Day 1: Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Drive to Selous Game Reserve
Tanzania Safari Welcome to book our southern circuit Tanzania safari, which will take you to the largest, wildest, and most remote game reserves and national parks of south Tanzania! Our English-speaking driver guide will pick you up from the Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), or your hotel in Dar es Salaam, and then drive 3.5 to 4 hours to the first safari destination - Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park). Upon arrival, check in the lodge and rest. Then a unique boat safari will be arranged for you. ★ Afternoon Boat Adventure on Rufiji RiverAs the largest river in East Africa, the Rufiji River is home to a myriad of Nile crocodiles. They usually sunbathe on the shore but splash into the water when the boat comes close, only leaving their periscope-like eyes to observe the condition of the river. You may also see flocks of great pelicans dash into the water to catch fish. At dusk, the Rufiji River is a good place to admire the stunning sunset. The fireball-like sun hangs over the savanna, casting a soft golden glow on the beautiful river.  Things to Know Before Departure: 1. Yellow Fever Vaccination: Travelers who arrive in Tanzania directly from Western countries such as the US and Canada don’t need to get vaccinated except those who linger or change planes in endemic countries such as Kenya and Uganda. 2. SIM Card: Vodacom is the largest mobile operator in Tanzania, whose network has the largest coverage and best signal. Its SIM card can be used in remote savannas and reserves, available at the 24-hour Vodacom store at the airport, which costs USD 20 for 10 GB of data with a validity of 30 days. 3. Currency & Tipping: Tanzania Shillings (Tsh) is the official currency of Tanzania, while US dollars (USD) issued after 2013 can be used as well. It is advised to exchange shillings at the airport or before departure. Your driver and guide will be grateful if you tip, and routinely, Tsh 26,000 (USD 10) per person per day is suggested.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp or similar
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Day 2: Full-day Game Drives in Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve is named to memorize the British explorer and conservationist Frederick Selous who sacrificed in the war that broke out here. Occupying 54,600 square kilometers (21,000 square miles), it is 3.5 times the size of the famous Serengeti National Park and it is a famous UNESCO-designated World Heritage site boasting its rich diversity of wildlife and unspoiled natural beauty. Millions of wild animals inhabit here, including over 145,000 buffalo, about 100,000 African elephants, the world's largest herds of rhinos, and crocodiles, as well as many rare animals that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. ★ Our Strength - 4X4 Safari Vehicle:Well-maintained 4WD vehicle is the best choice for safaris in Tanzania. Closed on the side, it can protect you from dust, rain, and sunshine. Our safari car also offers an unobstructed view with sliding windows and a pop-up roof. Besides, its spacious room and comfortable seats can relieve fatigue during safaris. Which One to Choose: Tanzania South Circuit or North Circuit Safari? South and North Circuits are two classic routes to explore Tanzania. The South Circuit focuses on off-the-radar destinations in Southern Tanzania, like Selous Game Reserve, Udzungwa Mountains, and Ruaha National Park. It is a good choice for those who want to stay away from the crowds and thoroughly explore the pristine natural beauty. You can not only deeply explore the savanna by conventional game drives but also hike and take a boat safari. But if you go to Tanzania for the first time, North Circuit covering the world-famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro is highly recommended, which includes the most celebrated African safari areas and you will have a chance to witness the thrilling Great Migration. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp or similar
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Day 3: Morning Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive in Selous
Few of Tanzania's national parks offer the opportunity for visitors to visit on foot, but Selous is exceptional. This morning, our guide will escort you on a walking safari, during which you could trail antelopes hiding in the deep woodland following their footprints and creep through the bushes to discover the waterholes where elephants wallow and play. Besides, you will have a chance to see giraffes and zebras eating at a close distance. On the way to search for animals, our guide will introduce unique African plants and wild fruits. If you want, you can also learn to recognize animals through their feces and skeletons. In the afternoon, we will continue to explore Selous on a game drive until dusk.
