Best 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Safari in Tanzania
This 6-Day Mikumi and Ruaha Tanzania Safari takes you through 2 of Southern Tanzania’s top safari destinations, 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), including a special visit to the Isimila Stone Age Site near Iringa and a guided walking safari experience in Ruaha National Park. 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 savannah plains, wildlife-rich landscapes, and easy game viewing opportunities to Ruaha’s remote wilderness, baobab-dotted scenery, dramatic river valleys, elephant herds, lions, and rich predator sightings. The journey also includes the Isimila Stone Age Site near Iringa, where you will discover one of Tanzania’s important historical and archaeological sites, adding cultural insight and historical discovery to your Southern Tanzania safari experience.
Accompanied by our certified, professional, experienced, and passionate safari guides, you will enjoy expertly guided game drives, incredible wildlife encounters, cultural insights, walking safari adventure, and stunning scenery at every turn. Whether spotting elephants and lions in Mikumi and Ruaha, exploring the authentic wilderness of Southern Tanzania, discovering the history of Isimila Stone Age Site, enjoying a guided walking safari in Ruaha, 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 Ruaha 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 Mikumi National Park
- Main Attractions: Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Isimila Stone Age Site, Great Ruaha River, Mkata Floodplain, Ruaha Walking Safari
- 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, history lovers, walking safari lovers, couples, families, solo travelers, groups, 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 Drive | Wildlife exploration across Mkata Floodplain, woodland areas, wetlands, and open savannah |
| Mikumi National Park to Iringa / Isimila Stone Age Site | Approximately 220 km to 260 km | About 4 to 5 hours drive depending on stops and road conditions |
| Isimila Stone Age Site Visit | Guided historical and archaeological experience around ancient stone tools, sandstone pillars, erosion valleys, and scenic viewpoints |
| Iringa / Isimila to Ruaha National Park | Approximately 120 km to 130 km | About 2 to 3 hours drive depending on route and road conditions |
| Ruaha National Park Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration around the Great Ruaha River, baobab valleys, plains, hills, and wilderness areas |
| Ruaha Walking Safari | Approximately 3 to 4 hours guided walking safari with an experienced guide and armed ranger |
| Ruaha National Park to Mikumi National Park | Approximately 320 km | About 6 to 7 hours drive through scenic countryside and southern highland landscapes |
| Mikumi National Park to Dar es Salaam | Approximately 300 km | About 5 to 6 hours drive depending on traffic, 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, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and many other safari destinations.
Most travelers begin their southern Tanzania safari from Dar es Salaam because of its international airport, ferry connections, hotels, restaurants, and convenient road access to Mikumi and Ruaha.
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, mountain views, 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 the first and final safari nights near or inside Mikumi allows travelers to enjoy relaxed game drives and experience the beauty of southern Tanzania before and after visiting Ruaha National Park.
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.
Isimila Stone Age Site – History and Ancient Landscapes
Isimila Stone Age Site is one of Tanzania’s most important historical and archaeological attractions. Located near Iringa, the site is known for ancient stone tools, evidence of early human activity, and dramatic natural sandstone pillars shaped by erosion.
A visit to Isimila adds a historical and cultural dimension to this safari, allowing travelers to learn about Tanzania’s ancient past while enjoying unique landscapes, walking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
This stop makes the journey from Mikumi to Ruaha more interesting and gives travelers a meaningful experience beyond traditional wildlife viewing.
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.
Ruaha Walking Safari – Explore the Wilderness on Foot
A walking safari in Ruaha National Park offers a completely different way to experience the African wilderness. Instead of viewing wildlife only from a vehicle, travelers walk with a professional guide and armed ranger while learning about animal tracks, plants, insects, birds, bones, and the smaller details of the ecosystem.
The walking safari usually takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and is suitable for travelers who want a deeper, more adventurous, and more personal connection with nature. It is one of the most memorable experiences on this 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Tanzania Safari.
Why Choose This 6 Days Mikumi and Ruaha Tanzania Safari?
- Explore two beautiful destinations in Tanzania’s southern safari circuit.
- Visit Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park in one safari.
- Enjoy classic game drives combined with a guided walking safari experience.
- Visit the historic Isimila Stone Age Site near Iringa.
- Spend one night near Mikumi at the beginning and one night near Mikumi at the end of the safari.
- Spend three nights near or inside Ruaha National Park.
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, greater kudus, hippos, crocodiles, and many other wildlife species.
- Experience the scenic Mkata Floodplain in Mikumi National Park.
- Discover the wild beauty of Ruaha National Park and the Great Ruaha River.
- Enjoy a 3 to 4 hours walking safari in Ruaha National Park.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
- Outstanding photography opportunities.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, history lovers, walking safari lovers, nature lovers, 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 in Mikumi and Ruaha. 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, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and beautiful scenery across Mikumi, Ruaha, and the southern highland route. This period is also ideal for travelers who enjoy peaceful nature experiences, photography, historical visits, and authentic wilderness adventures.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
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
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1
- $2,053 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Camp Bastian - Standard Chalets, Mikumi (Outside the Park)
Option E2
- $756 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Angalia Camp - Standard Room, Mikumi (Outside the Park)
Stay at Asanja Ruaha Luxury Tented Camp, Ruaha
Stay at Camp Bastian - Standard Chalets, Mikumi (Outside the Park)
Option E3
- $2,279 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Mikumi Wildlife Camp - Standard Room, Mikumi (Within the Park)
Stay at Asanja Ruaha Luxury Tented Camp, Ruaha
Stay at Mikumi Wildlife Camp - Standard Room, Mikumi (Within the Park)
Stay Location
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)
Meals
Day 1 - Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - Breakfast & Lunch.
Drive Times
Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Mikumi takes about 6 to 6.5 hours (300 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 6 - Mikumi to Dar es Salaam takes about 6 to 6.5 hours (300 km)
Note 1 : 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.
