8 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari
Included in This Tour
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Safari Overview
Escape the crowds and discover Tanzania’s untouched wilderness on this 8 Day Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari, an extraordinary journey through some of Africa’s most remote and wildlife rich national parks. Unlike the popular Northern Circuit, the Southern Circuit offers a more exclusive safari experience with fewer vehicles, vast landscapes, and authentic wildlife encounters.
This adventure takes you through Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Mikumi National Park, and Ruaha National Park, three remarkable destinations known for their exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy thrilling game drives, a scenic boat safari along the Rufiji River, and opportunities to encounter the Big Five, African wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and over 500 bird species.
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and seasoned safari enthusiasts, this itinerary offers an unforgettable combination of wildlife, adventure, and tranquility in Tanzania’s spectacular southern wilderness.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania– Julius Nyerere International Airport–Dar es Salaam
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Depending on your arrival time, relax at the hotel or enjoy an optional visit to the city’s waterfront, local markets, or cultural attractions. In the evening, your guide will provide a detailed safari briefing before dinner.
Dar es Salaam Highlights
- Tanzania’s largest city
- Indian Ocean coastline
- Cultural and historical attractions
- Comfortable accommodation
- Safari briefing
Your guide will introduce you to the Southern Circuit adventure before your journey begins.
Arrival Experience
Begin your safari with a relaxing evening in Dar es Salaam before traveling into Tanzania’s remote southern wilderness.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area and one of the continent’s finest safari destinations.
Upon arrival, begin your first exciting game drive through diverse habitats including woodlands, open plains, lakes, and river systems. Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Nyerere National Park Highlights
- Africa’s largest national park
- Rufiji River ecosystem
- Large elephant populations
- Excellent predator sightings
- Rich birdlife
Upon entering the park, your first game drive begins immediately.
Game Drive Experience
Nyerere National Park offers one of Africa’s most authentic safari experiences, where wildlife thrives in vast, untouched wilderness with very few visitors.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Nyerere National Park – Game Drive & Boat Safari
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive exploring different regions of the park before returning for lunch.
In the afternoon, experience one of Tanzania’s most unique safari activities a boat safari along the Rufiji River. Cruise past pods of hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles, elephants drinking along the riverbanks, and an incredible variety of waterbirds.
Return to your lodge at sunset.
Nyerere Highlights
- Rufiji River boat safari
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Elephant river crossings
- Rich aquatic birdlife
- Sunset wildlife viewing
Enjoy both land and water safari experiences today.
Boat Safari Experience
The Rufiji River offers a completely different perspective of African wildlife, allowing you to observe animals peacefully from the water while enjoying spectacular scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Nyerere National Park – Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, often compared to the Serengeti because of its expansive open plains.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elands, hartebeests, and hippos.
Later, check into your safari lodge for dinner and overnight.
Mikumi National Park Highlights
- Open Mkata Floodplain
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Large herbivore populations
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Diverse birdlife
Your game drive begins immediately upon entering the park.
Game Drive Experience
Mikumi’s open landscapes provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography and excellent visibility throughout the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mikumi – Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for the magnificent Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of East Africa’s best-kept safari secrets.
Arrive in the afternoon and begin your first game drive while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Ruaha National Park Highlights
- Tanzania’s largest national park
- African wild dogs
- Massive elephant populations
- Rugged landscapes
- Great Ruaha River
Your safari begins immediately after entering the park.
Game Drive Experience
Ruaha’s rugged terrain and diverse habitats support extraordinary wildlife diversity and provide one of Tanzania’s finest wilderness experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full Day Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a full day safari exploring the diverse ecosystems of Ruaha National Park.
Spend the day searching for predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the endangered African wild dog. Large elephant herds, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, and numerous antelope species are frequently encountered.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon safari.
Ruaha Highlights
- Predator rich ecosystem
- African wild dogs
- Great Ruaha River
- Elephant herds
- Exceptional wildlife photography
Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing.
Game Drive Experience
Ruaha is renowned for its dramatic predator interactions, large elephant populations, and authentic wilderness, making every game drive exciting and unpredictable.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ruaha National Park – Iringa – Dar es Salaam
After an early morning game drive and breakfast, depart Ruaha and travel toward Iringa before continuing to Dar es Salaam.
Enjoy scenic views of southern Tanzania’s rolling hills, traditional villages, and beautiful countryside during the journey.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, check into your hotel for your final evening.
Journey Highlights
- Final wildlife viewing
- Southern Highlands scenery
- Traditional Tanzanian villages
- Relaxing evening in Dar es Salaam
- Farewell dinner
Enjoy your final safari moments before returning to the city.
Scenic Journey Experience
Today’s drive showcases the diverse landscapes of southern Tanzania, providing a fitting conclusion to your wilderness adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Dar es Salaam – Julius Nyerere International Airport – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) for your onward flight.
Depending on your departure schedule, there may be time for optional shopping or sightseeing in Dar es Salaam.
Departure Highlights
- Relaxing breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Optional city exploration
- End of your Southern Circuit Safari
- Farewell to Tanzania
Your guide will ensure a comfortable and timely airport transfer.
Departure Experience
Depart Tanzania with unforgettable memories of remote wilderness, exceptional wildlife encounters, scenic river safaris, and one of Africa’s most authentic safari experiences.
Meals: Breakfast
Package Includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Mineral drinking water during safari
- Activities and transfers as per itinerary
- All national park fees
- Emergency first aid kit in the safari vehicle
Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
