7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Package 2026/2027

This route is designed for travelers who want to see three contrasting Southern Circuit parks in one week. Mikumi provides accessible plains and wildlife viewing, Ruaha offers a larger and more remote wilderness, and Nyerere adds lakes and Rufiji River habitats where a boat safari may be possible when included and operational conditions allow.

The itinerary requires careful transfer planning. The Ruaha–Nyerere sector is not a short road transfer, so we normally confirm a scheduled or charter flight, or revise the route if air availability and budget do not support it. Wildlife remains free-ranging and no particular species can be guaranteed.

How Much Does the 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Cost?

The price of our 7-day Southern Tanzania safari starts from USD 1,380 per person. The final amount depends on group size, season, accommodation category, transfer method between Ruaha and Nyerere, domestic flight availability, pickup point and optional activities.

Price factor	What your quotation confirms
Starting price	From USD 1,380 per person
Transport	Private road vehicle plus any required scheduled or charter flight
Accommodation	Named lodges or camps, room type and meal basis
Activities	Game drives, boat safari or walking safari only where expressly included

Because air transfers can materially change the total, do not rely on the starting price alone. We confirm the complete route, baggage conditions, flight schedule, inclusions and payment terms in writing before you book.

7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari Itinerary

This sample route begins in Dar es Salaam, visits Mikumi and Ruaha by road, then uses a confirmed air connection for the long Ruaha–Nyerere sector. Exact timings depend on park gates, road conditions, flight schedules and the selected camps.

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

We collect you from the confirmed Dar es Salaam pickup point and drive west to Mikumi. The transfer normally occupies much of the morning and can take longer with city traffic or roadworks. After arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive if daylight and park-entry timing permit. Overnight near or inside Mikumi; lunch and dinner are scheduled.

Day 2: Full-Day Mikumi Game Drive

Explore Mikumi National Park with morning and afternoon game viewing or a longer drive with a picnic lunch. The Mkata floodplain and surrounding woodland may support elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and predators, but sightings depend on current conditions. Overnight near or inside Mikumi; breakfast, lunch and dinner are scheduled.

Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

Leave Mikumi after breakfast and travel toward Ruaha via the Iringa area. This is a substantial road-transfer day, with arrival time affected by road conditions and the location of your camp. Enter Ruaha for late-afternoon game viewing only if timing allows. Overnight in the Ruaha area; breakfast, lunch and dinner are scheduled.

Day 4: Full-Day Ruaha Game Drive

Spend the day exploring Ruaha's river systems, baobab country and mixed woodland with your driver-guide. Elephant, antelope and predator sightings are possible, while African wild dogs and sable antelope are less predictable and cannot be promised. Overnight in the Ruaha area; breakfast, lunch and dinner are scheduled.

Day 5: Ruaha to Nyerere National Park

Transfer to the airstrip for the confirmed flight to Nyerere National Park. Flight routing may include stops and baggage limits apply; we provide the final schedule and allowance in writing. After camp transfer, join an afternoon game drive or boat safari if it is included, available and compatible with arrival time. Overnight in Nyerere; breakfast, lunch and dinner are scheduled.

Day 6: Nyerere Game Drive and Optional Water-Based Activity

Explore Nyerere National Park and the wider Selous ecosystem on a game drive. Depending on the selected camp and written itinerary, the day may also include a Rufiji River or lake boat safari. Walking activities require an authorized guide or ranger and must be booked and confirmed separately. Overnight in Nyerere; breakfast, lunch and dinner are scheduled.

Day 7: Nyerere to Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, return to Dar es Salaam by the flight or road transfer confirmed in your quotation. A flight is usually the practical choice when connecting onward the same day, but schedules can change. We recommend leaving a safe connection margin rather than booking a tight international departure. Breakfast is scheduled; later meals depend on departure time.

Accommodation During the Safari

The package uses six nights in lodges or tented camps selected according to your preferred standard, travel dates and transfer plan. We do not promise a specific property until availability has been checked and the lodge is named in your quotation.

