive depending on traffic |
| Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal to City Center | Approximately 2 km | About 10 to 20 minutes drive depending on traffic |
Places You Will Visit on This 6 Days Tanzania Safari
Dar es Salaam City – Gateway to Southern Tanzania Safari
Dar es Salaam City is the main starting point for southern Tanzania safaris and serves as one of Tanzania’s most important travel hubs. It offers easy access to Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, and many other safari destinations.
Most travelers spend a night in Dar es Salaam before the safari begins, allowing time to rest and prepare before entering the wilderness.
Mikumi National Park – Open Plains and Easy Wildlife Viewing
Mikumi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife destinations and is famous for its open savannah, beautiful landscapes, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s southern safari circuit.
The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, lions, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, antelopes, and many bird species. Its famous Mkata Floodplain offers wide open views and excellent opportunities for photography.
Spending two nights near or inside Mikumi allows travelers to enjoy relaxed game drives and experience the beauty of southern Tanzania without rushing.
Mkata Floodplain – Beautiful Savannah Landscape
The Mkata Floodplain is one of the most popular wildlife viewing areas in Mikumi National Park. Its open grasslands attract many animals including zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, elephants, impalas, and predators.
This area is especially good for photography because of its wide plains, scenic backdrops, and frequent wildlife sightings. It is one of the highlights of any Mikumi safari.
Ruaha National Park – Remote Wilderness and Big Wildlife
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest and most spectacular national parks. It offers a wild and remote safari experience with fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, large elephant herds, strong predator populations, and outstanding birdlife.
The park is known for its baobab trees, rocky hills, river valleys, open plains, and the Great Ruaha River, which supports wildlife throughout the year. Visitors may encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, greater kudus, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and many antelope species.
Spending three nights near or inside Ruaha allows travelers to explore different wildlife regions and maximize opportunities to experience one of Tanzania’s most authentic safari destinations.
Great Ruaha River – Lifeline of Ruaha National Park
The Great Ruaha River is one of the most important wildlife areas inside Ruaha National Park. During the dry season, many animals gather near the river to drink, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing and photography.
The river attracts elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and predators such as lions and leopards. Its natural beauty and wildlife activity make it one of the highlights of Ruaha National Park.
Why Choose This 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Tanzania Safari?
- Explore two beautiful parks in Tanzania’s southern safari circuit.
- Visit Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park in one safari.
- Enjoy less crowded and more peaceful safari experiences.
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and other wildlife.
- Experience the scenic Mkata Floodplain in Mikumi National Park.
- Discover the wild beauty of Ruaha National Park and the Great Ruaha River.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Outstanding photography opportunities.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
- Explore Tanzania’s most rewarding southern safari destinations.
Best Time for This 6 Days Tanzania Safari
This 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the dry season from June to October is especially popular for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals often gather around rivers, waterholes, and open plains, making sightings easier and photography more rewarding.
The green season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, fresh vegetation, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. This period is also ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful scenery and authentic wilderness experiences.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
- Day 2 -Mikumi to Iringa (Isimila Stone Age visit) to Ruaha
- Day 3 - Ruaha
- Day 4 - Ruaha (Walking Safari - 3 to 4 hours)
- Day 5 - Ruaha to Mikumi
- Day 6 - Mikumi to Dar es Salaam
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Mikumi (Within the Park) or Mikumi (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - Ruaha
- Day 3 - Ruaha
- Day 4 - Ruaha
- Day 5 - Mikumi (Within the Park) or Mikumi (Outside the Park)
Transfers
This tour starts from Dar es Salaam
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Dar es Salaam airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Transfer from Dar es Salaam airport to a city or hotel or vice versa : USD 30 per person
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
Drive Times
- Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Mikumi takes about 6 to 6.5 hours(208 km)
- Day 2 - Mikumi to Ruaha takes about 5.5 to 6 hours (319 km)
- Day 5 - Ruaha to Mikumi takes about 5.5 to 6 hours (319 km)
- Day 7 - Mikumi to Dar es Salaam takes about 6 to 6.5 hours (300 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Safari Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Office Location
Related Packages
6 Days - Mikumi and Ruaha Packages
