8-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha
A private 8-day road safari from Dar es Salaam through the three great parks of southern Tanzania: Nyerere with a boat safari on the Rufiji River, Mikumi's floodplain, and three nights in wild Ruaha.
The South, Park by Park
Southern Tanzania sees a fraction of the visitors of the north. This trip links its three main parks by road: two nights in Nyerere, Tanzania's largest national park, where you explore the Rufiji River by boat among hippos and crocodiles; a night at Mikumi; then three nights in Ruaha, known for its lion prides, elephant herds and baobab hills.
Travelling by road keeps the price far below a fly-in circuit and shows you the countryside between the parks. The drives are long on some days; we can replace any of them with a flight.
Want the north too? See the 11-Day Northern & Southern Tanzania Safari →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Two nights in Nyerere with a Rufiji River boat safari
- A night at Mikumi on the way
- Three nights in Ruaha
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- Lodges and tented camps, full board
Read our park guides: Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park
An early drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere. Two nights with game drives and a boat safari on the Rufiji River among hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Nyerere National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
A long drive west to Mikumi, with a game drive on the floodplain in the afternoon if time allows.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp near Mikumi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Through the Iringa highlands to Ruaha for three nights: game drives along the Great Ruaha River and through baobab country.
Overnight: Tented camp in or near Ruaha National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last morning game drive, then the drive to Iringa.
Overnight: Hotel in Iringa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the evening, or a flight from Iringa at extra cost.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Safari
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $4,600 |
| 2 People | $3,640 |
| 3 People | $3,320 |
| 4 People | $3,160 |
| 5 People | $3,060 |
| 6 People | $3,000 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people travelling together, sharing rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel in Dar es Salaam
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Camps named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha National Park fees and concession fees
- Rufiji River boat safari
- 7 nights in lodges, tented camps and a hotel, full board
- Drinking water
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Optional flights
- Tips
- Drinks not included in the meal plans
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
Why southern Tanzania?
Fewer vehicles, wilder landscapes and activities the north does not offer, such as boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
How long are the drives?
Days 1, 3, 4 and 8 have long drives. We can replace any of them with a flight at extra cost.
When is the best time?
June to October, the dry season. Some southern camps close in April and May.
Can we end on Zanzibar?
Yes. Flights to Zanzibar leave from Dar es Salaam and from the parks; ask us to add beach nights.
