Itinerary for Best 6-Day Southern Circuit Safari Tanzania
Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
Highlights: Scenic drive, afternoon game drive in Mikumi
Depart from Dar es Salaam after breakfast and drive to Mikumi National Park (approx. 6 hrs). Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Expect to see lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and large elephant herds against the backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains.
- Transfer to Mikumi National Park
- Afternoon game drive
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Overnight: Mikumi Wildlife Camp or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi
Highlights: Full-day exploration of Mikumi’s plains and wildlife corridors
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive through Mikumi’s vast savannahs and floodplains. Visit the Mkata floodplain, hippo pools, and acacia woodlands to spot a wide range of wildlife. Return to camp in the evening.
- Full-day game drive
- Visit to hippo pools and birdwatching areas
Overnight: Mikumi Wildlife Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mikumi – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Highlights: Scenic drive, rainforest hike to Sanje Waterfalls
Depart Mikumi after breakfast for a short drive (2 hrs) to Udzungwa. Begin your hike through the lush rainforest to the iconic Sanje Waterfalls. Encounter endemic monkeys, colorful butterflies, and tropical birds. Swim and relax at the falls before descending.
- Guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls
- Wildlife and birdwatching
Overnight: Udzungwa Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Udzungwa – Iringa – Ruaha National Park
Highlights: Scenic drive to Iringa and Ruaha, cultural stops
After breakfast, travel west to Iringa and continue to Ruaha National Park (approx. 6–7 hrs drive). Along the way, stop for lunch and optional cultural visits. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at the lodge near the park entrance.
- Scenic transfer via Iringa
- Optional stop at Isimila Stone Age site
Overnight: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Ruaha National Park
Highlights: Big game viewing, predators, birds, baobab valleys
Spend a full day exploring Ruaha National Park. Famous for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rare antelope like sable and roan. The landscape is stunning, dominated by baobabs and the Great Ruaha River.
- Full-day game drive in Ruaha
- Packed picnic lunch in the park
Overnight: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ruaha – Iringa – Departure
Highlights: Morning wildlife views, transfer back
Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast with optional short game drive (depending on your departure time). Transfer to Iringa Airport or drive back toward your next destination.
- Transfer to Iringa or onward destination
Meals: Breakfast