Best 8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania Safari
This 8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania Safari covers 2 nights near/within Nyerere National Park, 1 night near/within Mikumi National Park, 2 nights near/within Ruaha National Park, 1 night near Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and 1 final night in Dar es Salaam or accommodation near your departure point depending on your travel schedule. The safari can start from Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or another designated location and is designed specifically for travelers who want to explore Tanzania’s southern safari circuit while enjoying excellent wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, river safaris, walking experiences, mountain forest adventure, and unforgettable safari moments. Accompanied by our professional, certified, experienced and passionate safari guides, this journey offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and memories that will last a lifetime.
Starting from Dar es Salaam or Julius Nyerere International Airport, this safari is one of the best options for travelers who want to experience Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park in one well-planned itinerary. The journey combines boat safari experiences on the Rufiji River, classic game drives, large elephant herds, lions, hippos, crocodiles, wild landscapes, open savannah, baobab scenery, waterfalls, rainforest hiking, birdlife, and incredible wildlife diversity that make southern Tanzania one of Africa’s most rewarding safari regions.
Your safari journey begins with arrival in Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or your hotel in Dar es Salaam. Depending on your arrival time, you may spend the first night in Dar es Salaam before beginning the journey to Nyerere National Park. This overnight stay allows you to recover from your flight, organize your safari equipment, meet your guide, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Depending on your travel arrangements, you can be picked up from Julius Nyerere International Airport, your hotel in Dar es Salaam, or another designated location. At the end of the safari, you can be dropped at your hotel, Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam ferry terminal, or another agreed location.
Throughout this safari, you will travel in a comfortable safari vehicle suitable for long-distance southern Tanzania safari routes and wildlife viewing. This provides excellent visibility for game drives, photography, and enjoying the spectacular landscapes of southern Tanzania.
This 8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania Safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, adventure travelers, repeat safari travelers, and anyone seeking a complete southern Tanzania safari experience through national parks, river landscapes, remote wilderness, and mountain rainforest scenery.
8 Days Southern Tanzania Safari at a Glance
- Safari Name: 8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania Safari
- Starting Point: Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or designated hotel
- Ending Point: Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or designated departure point
- Accommodation Before Safari: Optional overnight stay in Dar es Salaam depending on arrival time
- Night 1: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Nyerere National Park
- Night 2: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Nyerere National Park
- Night 3: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Mikumi National Park
- Night 4: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ruaha National Park
- Night 5: Lodge / Tented Camp near/within Ruaha National Park
- Night 6: Lodge / Hotel near Udzungwa Mountains National Park or Mikumi area
- Night 7: Hotel / Lodge in Dar es Salaam or accommodation near departure point depending on flight schedule
- Main Attractions: Nyerere National Park, Rufiji River, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, waterfalls, savannah plains, river systems, baobab landscapes, and southern Tanzania wilderness
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, wild dogs if lucky, antelopes, baboons, monkeys, and many bird species
- Adventure Experience: Game drives, boat safari in Nyerere, river wildlife viewing, waterfall hiking in Udzungwa Mountains, birdwatching, and scenic southern Tanzania landscapes
- Best For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, families, solo travelers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, adventure travelers, repeat safari travelers, and safari adventurers
Important Travel Information
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Julius Nyerere International Airport to Dar es Salaam City | Approximately 12 km to 20 km | About 30 minutes to 1 hour drive depending on traffic and hotel location |
| Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park | Approximately 220 km to 260 km | About 5 to 7 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, route, and road conditions |
| Nyerere Game Drives | Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration across savannah, woodland areas, lakes, river systems, and open plains |
| Nyerere Boat Safari | Scenic boat safari along the Rufiji River with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, birds, river landscapes, and animals coming to drink |
| Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park | Approximately 300 km to 380 km | About 6 to 8 hours drive depending on route, stops, and road conditions |
| Mikumi Game Drive | Half-day to full-day wildlife exploration across open plains, woodland zones, and scenic savannah landscapes |
| Mikumi National Park to Ruaha National Park | Approximately 300 km to 360 km | About 6 to 8 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions |
| Ruaha Game Drives | Full-day wildlife exploration across river areas, baobab landscapes, rocky hills, open plains, and remote wilderness zones |
| Ruaha National Park to Udzungwa Mountains Area | Approximately 320 km to 400 km | About 7 to 9 hours drive depending on route, stops, and road conditions |
| Udzungwa Mountains Hiking Experience | Guided forest hike to waterfalls, viewpoints, rainforest trails, primate habitats, and scenic mountain landscapes |
| Udzungwa Mountains to Dar es Salaam | Approximately 350 km to 420 km | About 7 to 9 hours drive depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions |
| Dar es Salaam City to Julius Nyerere International Airport | Approximately 12 km to 20 km | About 30 minutes to 1 hour drive depending on traffic and hotel location |
Places You Will Visit on This 8 Days Southern Tanzania Safari
Dar es Salaam – Gateway to Southern Tanzania Safari
Dar es Salaam is the main starting point for many southern Tanzania safaris and serves as an important gateway for travelers arriving through Julius Nyerere International Airport. The city offers easy access to Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and other southern Tanzania destinations.
Most travelers arrive through Julius Nyerere International Airport before beginning their safari. Depending on the arrival schedule, travelers may spend a night in Dar es Salaam before the safari begins, allowing time to rest, meet the guide, and prepare before starting the journey into Tanzania’s southern wilderness.
