11 Days Tanzania Explorer

Day 1: Arrive Dar es Salaam

Upon your arrival at Nyerere International Airport (time to be advised), you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodation. As you settle in, you will have the opportunity to relax after your journey and take in the surroundings. In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served, allowing you to savor local flavors and prepare for the exciting days ahead. After dinner, you can unwind and rest comfortably, enjoying a peaceful overnight stay in preparation for the adventures to come.

Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park

We begin our adventure with an early morning departure from Dar es Salaam, heading southwest to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve. The journey spans about 230 kilometers and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, including time for stops and park entrance formalities. Upon arrival, we enter the park and begin our first exciting game drive, exploring the diverse habitats ranging from woodlands and grasslands to the river systems of the mighty Rufiji River. Nyerere is one of Africa's richest ecosystems and home to the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino. We enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize our time in the wild. In the late afternoon, we head to our lodge or tented camp within the park for dinner and an overnight stay, immersed in the untouched beauty of Tanzania's wilderness.

Day 3: Nyerere National Park

We spend the entire day immersed in further game drives and exploration within the vast expanse of Nyerere National Park. This park, with its rich network of rivers, open plains, and dense woodlands, offers some of the most diverse wildlife sightings in Tanzania. As we continue our search for the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino, we also have the chance to encounter wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, particularly around the Rufiji River. The day includes a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas, allowing us to remain deep in the bush without returning to camp. After an exciting day of wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes, we return to our accommodation within the park for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay, enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.

Day 4: Nyerere National Park

We spend the entire day immersed in further game drives and exploration within the vast expanse of Nyerere National Park. This park, with its rich network of rivers, open plains, and dense woodlands, offers some of the most diverse wildlife sightings in Tanzania. As we continue our search for the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino, we also have the chance to encounter wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, particularly around the Rufiji River. The day includes a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas, allowing us to remain deep in the bush without returning to camp. After an exciting day of wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes, we return to our accommodation within the park for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay, enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.

Day 5: Nyerere National Park – Mikumi National Park

Following an early breakfast, we depart Nyerere National Park and drive northwest to Mikumi National Park, covering a distance of approximately 300 kilometers in about 5 to 6 hours. The journey offers scenic views of rural Tanzania and possibly wildlife along the way. Upon arrival at Mikumi, we enjoy a packed lunch before heading into the park for afternoon game drives. Mikumi is part of the larger Selous ecosystem and offers a good chance to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and various antelope species. Later, we drive to our special campsite or lodge within or near the park for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Mikumi National Park

Today is dedicated to full-day game drives and exploration in Mikumi National Park. Known for its open plains that resemble the Serengeti, Mikumi is a great place to observe large herds of wildlife. The park is home to four of the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard—with only the rhino absent, which we already sought in Nyerere. We explore different zones of the park and enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot, taking time to appreciate the landscape and wildlife diversity. In the late afternoon, we return to our camp or lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 7: Mikumi National Park

Today is dedicated to full-day game drives and exploration in Mikumi National Park. Known for its open plains that resemble the Serengeti, Mikumi is a great place to observe large herds of wildlife. The park is home to four of the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard—with only the rhino absent, which we already sought in Nyerere. We explore different zones of the park and enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot, taking time to appreciate the landscape and wildlife diversity. In the late afternoon, we return to our camp or lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 8: Mikumi National Park – Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, we depart Mikumi and begin the long but rewarding drive to Ruaha National Park, covering approximately 400 to 450 kilometers over 8 to 9 hours. The journey leads us deeper into the heart of southern Tanzania, passing through rural villages and varying terrains. Upon arrival in Ruaha, we either enjoy a packed lunch or lunch at the lodge, depending on our arrival time. We then embark on a late afternoon game drive, beginning our exploration of this vast and rugged park. Known for its dramatic landscapes, large elephant herds, and rare antelopes, Ruaha promises a truly wild safari experience. We end the day at our lodge or camp within the park for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 9: Ruaha National Park

Today is fully dedicated to game drives and exploration within the vast and remote Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park and one of its best-kept secrets. Covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha is famed for its dramatic landscapes, baobab-studded plains, and the winding Great Ruaha River, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife. As we venture deeper into the park, we search for its iconic inhabitants, including large prides of lions, herds of elephants, leopards, and rare species such as the sable and roan antelopes. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 570 bird species recorded. We enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize our time in the bush. After a thrilling day of discovery and photography, we return to our lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 10: Ruaha National Park

Today is fully dedicated to game drives and exploration within the vast and remote Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park and one of its best-kept secrets. Covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha is famed for its dramatic landscapes, baobab-studded plains, and the winding Great Ruaha River, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife. As we venture deeper into the park, we search for its iconic inhabitants, including large prides of lions, herds of elephants, leopards, and rare species such as the sable and roan antelopes. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 570 bird species recorded. We enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize our time in the bush. After a thrilling day of discovery and photography, we return to our lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 11: Travel Day

After an early morning breakfast and checkout from your camp or lodge in Ruaha National Park, we prepare for your departure. You'll be transferred to the nearby Ruaha airstrip, a scenic drive through the park that may offer final glimpses of wildlife along the way. From the airstrip, you will board a domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam, marking the end of your unforgettable southern Tanzania safari. As you soar above the rugged terrain, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife encounters that made this journey truly special.

End of Itinerary