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12-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
Best Time: All year round
Explore Southern Tanzania through four remarkable destinations, combining thrilling wildlife, river safaris, rainforest hiking and remote wilderness in one journey.
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Discover the wild character of Southern Tanzania on a 12-day private safari combining Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha National Park. Designed for travelers who want more than traditional game drives, this journey brings together four very different landscapes and experiences—from cruising the Rufiji River and walking through the bush to hiking in rainforest and exploring the remote wilderness of Ruaha.
Your safari begins in Nyerere National Park, where boat safaris offer a different perspective of Tanzania’s wildlife, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and abundant birdlife along the Rufiji River. Continue to Mikumi National Park for classic savannah game viewing, before heading into the Udzungwa Mountains for forest walks, waterfalls and a refreshing change from the open plains.
The journey culminates in Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wilderness destinations, known for its dramatic landscapes, baobabs, elephants and diverse predator populations. Here, the vastness of the park and lower visitor density create a sense of remoteness that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.
This itinerary is carefully planned to balance wildlife, adventure and travel time. Southern Tanzania covers large distances, so we consider where road travel adds value and where flying can make the journey more comfortable and efficient. The route can also be tailored around your preferred accommodation, travel dates, interests and budget.
More than a collection of national parks, this is a journey through a less-traveled side of Tanzania—ideal for travelers seeking authentic wilderness, diverse experiences and a private safari away from the more familiar northern circuit.
Begin your Selous safari by road, departing from Dar es Salaam and journeying through rural Kisaki to Nyerere National Park—formerly known as Selous. This scenic drive offers your first glimpse into the untouched landscapes of Southern Tanzania. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge near the Rufiji River, where wildlife roams freely. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing riverbank sundowner or optional short nature walk. This marks the start of your unforgettable 12-day Southern Tanzania safari filled with wild beauty, adventure, and exclusivity.
Meal: Lunch, Dinner Wake up to the sounds of nature and embark on a guided walking safari, a signature activity of this Nyerere National Park safari package. Track animal prints and learn about the ecosystem from expert guides. Later, take a thrilling boat safari in Selous Tanzania along the Rufiji River, home to crocodiles, hippos, and vibrant birdlife. It’s the perfect combination of water-based and land exploration, offering a unique way to experience the rich biodiversity of this wilderness. This private Southern Tanzania safari tour brings you closer to nature in the most authentic way.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Enjoy a full-day game drive in one of Africa’s largest protected areas. This untamed region is perfect for those seeking a luxury Southern Tanzania safari far from the crowds. Spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and lions across open woodlands and grasslands. Keep your camera ready for rare species like sable antelope and African wild dogs. Your Southern circuit Tanzania safari delivers intimate wildlife encounters and dramatic landscapes, all enhanced by expert guiding and the raw beauty of Selous.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Depart Nyerere National Park via the Mtemere Gate and journey through scenic terrain toward Mikumi National Park. The drive forms part of your seamless Selous to Ruaha safari by road and air, showcasing local villages and changing landscapes. Arrive in Mikumi for an afternoon game drive where you may spot elephants, zebras, and giraffes against the stunning backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains. This leg of your Southern Tanzania safari itinerary highlights the diversity of habitats that make the southern circuit so rich and rewarding.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Spend the day exploring Mikumi’s vast floodplains, ideal for photographers and families. The park’s open savannahs offer excellent visibility for spotting lions, wildebeests, impalas, and hippos. Its close proximity to Dar es Salaam makes it one of the most accessible parks, yet it remains uncrowded and wild. This Mikumi and Udzungwa safari tour is ideal for travelers seeking wildlife, comfort, and minimal travel stress. As part of your tailor-made Southern Tanzania safari itinerary, Mikumi offers a classic game-viewing experience with a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path charm.