Mikumi: two nights near or inside the park.
Ruaha: two nights at a camp positioned for the confirmed airstrip and game-drive area.
Nyerere: two nights at a lodge or camp compatible with the flight schedule and selected activities.

Tell us whether you need single, double, twin, triple or family rooms. Travelers with mobility or dietary requirements should share them before we request availability.

Best Time for a Southern Tanzania Safari

June to October is generally the most straightforward period for this three-park route because roads are drier and wildlife often concentrates near rivers and other water sources. November to March brings greener scenery and strong birding potential, while heavier rain can disrupt some roads, camps and water-based activities during parts of April and May.

Period	Typical conditions	Planning advice
June-October	Drier tracks, cooler mornings and wildlife often near water	Book flights and remote camps early
November-March	Greener landscapes, warmer days and seasonal rain	Allow flexibility and carry rain protection
April-May	Heavier rain may affect access and camp operations	Confirm every park, flight and activity before payment

Southern Tanzania Safari Packing and Safety Tips

Pack lightweight neutral clothing, a warm layer for early drives, closed shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars and spare camera batteries are useful, while soft-sided luggage is strongly recommended if the itinerary includes a light-aircraft flight.

Always follow driver-guide, ranger, pilot and camp instructions. Do not approach wildlife or walk outside designated areas without authorization. Carry personal medication in hand luggage and arrange travel insurance suitable for the itinerary.

Who This Southern Tanzania Safari Suits

This route suits travelers who value quieter parks, varied habitats and a more remote safari atmosphere. It is a better fit for guests comfortable with long road transfers and small-aircraft travel than for travelers seeking the simplest or lowest-cost seven-day route.

Discuss the itinerary with us before booking if you have limited mobility, strict baggage needs, very young children or a same-day international connection. We can revise the park combination or transfer method where necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

How much does the 7-day Southern Tanzania safari cost?

The price of our 7-day Southern Tanzania safari starts from USD 1,380 per person. The final quotation depends on group size, season, accommodation, transfer method, domestic flights and optional activities.

When is the best time for a Southern Tanzania safari?

June to October is generally the easiest period for dry-season road access and wildlife viewing near water. November to March offers greener landscapes and birdlife, while heavier rain can affect some roads, camps and activities during parts of April and May.

How do we travel between Ruaha and Nyerere?

The practical option is normally a scheduled or charter light-aircraft flight because the overland journey is long. Flight availability, routing, baggage allowance and any stops are confirmed in your written itinerary and quotation.

Are boat and walking safaris included?

Only when they are specifically listed in your quotation. Boat and walking activities depend on the selected camp, authorized guides or rangers, water and weather conditions, operating schedules and participant requirements.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Animals move freely, so sightings of lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants or any other species cannot be guaranteed. Our guides plan game drives around current conditions and recent wildlife information.

Combine This Safari with Other Tanzania Experiences

We can connect this route with Tanzania transfer services, a Zanzibar beach holiday, or additional Southern Tanzania safari packages. You can also compare the route with our Northern Tanzania safaris or review Tanzania accommodation options.

Send us your dates, party size, room preference, arrival and departure details, accommodation standard and any mobility or dietary needs. We will confirm the realistic transfer plan before issuing your written quotation.

What's Included and Excluded

Your confirmed package includes the core services below, but the quotation remains the final record of the lodges, flights, activities and transfers purchased.

Included in the 7-day safari

Private safari vehicle and professional English-speaking driver-guide for road sectors
Six nights in the lodges or camps named in the quotation
Meals stated in the final itinerary
Park and conservation entry fees for scheduled activities
Game drives and drinking water in the safari vehicle
Domestic flights or road transfers only where specifically confirmed

Excluded unless confirmed in writing

International flights, visas and passport costs
Travel insurance
Tips for guides, rangers, pilots and accommodation staff
Alcohol, soft drinks, laundry and personal purchases
Boat safaris, walking safaris and other optional activities not listed in the quotation
Pre-safari or post-safari accommodation and transfers not shown in the itinerary