10 Days Bird Watching Safari to Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha by Train (Sgr)

Begin your birdwatching safari in Dar es Salaam by boarding the SGR train to Morogoro Enjoy the railway journey through Tanzania’s countryside before meeting your safari driver for the road transfer to Mikumi National Park Along the way, observe the changing landscape and look for birds around suitable stopping points where it is safe to do so Upon arrival at your midrange accommodation, complete check-in and prepare for an afternoon game drive if time permits Your guide will help identify birds encountered during the drive while also pointing out larger wildlife This first day introduces you to Mikumi’s savannah and woodland habitats before the full day of birdwatching that follows

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, set out for a full-day birdwatching safari in Mikumi National Park Explore the Mkata Floodplain, open grasslands and woodland areas, observing birds in trees, on the ground and around suitable water sources The park’s varied habitats provide opportunities to watch different bird species alongside elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and antelopes Your guide will help with bird identification by pointing out distinguishing features, calls and behaviours Because sightings depend on season and weather, take time to observe carefully and listen for birds before moving to another area Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location before continuing the afternoon drive, with additional opportunities for bird photography and wildlife observation

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Enjoy breakfast before departing Mikumi for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, a destination known for its tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity During the drive, observe the changing landscape as the open savannah gives way to greener hills and forested slopes After arrival, check in at your accommodation and prepare for the next day’s rainforest birdwatching If time permits, join a short guided nature walk in a suitable area Listen for bird calls among the trees and observe how forest vegetation creates feeding, nesting and shelter opportunities for different species Your guide will introduce the forest environment and explain why protecting these habitats is important for biodiversity

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Udzungwa Falls Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, join a guided walk through Udzungwa Mountains National Park to explore the rainforest and search for forest birds Listen carefully for calls from the canopy and undergrowth, and watch for movement among the branches and vegetation Your guide will help identify birds where possible and explain how forest habitats support a variety of species Continue along a suitable hiking trail toward Sanje Waterfalls, subject to trail conditions and the selected route The waterfall and surrounding green mountains offer scenic opportunities for nature photography Since the hike can be physically demanding, follow the guide’s advice on pace and rest breaks Later, enjoy a cultural activity around Mang’ula if arrangements and timing permit

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Udzungwa Falls Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Start the day with breakfast before travelling through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands toward Iringa Observe the changing scenery, including rolling hills, agricultural areas and rural settlements Where safe and practical, suitable stops may provide opportunities to observe birds in different countryside habitats On arrival in Iringa, visit the Isimila Stone Age Site, an important archaeological destination associated with prehistoric tools and early human history Explore the designated areas and learn about the site’s archaeological importance while observing its unusual eroded sandstone formations After the visit, proceed to your midrange accommodation in Iringa and prepare for the journey to Ruaha National Park

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Iringa Sunset Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, depart Iringa and travel by road to Ruaha National Park During the transfer, enjoy views of the countryside and observe the transition into Ruaha’s woodland and savannah environments If safe stopping opportunities are available, your guide may help you observe birds along the route After arrival and accommodation check-in, head out for an afternoon game drive if time permits Ruaha’s varied habitats support different bird species, while its open plains and woodland are home to elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes Your guide will help identify birds and explain how different species use the park’s habitats

Destination:

Iringa Attractions

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Rise early and enjoy breakfast before setting out for a full-day birdwatching and wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park Explore different habitats, including suitable areas around the Great Ruaha River, where bird activity may vary with seasonal water levels and conditions Watch for birds in trees, across open plains and near suitable water sources Your guide will help with identification and explain feeding behaviour, calls and habitat preferences where possible Game drives also provide opportunities to observe elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators Stop for a picnic lunch at a designated location before continuing the afternoon exploration and recording your bird sightings

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Begin the morning with a guided walking safari where available and permitted under park regulations Walking through selected bush trails offers opportunities to listen for bird calls and observe natural details that may be overlooked from a vehicle Your guide will help you look for birds in suitable habitats and explain how they interact with plants, insects and other wildlife You may also learn to recognise animal tracks and identify native plants along the route Participation in the walking safari is subject to safety conditions and applicable age restrictions In the afternoon, continue with a vehicle-based game drive to explore additional areas of Ruaha and search for more bird species

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Wake up early for a final opportunity to observe Ruaha’s birdlife if the schedule and park arrangements permit An optional morning game drive may provide additional wildlife and birdwatching opportunities before departure After breakfast, begin the road journey toward Dodoma via Iringa The route passes through the Southern Highlands and central Tanzanian countryside, offering views of rural settlements, agricultural landscapes and changing terrain Suitable stops may provide opportunities to observe birds outside the national park where conditions allow Allow time for refreshments and rest breaks during the transfer On arrival in Dodoma, check in at your accommodation and organise your birdwatching notes and photographs before the return train journey

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, transfer to Dodoma railway station in time for your scheduled SGR departure to Dar es Salaam Enjoy the train journey through Tanzania’s countryside while reflecting on the different habitats explored during the safari From Mikumi’s open plains and woodland to Udzungwa’s rainforest and Ruaha’s varied landscapes, each destination offers a different birdwatching experience Use the journey to review your notes, organise photographs and record the highlights of your trip Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, your 10-day Tanzania Southern Circuit Bird Watching Safari comes to an end