11 Days: Tanzania's Untouched South – Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Remote landscapes, rolling savannahs, and scenic forests await
Discover the Untouched South
Embark on a journey through the untouched south of Tanzania, where vast wilderness and pristine parks offer the ultimate safari experience. From the rolling plains of Nyerere to the verdant forests of Udzungwa, and the remote, wildlife-rich landscapes of Ruaha, this adventure is crafted for those seeking intimacy with nature.
Explore the parks by jeep, on foot, and even by boat, encountering elephants, lions, wild dogs, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. Your nights are spent in elegant lodges and tented camps at the heart of the bush, where the sounds of wildlife and a crackling campfire create memories that last long after your journey ends.
This itinerary can be extended with idyllic beaches on Kilwa, Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia.
Journey Highlights
1
Untouched Southern Wilderness
Explore Tanzania’s remote parks, from Nyerere’s riverine landscapes to the vast plains of Mikumi and Ruaha, encountering elephants, lions, wild dogs, and abundant birdlife along the way.
2
Immersive Nature Adventures
Trek to the Sanje Waterfalls in Udzungwa, enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River, and discover the biodiversity of lush forests and open savannahs.
3
Optional Safari Experiences
Enhance your journey with optional walking safaris in Nyerere and Ruaha, or a sunrise hot-air balloon safari over Ruaha’s plains, offering unique perspectives of Africa’s wildlife.
Your 11-Day Adventure
Day 1
Dar es Salaam: Your First Glimpse of Tanzania
Arrive at Dar es Salaam Airport, where a friendly guide transfers you to your hotel. Unwind from your flight, explore the lively streets, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. Dar offers a mix of Swahili, colonial, and Asian influences, with bustling markets, artisan workshops, and stunning beaches.
Day 2
Drive to Nyerere National Park & Boat Safari
After breakfast, meet your guide and set out on a scenic drive to Nyerere National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve. Along the way, watch the landscape transition from savannah to lush riverine forests, dotted with small villages and traditional homesteads. Upon arrival, settle in before heading out on an afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji River, where the gentle current weaves through an untouched wilderness. Glide past hippos lounging in the water and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, marvel at the dazzling array of birdlife, from weaver birds constructing intricate nests to kingfishers flashing brilliant colors along the river.
Day 3
Into the Wild: Nyerere National Park
Venture deep into Nyerere National Park on a full-day game drive, exploring its diverse landscapes of wooded savannas, expansive plains, and winding riverbanks. This park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is one of Africa’s largest protected areas, renowned for its rich biodiversity and relatively untouched wilderness. Encounter majestic elephants wandering through the bush, graceful gazelles bounding across open grasslands, stealthy lions resting in the shade, elusive cheetahs on the hunt, and, if luck favors you, endangered wild dogs roaming in packs.
Day 4
Optional Bush Walk & Game Drive Adventure
Begin your day with an optional walking safari, led by an experienced armed ranger who will guide you safely through the wilderness. As you move quietly through the bush, learn about the local flora and fauna, discover animal tracks, and gain insight into the behaviors of the wildlife that call this untamed landscape home. After your walk, continue the adventure with a last game drive, keeping an eye out for elephants, lions, and giraffes as the day unfolds. In the late afternoon, transfer to Sable Mountain Lodge, conveniently located near Mtambwe Gate.
Day 5
Drive through Uluguru Mountains to Mikumi National Park
Embark on a scenic journey through the Uluguru Mountains and the lush landscapes of Morogoro, where winding rivers, traditional villages, and patches of tropical rainforest create a picturesque backdrop for your adventure. Along the way, pause to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Continue to the bustling town of Morogoro, where you can explore the colorful local market. By late afternoon, arrive at Vuma Hills Tented Camp in Mikumi National Park, where comfortable tents await amid the wild beauty of the African bush.
Day 6
Mikumi National Park – A Day in the Little Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park, affectionately known as the “Little Serengeti” for its sweeping plains, diverse habitats, and abundant wildlife. Traverse open grasslands, wooded savannas, and riverine forests as your guide points out the park’s remarkable inhabitants. Watch zebras grazing in harmony with graceful giraffes, spot agile gazelles and playful warthogs, and stay alert for apex predators like lions lounging in the shade or the elusive leopard moving stealthily through the underbrush.
Day 7
Day Journey into Udzungwa: The Sanje Waterfalls Hike
Travel to Udzungwa National Park, a spectacular rainforest of rolling hills, deep valleys, and hidden waterfalls that feels like stepping into another world. Explore winding trails through lush greenery, where the air is filled with the sounds of birds, insects, and rustling leaves. Hike to the Sanje Waterfalls, a series of cascading falls that tumble into crystal-clear natural pools – perfect for a refreshing swim after your trek. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers will be captivated by the park’s rich biodiversity, home to over 400 bird species, endemic primates, and a stunning array of plants.
Day 8
Scenic Drive to Ruaha National Park via Iringa
Depart early, following a scenic route along the river lined with towering baobabs, a prelude to the landscapes that await. Pause in Iringa for lunch at Neema Crafts, a community project supporting artisans with disabilities, before continuing into Ruaha National Park. Covering over 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest and most remote park, a wild land of rolling hills, rocky escarpments, and vast plains dotted with ancient baobabs. Home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, Ruaha is also known for its impressive predator concentrations.
Day 9
Where Giants Roam – Exploring Ruaha National Park
Explore Ruaha’s vast plains, rugged riverbanks, and sprawling woodlands, where every turn reveals new wonders. Watch massive elephant herds traverse the savannah, while graceful kudu and gazelles move through the bush, ever alert to lions on the prowl or a leopard’s stealthy approach. Bird enthusiasts will be captivated by the park’s extraordinary diversity, with raptors circling high above and colorful species flitting through the trees. Midday, pause for lunch in a shaded rondavel overlooking the Great Ruaha River.
Day 10
Safari Adventures in Ruaha – Optional Walking or Balloon Safari
Spend another day uncovering the hidden wonders of Ruaha, whether on a game drive through its vast landscapes or on foot during an optional walking safari. With an armed ranger and expert guide, learn to read the bush – following tracks, studying plants used for survival, and observing wildlife from a thrillingly close perspective. For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies on an optional hot-air balloon safari, drifting silently over the plains as the first light of dawn washes across the land. Return to camp for a relaxed evening by the fire.
Day 11
Farewell to the Wild
Take an early morning game drive in Ruaha, then transfer to Ruaha Airstrip for a flight to Dar es Salaam. From here, continue home or extend your adventure with a beach stay on Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia. Depart with memories of untamed landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and the serene beauty of southern Tanzania.
Journey Gallery
What's Included
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All Accommodations
10 nights in carefully selected lodges -
Expert Local Guides
Professional safari guides -
All Transportation
Airport transfers and safari vehicles -
Meals & Activities
Full board meals on safari and activities as mentioned
Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from Tanzania (we can help arrange these) -
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs, additional beverages, tips, and personal items -
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended) -
Visa Fees
Tanzania visa fees (available on arrival or online) - Optional activities as mentioned
Ready for the Southern Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable 11-day journey through Tanzania’s untouched southern wilderness.