7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
Quick Facts
| Duration | 7 days / 0 nights |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Group size | 2–6 guests |
| Destinations | Serengeti National Park, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park |
Tour Overview
Escape the crowds and discover the wild beauty of Southern Tanzania on this unforgettable 7-day private safari. Explore three of Tanzania's most spectacular national parks, each offering a unique safari experience. From the wildlife-rich plains of Mikumi National Park to the rugged wilderness of Ruaha National Park and the lush rainforests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, this journey combines classic game drives with scenic hiking and breathtaking landscapes.
This safari is ideal for travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters, fewer tourists, and diverse ecosystems while enjoying the comfort of a private 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide.
Highlights
Private 7-day safari through Southern Tanzania
Explore Mikumi National Park, often called the "Little Serengeti"
Discover Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park
Hike to the beautiful Sanje Waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains
Excellent opportunities to spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wild dogs, and numerous bird species
Stay in carefully selected safari lodges
Travel with a professional English-speaking safari guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your 7-day journey through Tanzania, crafted for unforgettable moments at every stop.
Day 1
Arrival in Dar es Salaam Airport
Arrival in Dar es Salaam Airport
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or explore the vibrant coastal city before your safari begins.
Day 2
Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park via the scenic Morogoro Highway. The drive passes through rural villages, mountain landscapes, and the beautiful Uluguru Mountains before reaching the park in the afternoon.
After lunch, enjoy your first game drive across the Mkata Floodplain, where elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, and lions are commonly seen. Mikumi offers excellent wildlife viewing in a peaceful setting with far fewer visitors than the Northern Circuit.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Mikumi National Park – Ruaha National Park
Mikumi National Park – Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park, one of Africa's most remote and rewarding safari destinations. Enjoy scenic views as you travel through the Southern Highlands and local communities before arriving at your lodge near the park.
Relax and enjoy dinner while preparing for a full day of wildlife viewing.
Day 4
Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park
Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park
Spend the entire day exploring Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park and one of East Africa's best-kept safari secrets.
Ruaha is renowned for its large elephant population, impressive lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, greater kudu, sable antelope, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and over 570 bird species. The Great Ruaha River attracts abundant wildlife throughout the year, making it an excellent location for game viewing.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon safari.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Ruaha National Park – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Ruaha National Park – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
After breakfast, leave Ruaha and journey toward Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The landscape gradually changes from open savannah to tropical forests and rolling hills, offering spectacular scenery along the way.
Arrive in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your lodge surrounded by nature.
Day 6
Udzungwa Mountains National Park – Sanje Waterfalls Hike
Udzungwa Mountains National Park – Sanje Waterfalls Hike
After breakfast, begin a guided hike through the lush rainforest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Udzungwa is famous for its exceptional biodiversity and is home to several endemic primate species, colorful butterflies, tropical birds, and unique plant life. Your hike leads to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, cascading over 170 meters into crystal-clear pools below.
Enjoy panoramic views of Kilombero Valley before descending through the forest.
After the hike, return to your lodge to relax.
Day 7
Udzungwa Mountains – Dar es Salaam
Udzungwa Mountains – Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred either to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your departure flight or to your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Southern Tanzania safari.
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All park entrance fees
- All scheduled game drives
- Guided hiking excursion in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and VAT
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
Destinations on This Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari?
This itinerary runs 7 days and 6 nights. Arrival and departure days are included in that count, and the pace can be adjusted — tell us your dates and we will fit the route around them.
How much does the 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari cost?
This trip is priced on request. Cost depends on your dates, group size and choice of accommodation, so we build a quote around the trip you actually want rather than publishing a headline figure.
Which parks and areas does the 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari visit?
This route covers Serengeti National Park, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Each stop is chosen for what it offers at that point in the itinerary rather than to tick off a list.
What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers, Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Professional English-speaking safari guide, All park entrance fees, All scheduled game drives, Guided hiking excursion in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Accommodation as specified, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Bottled drinking water throughout the safari and Government taxes and VAT.
What is not included?
Not included: International flights, Tanzania visa, Travel insurance, Personal expenses, Alcoholic and soft drinks, Optional activities and Tips for guides and lodge staff. We will flag anything likely to catch you out before you book.
How many people travel together?
Group size runs from 2 to 6 guests. Private departures are available for any size within that range.
How physically demanding is this trip?
We rate this trip as moderate. If you are unsure whether it suits your fitness or mobility, tell us and we will give you an honest answer rather than sell you the wrong trip.
When is the best time to do this trip?
June to October (dry season & river crossings), January to March (calving season). That said, Tanzania rewards travel year-round — tell us when you can travel and we will tell you honestly what you will and will not see.
How do I book or ask a question?
Send an enquiry through the form on this page or email info@jambomaasaitours.com. Enquiries are answered by the guiding team, usually within six hours on business days, and there is no obligation to book.
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