Nyerere National Park – Rufiji River, Boat Safari and Wild Landscapes
Nyerere National Park is one of Tanzania’s largest and most impressive wildlife destinations. It is famous for its wild landscapes, the Rufiji River, lakes, woodland areas, open plains, and excellent opportunities for both game drives and boat safari experiences.
The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, wild dogs if lucky, and many bird species. The Rufiji River is one of the highlights of Nyerere, offering beautiful scenery and excellent chances to see hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and animals coming close to the riverbanks.
Spending two nights near or within Nyerere National Park allows travelers to enjoy game drives, river scenery, boat safari activities, birdwatching, and the peaceful wilderness atmosphere that makes southern Tanzania special.
Mikumi National Park – Open Plains and Easy Wildlife Viewing
Mikumi National Park is one of southern Tanzania’s most accessible and rewarding safari destinations. The park is known for its open savannah plains, woodland areas, mountain views, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The park is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, elands, hyenas, and many bird species. Its open landscapes make wildlife viewing easier and provide beautiful opportunities for photography.
Visiting Mikumi adds a classic savannah safari experience to this journey and creates a perfect connection between Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Ruaha National Park – Remote Wilderness, Elephants and Big Cats
Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s most spectacular and wild safari destinations. It is known for its remote atmosphere, large elephant herds, baobab landscapes, dramatic river systems, rocky hills, and excellent predator sightings.
The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs if lucky, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, greater and lesser kudu, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, and many bird species. Ruaha is especially loved by travelers who want a more remote and less crowded safari experience.
Spending two nights near or within Ruaha National Park allows travelers to explore different wildlife areas, enjoy full-day game drives, search for predators, photograph baobab landscapes, and experience one of Tanzania’s most authentic wilderness destinations.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park – Rainforest, Waterfalls and Hiking
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a beautiful mountain rainforest destination and one of the best places in Tanzania for hiking, waterfalls, primates, birdlife, and scenic forest landscapes. It offers a refreshing contrast to the open savannah parks of southern Tanzania.
The park is known for its forest trails, rich biodiversity, endemic species, mountain views, and waterfalls such as the famous Sanje Waterfalls. Visitors may encounter monkeys, forest birds, butterflies, and unique plant species while enjoying guided hikes through lush rainforest.
Visiting Udzungwa Mountains near the end of this safari adds adventure, nature, and scenic beauty to the itinerary, making the journey more complete by combining wildlife safari, river experiences, remote wilderness, and mountain forest exploration.
Why Choose This 8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania Safari?
- Explore four iconic destinations in Tanzania’s southern safari circuit.
- Visit Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
- Start conveniently from Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or your designated hotel.
- Experience a boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park.
- Enjoy classic game drives across southern Tanzania’s savannah landscapes.
- Spend two nights near/within Nyerere National Park for river and wildlife experiences.
- Spend two nights near/within Ruaha National Park for remote wilderness and big game viewing.
- Search for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs if lucky, and many other wildlife species.
- Experience Mikumi’s open plains and easy wildlife viewing.
- Discover Ruaha’s baobab landscapes, elephants, predators, and remote wilderness.
- Enjoy Udzungwa Mountains’ rainforest hiking, waterfalls, primates, and scenic mountain landscapes.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable safari vehicle suitable for southern Tanzania safari routes.
- Outstanding photography opportunities.
- Suitable for couples, families, solo travelers, groups, birdwatchers, adventure travelers, and nature lovers.
- Explore Tanzania’s southern safari circuit in one complete wildlife and nature itinerary.
Best Time for This 8 Days Southern Tanzania Safari
This 8 Days Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha & Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the dry season from June to October is especially popular for wildlife viewing in Nyerere, 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, beautiful scenery, and peaceful safari experiences across southern Tanzania. Udzungwa Mountains National Park is especially rewarding for travelers who enjoy hiking, waterfalls, rainforest scenery, and nature photography, although trail conditions may vary depending on seasonal rainfall.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Nyerere (Boat Safari in the afternoon)
- Day 2 - Nyerere
- Day 3 -Nyerere (Walking Safari in the morning) to Mikumi
- Day 4 -Mikumi to Iringa (Isimila Stone Age visit) to Ruaha
- Day 5 - Ruaha
- Day 6 - Ruaha (Walking Safari - 3 to 4 hours)
- Day 7 - Ruaha to Udzungwa Mountains
- Day 8 - Udzungwa Mountains (Hike to Sanje Waterfalls - 2 hours) to Dar es Salaam
Note 1 : On Day 1, if clients chose to stay inside Nyerere National Park, boat safari cost will increase by $75 per person.
Note 2 : On Day 3, if clients chose to do Walking Safari inside Nyerere National Park, the package cost will increase by $70 per person.
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Nyerere (Within the Park) or Nyerere (Outside the Park)
- Day 2 - Nyerere (Within the Park) or Nyerere (Outside the Park)
- Day 3 - Mikumi (Within the Park) or Mikumi (Outside the Park)
- Day 4 - Ruaha
- Day 5 - Ruaha
- Day 6 - Ruaha
- Day 7 - Udzungwa Mountains
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 - 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 & Dinner
- Day 7 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 8 - Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Times
- Day 1 - Dar es Salaam to Nyerere takes about 4 to 4.5 hours(208 km)
- Day 3 - Nyerere to Mikumi takes about 6 to 6.5 hours
- Day 4 - Mikumi to Ruaha takes about 5.5 to 6 hours (319 km)
- Day 7 - Ruaha to Udzungwa Mountain takes about 6.5 to 7 hours (357 km)
- Day 8 - Udzungwa Mountains to Dar es Salaam takes about 8 to 8.5 hours (356 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
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