Tour Overview
Our Southern Circuit adventure takes you through stunning landscapes—from the vast savannah to tranquil wetlands. Experience the beauty of nature in unique ways, whether you’re walking through the bush or exploring by boat. The southern parks are far from the crowds, giving you the chance to sit quietly and truly connect with the wilderness around you. Here, you’ll see an incredible variety of wildlife and have some of the best birdwatching opportunities.
On this journey, you’ll visit some of the best-kept secrets of Tanzania, including Mikumi National Park, the Udzungwa Mountains, Selous Game Reserve, and Ruaha National Park. Along the way, you’ll also get a taste of the local culture and history, adding even more depth to your safari experience. Come with us to discover the hidden gems of Tanzania’s southern circuit!
Tour Itinerary
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and transferred to your accommodation to recover from your journey.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam
Day 2-3: Selous Game Reserve
This morning, we’ll pick you up bright and early from your hotel, and after a scenic 5-hour drive, you’ll arrive in the amazing Selous just in time for lunch. Picture yourself surrounded by towering palm trees and the winding channels of the Rufiji River—Selous is truly a place like no other. Bigger than Switzerland, this massive reserve is home to some of Africa’s largest elephant and lion populations. With its mix of woodlands, grasslands, and swamps, the landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful. Although only 5% of the area is open to safaris, there’s still so much to explore!
You’ll get the chance to experience the wild from every angle—whether on foot, in a safari vehicle, or cruising along the river. At night, you’ll sleep under the stars in cozy fly-camps, enjoy meals cooked over the fire, and feel the thrill of being deep in the heart of the bush.
Overnight: Selous GR
Day 4: Ifakara
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll hit the road for an exciting 5-hour journey to Ifakara. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon, just in time for your canoe to be waiting for you! Relax and enjoy the peaceful ride as you’re gently pushed upstream with a long pole. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might spot hippos, crocodiles, Nile monitor lizards, and a variety of birds, including the rare Kilombero Weaver. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the amazing shoebill!
Spend the afternoon on the water, soaking in the beauty of nature, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a sandy bank. As the evening sets in, we’ll drive to your cozy lodge in the heart of the Udzungwa Mountains. A day full of adventure and relaxation awaits!
Overnight: Udzungwa Mountains
Day 5: Ifakara – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Today is all about adventure and breathtaking sights as you stretch your legs on a hike through the stunning forests and landscapes of Udzungwa! With an expert guide by your side, you’ll discover fascinating trees used in traditional healing and enjoy the sounds and sights of a variety of colorful birds. As you reach the top, get ready to be amazed by the spectacular view of the Sanje Waterfalls. From the waterfall’s peak, you’ll gaze out over the vast Kilombero Sugarcane Valley, one of Tanzania’s largest sugarcane plantations. Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a true hiker’s paradise, offering a network of beautiful forest trails just waiting for you to explore!
Overnight: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Day 6-7: Udzungwa – Ruaha National Park
After an early morning breakfast,you’ll go for an exciting journey from Udzungwa to Ruaha National Park, where you’ll spend the next few days exploring one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. Ruaha is the largest national park in the country—it’s even bigger than the Serengeti! Here, you’ll see amazing animals like the graceful greater and lesser kudu, along with elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some rare and endangered species like wild dogs.
For bird lovers, this park is a dream come true, with over 570 species of birds to discover. Whether you’re walking through the bush or going on thrilling game drives, Ruaha will keep you on the edge of your seat as you experience the wild beauty of this incredible place!
Overnight: Ruaha National Park
Day 8: Ruaha National Park – Mikumi National Park
On this day, you will journey from Ruaha to Mikumi in the morning, with a fascinating cultural stop at the ‘Isimila Stone Age Historical Site’. This incredible archaeological site has uncovered important fossils that help us understand the origins of mankind—truly a step back in time!
Once in Mikumi, prepare for a wildlife experience like no other. Known for its stunning variety of birds, Mikumi is also home to majestic giraffes, buffalo, and elephants. You might even spot lions, leopards, and the elusive African wild dogs! Keep your eyes peeled for zebras, hippos, hartebeest, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs, elands, and antelope.
One of the highlights is the Mkata River floodplain, a vast open area where animals gather in large numbers, giving you a perfect chance to take in the beauty and excitement of Africa’s wildlife before the day comes to an end. It’s a day full of wonders you won’t forget!
Overnight: Mikumi National Park
Day 9: Mikumi Game Drive – Dar es Salaam
After a delicious breakfast, get ready for an exciting morning game drive in Mikumi, where you might spot some amazing wildlife up close! Then, we’ll begin our journey back to Dar es Salaam, with a relaxing lunch break along the way. The drive will take around 5 to 6 hours, and by the time we reach your hotel, you’ll be ready for a refreshing hot shower and a cozy bed. Rest up, as tomorrow brings even more adventure!
Overnight: Dar es Salaam
Day 10: Departure Day
Today you will be transferred back to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in time for your flight.
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes
- All Game Drives, Vehicle, & Park Entry Fees
- Accommodation @ Hotels/Lodges/Tented Camps/Basic Camping
- English Speaking Driver/Guide
- All Food & Drinking Water
- 18% VAT Tax
- At Least 1 Pair of Binoculars
- Accommodation in Dar es Salaam
- Airport Transfers
- Tipping for your driver/guide. The recommended is approximately USD$30-$40 per day. This is divided between everyone in the vehicle
- Tipping for your cook (camping safaris only). The recommended is approximately USD$15-$20 per day, also divided between everyone in the vehicle
- Drinks (unless specified)
- Visas & vaccinations
- Spending money