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, drive to the nearby Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania’s most ecologically diverse rainforest. Hike the popular Sanje Waterfalls Trail, encountering endemic primates like the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and spectacular bird species. The lush greenery and breathtaking views make this a highlight for nature lovers. This leg of your Tanzania safari including Udzungwa Mountains introduces a completely different ecosystem—perfect for travelers wanting a safari with variety and depth. Your guide ensures a comfortable and informative trek tailored to your activity level and interests.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today, drive west toward the wild heart of Tanzania: Ruaha National Park. This part of your Selous to Ruaha safari tour offers stunning views of valleys, riverbeds, and remote villages. Arrive in Ruaha by late afternoon and settle into your safari lodge or tented camp. You’ll begin to feel the remoteness and majesty of Tanzania’s largest national park. As part of a Ruaha safari package Tanzania, the next few days promise epic predator sightings, unmatched solitude, and diverse terrain, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to your Southern Tanzania safari.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Start your Ruaha National Park fly-in safari segment with an exploration of the Great Ruaha River, a lifeline that attracts elephants, lions, and birdlife. Ruaha is known for its rugged beauty and high density of predators. As part of your Ruaha and Selous safari tour, enjoy breathtaking vistas of baobab trees and dramatic rock formations while your guide takes you to known predator hotspots. This is where serious safari lovers come for raw, unfiltered African wilderness—and the action rarely disappoints.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Begin the day with a Ruaha walking safari Tanzania experience, accompanied by armed rangers and expert naturalists. Walking through the bush allows you to discover tracks, plants, and hidden wildlife stories. Later, embark on an afternoon game drive focusing on Ruaha’s famed lions—this park holds Africa’s largest population of lions, offering exceptional big cat encounters. This luxury Southern circuit Tanzania safari delivers the perfect balance between thrilling adventure and serene immersion in nature.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Spend a full day exploring deeper regions of Ruaha National Park, a critical highlight of your wildlife safari Southern Tanzania. The park’s remote location means fewer vehicles and more intimate wildlife sightings. Encounter large elephant herds, leopard, cheetah, kudu, roan antelope, and jackals across diverse landscapes. Your guide will customize your game drive based on wildlife movement, ensuring the best chance to witness exciting behavior. This is the heart of your best 12-day Southern Tanzania safari package, designed to inspire and awe at every turn.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Enjoy one last sunrise game drive in this extraordinary wilderness. Your tailor-made Southern Tanzania safari itinerary wraps up with final views of the iconic baobabs, acacia woodlands, and elusive predators. Ruaha’s grandeur and solitude leave a lasting impression—an unforgettable farewell to Africa’s best-kept secret. Whether you came for photography, a family-friendly safari in Southern Tanzania, or pure immersion in wildlife, Ruaha ensures you leave with your soul stirred and your camera full.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Your Southern Tanzania safari tour with flights back to Dar es Salaam ends with spectacular aerial views of the landscape you’ve explored. It’s the perfect end to a once-in-a-lifetime 12-day off-the-beaten-path Tanzania safari. Whether this was your first or fiftieth safari, you’ve now experienced the wild heart of Southern Tanzania—untouched, authentic, and unforgettable.
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Every safari is unique, expertly tailor-made by Calabash around your preferences, travel style, and desired experiences for a personal adventure.
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Below is a summary of what is included in this safari price. Contact us for the complete package details, including all inclusions and exclusions, tailored options, and any additional services available.
The prices listed below vary by season and travel dates. Contact us to create a safari around your preferred schedule, receive expert advice on the best time to visit, and secure the right itinerary, accommodation, and experiences with guidance from our safari consultant.
| People | Green Season (1st April to 31st March) |
Should Season (1st Nov - 14th Dec & March) |
Peak Season (1st Jun - 30 Oct & 15th Dec - 28th Feb) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2
|
Per Person
|
4620
|
4730
|
4780
|
|
4
|
Per Person
|
3590
|
3700
|
3720
|
|
5
|
Per Person
|
3580
|
3690
|
3712
|
|
6
|
Per Person
|
3577
|
3682
|
3709
|
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