Best Time to Visit: June - October
During the dry season (June - October), animals usually gather along the river bank, which makes them easier to see. But if you go during the wet season from November to April, they will scatter on the savanna. As Selous Game Reserve is much larger than Serengeti, it may be more difficult to spot animals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rufiji River Camp or similar
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Day 4: Drive to the Udzungwa Mountains
After the last early morning game drive in Selous, we will drive 6-7 hours to the Udzungwa Mountains with a packed lunch. Situated in mid-central Tanzania, it occupies an area of about 1,990 square kilometers (768 square miles). Covered by lush primitive rainforests, it attracts more than 400 birds and also provides a harbor for colobuses and Abbott’s duikers while the forest at the southern foothill is inhabited by herds of elephants. After arriving in the evening, we will check into the lodge and have a good rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge or similar
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Day 5: Hike through Udzungwa Mountains to Sanje Waterfalls
The Udzungwa Mountains have been declared the sacred preserve of trekkers. Today you will be escorted to hike to the top of Udzungwa for a spectacular view of the Sanje Waterfalls. The falls are split into three stages - 30 meters, 70 meters, and the highest being 170 meters. Follow our guide’s steps to walk through the lush forest where the branches covered by moss crisscross overhead. If lucky, you may encounter the Iringa red colobus monkeys and grey-faced sengi which can only be seen in Udzungwa. As you approach the Sanje Waterfalls, the roar of the water will become louder and louder. If the sunlight is bright, you may also see a rainbow reflected from the mist at the bottom of the falls. ► Tips: 1. The best time to hike is from June to October, as it is sunny most of the time. If you go from November to May, the path may be slippery and muddy because of the rain. 2. It will take 3-4 hours to hike to the waterfall and another 2-3 hours to return. Although we will prepare the packed lunch for you, it is advised to take some drinking water and snacks to replenish your energy. 3. We recommend you wear comfortable trekking shoes and breathable thin clothes. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Udzungwa Falls Lodge or similar
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Day 6: Drive to Ruaha National Park, Stop at Isimila Stone Age Site
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Ruaha National Park. In about 3 to 4 hours, we will make a cultural stop at the Isimila Stone Age Site, one of the most important Stone Age archaeological sites in Tanzania. We will start the visit with a museum, which displays the fossils of humans and extinct short-necked giraffes, as well as weapons and various tools made of stone dating back to 60,000 to 100,000 years ago. Leaving the museum, we will then walk into the small canyon following the paths where eroded pillars and rock walls stand. Looking down from a higher position, it seems as if you step into the prehistoric era, surrounded by these golden rock towers rising from the lush vegetation. After that, we will continue to drive for around 2 hours to Ruaha National Park.
► Please Note: It takes about 2-3 hours to sightsee at the site and there is no shop in the scenic area. So we suggest preparing enough drinking water.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or similar
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Day 7: Full-day Game Drives in Ruaha National Park
Today, you will enjoy full-day game drives in Ruaha, which offer not only fantastic wildlife viewing but also breathtaking natural landscapes. Covering 7,809 square miles (20,226 sq km), Ruaha National Park is the second largest national park in Tanzania after Selous Game Reserve. Due to its remote location, most of the areas are still undeveloped, making it even more primitive and mysterious. Its high ground with rolling hills, valleys, and plains provides a harbor for 10% of the world’s African lion prides and offers you a chance to witness the thrilling scenes of lion hunting. It is said that the tribes here used to be extremely antagonistic with lions because these beasts always eat their livestock. But in recent years, lion hunters have become the protectors who are responsible for escorting stray lions back to the jungle. In this way, they not only protect their livestock but also avoid a revenge fight between humans and the wild beasts. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or similar
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Day 8: Another Full-day Game Drives in Ruaha National Park
Today, we will continue to discover Ruaha National Park. It intrigues fewer visitors but is loved by numerous African wild dogs and elephants. In the dry season (May - October), elephant families will gather by the Ruaha Riverside. Drive along the river, and you will see baby elephants imitate their parents, digging in the sand to gain clean water. Some of them may step on their noses, which looks very hilarious! Sometimes these smart creatures may stray on the road. Our guide will follow them at a safe distance, which can not only ensure your safety but also give you a chance to closely admire the massive bodies of elephants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge or similar
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Day 9: Morning Safari in Ruaha & Drive to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, we will embark on a morning safari in Ruaha. Then, we will drive 5-6 hours to the Mikumi National Park. Covering an area of about 3,230 square kilometers (1,247 square miles), Mikumi is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania. Many rare wild animals in Africa can be sighted here, including lions, zebras, antelopes, baboons, and buffalo. Upon arrival, we will check into the lodge. Take your time to enjoy dinner and have a good rest to prepare for tomorrow’s safari. When approaching the lodge, we will drive through a forest and you may meet antelopes grazing and baboons roaming under the trees. The lodge is surrounded by woodlands and bushes, attracting monkeys and birds to live. The owls may alight in the trees out of your window in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mikumi Safari Lodge or similar
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Day 10: Full-day Exploration in Mikumi National Park
This acacia, baobab, and tamarind tree-decorated savanna is known for large herds of elephants and buffalo. In addition to viewing these two big guys, our guide will drive you into the forest to trace giraffes to see them eat tamarind fruits. The lush vegetation also provides a harbor for more than 400 kinds of birds. Get your camera ready! You will not want to miss the opportunity to capture clear pictures of these colorful birds such as black-bellied bustards， marabou storks, oxpeckers, and lilac-breasted rollers. ► Tip: Animals may come close to you during game drives, and it is better to calm down and not to have sudden movements. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mikumi Safari Lodge or similar
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Day 11: Drive back to Dar es Salaam, Airport See-off
Your private Tanzania safari will end today. Our guide will transfer you back to Dar es Salaam in 5 hours, either Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or the hotel you have reserved in Dar es Salaam. We highly appreciate your traveling with us!
If you want to explore more about Tanzania, we can tailor a trip for you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to appreciate its snow peak and equatorial sunrise. If you would like to extend your tour to other African destinations, Kenya is also worth a visit where you can witness the spectacular scene of millions of wildebeests crossing the Mara River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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