10 Days Tanzania Southern Circuit Senior Safari to Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha by Train (Sgr)

Begin your safari by boarding the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train in Dar es Salaam for the journey to Morogoro. Enjoy the changing scenery along the railway route, with views of the countryside, rural settlements and natural vegetation. Upon arrival in Morogoro, meet your safari driver and continue by road to Mikumi National Park. During the transfer, observe the surrounding landscapes and local communities as you approach the park. After arrival, complete the necessary park entry arrangements and enjoy an afternoon game drive if time permits. Explore the open plains and search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and other wildlife. Your guide will help you identify the animals and explain the park's natural environment. After the game drive, transfer to your midrange accommodation, where you can enjoy dinner, relax and prepare for the following day's safari.

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, set out for a full day of wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park. Travel through the Mkata Floodplain and surrounding grasslands, exploring suitable areas where animals gather to feed, rest and move through their natural habitats. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and various antelope species. Lions and other predators may also be seen depending on the day's conditions. Your guide will explain the characteristics of the different animals and how the park's grasslands, woodland and water sources support wildlife. Take time to observe animal behaviour and photograph the scenery during suitable stops. Enjoy a planned lunch break and rest before continuing the afternoon game drive. As the day progresses, explore additional sections of the park for further wildlife-viewing opportunities. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and relaxation.

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, depart Mikumi and travel by road to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The journey introduces a different natural environment, with greener vegetation, forested mountains and scenic countryside replacing much of the open savannah. Along the way, observe rural settlements and agricultural activities that form part of everyday life in southern Tanzania. Upon arrival in the Udzungwa area, check in to your accommodation and take time to rest after the journey. If time, weather and trail conditions permit, enjoy a gentle guided nature walk along an accessible route. Discover the forest vegetation, listen for birds and learn about the biodiversity that makes Udzungwa an important conservation area. Your guide can explain the differences between the rainforest ecosystem and Mikumi's grassland habitats. The afternoon can also be used to prepare for the following day's activities, particularly if you plan to hike toward Sanje Waterfalls. Enjoy a peaceful evening at your accommodation.

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature experience in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. For participants who are comfortable with the terrain and physical demands, a hike toward Sanje Waterfalls offers an opportunity to explore the rainforest and appreciate the area's natural beauty. Follow your guide along the designated trail, observing native plants, forest birds and interesting features of the mountain environment. The route may include uphill sections, uneven ground and changes in elevation, so suitable footwear, drinking water and reasonable fitness are important. At appropriate viewpoints, enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery and take photographs of the waterfalls. Your guide will share information about the forest ecosystem and the importance of protecting its unique biodiversity. If the full hike is unsuitable for your fitness or mobility, discuss an alternative activity in advance. After completing the planned experience, return to your accommodation for a well-earned rest and an evening at leisure.

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Enjoy breakfast before leaving the Udzungwa area and travelling toward Iringa through the Southern Highlands. The journey offers views of rolling hills, farmland, rural settlements and the changing countryside. Suitable stops can be arranged along the way to make the road journey more comfortable. Upon reaching the Iringa area, visit the Isimila Stone Age Site, known for its archaeological significance and distinctive sandstone formations. Explore the site at a comfortable pace while learning about ancient human activity and the archaeological discoveries associated with the area. The unusual rock formations also provide opportunities to appreciate the region's geological history and take photographs. Your guide will explain the importance of preserving archaeological sites and how they help researchers understand human history. After the visit, continue to your accommodation in or near Iringa. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the journey to Ruaha National Park the following day.

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Zakinn Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, depart Iringa and travel by road to Ruaha National Park. Enjoy the changing scenery as you approach the park's extensive wilderness, characterised by woodland, open plains, baobab trees and river habitats. Upon arrival, complete the park entry arrangements and begin an afternoon game drive if time permits. Explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas from your safari vehicle, looking for elephants, giraffes, antelopes and a variety of bird species. Your guide will explain the park's ecosystems and the ways wildlife depends on vegetation and water sources. Depending on the conditions, you may also encounter lions or other predators. The vehicle-based safari allows you to explore the park without needing to walk long distances. After the game drive, transfer to your accommodation and settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination:

Iringa Attractions

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, set out for a full day of wildlife viewing in Ruaha National Park. Explore different sections of the park by safari vehicle, allowing time to observe wildlife and appreciate the surrounding landscapes. The Great Ruaha River and nearby habitats may provide opportunities to see animals gathering around water, depending on the season and conditions. Look for elephants, giraffes, antelopes and numerous bird species as your guide helps you identify different animals and understand their behaviour. Ruaha is also known for its lions and other predators, although sightings are never guaranteed. During the game drive, learn about animal tracks, feeding patterns and the importance of protecting the park's natural habitats. Stop at a suitable location for lunch and take time to rest before continuing the afternoon safari. Explore additional wildlife-viewing areas and photograph the scenery at a comfortable pace. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and relaxation.

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Begin the day with a nature activity suited to your preferences and mobility. If available, permitted by park regulations and appropriate for your fitness level, a guided walking safari can provide a closer look at Ruaha's natural environment. Accompanied by an authorised guide or ranger, learn about animal tracks, native plants, insects and other signs of wildlife activity. Walking safaris require following the guide's safety instructions and remaining with the group throughout the activity. If walking is unsuitable, you can arrange a relaxed morning at your accommodation or an additional vehicle-based game drive. After the morning activity, take time to rest before heading out for an afternoon safari. Explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas and look for animals you may not have encountered during previous drives. Your guide will help you appreciate the park's different habitats and explain how wildlife adapts to its environment. Return to your accommodation after the game drive for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Spend your final full day in Ruaha National Park exploring its wildlife and landscapes at a relaxed pace. After an early breakfast, depart for a morning game drive with your guide, visiting selected areas of the park that offer suitable wildlife-viewing opportunities. Look for elephants moving through the woodland, giraffes feeding on trees, antelopes grazing in open spaces and birds around suitable water sources. You may also encounter lions and other predators depending on their movements and the conditions of the day. Your guide will help you understand animal behaviour and explain how the park's vegetation, water and seasonal changes influence wildlife activity. Continue toward different habitats, including the open plains and areas around the Great Ruaha River where accessible. Stop at an approved picnic site for lunch, allowing time to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. In the afternoon, resume your game drive and explore additional parts of the park. Since this is your last full day in Ruaha, take the opportunity to photograph wildlife, appreciate the scenery and enjoy the experience without rushing. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and your final overnight stay in the Ruaha area.

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and begin the road transfer from Ruaha National Park toward Iringa and Dodoma. Enjoy the final views of the surrounding wilderness before travelling through the Southern Highlands and central Tanzania, where the scenery includes rolling countryside, farmland and rural settlements. Because the journey involves considerable road travel followed by a train departure, the day's schedule should be planned around your confirmed SGR ticket and expected road conditions. Your driver will arrange suitable stops where possible and aim to reach Dodoma railway station with sufficient time for boarding. Upon arrival, proceed to the station and complete the required boarding procedures before taking your scheduled SGR train to Dar es Salaam. Settle in and enjoy the railway journey as the scenery changes along the route. Reflect on your experiences in Mikumi and Ruaha, your rainforest adventure in Udzungwa and your visit to the Isimila Stone Age Site. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, continue to your hotel, airport or onward destination according to your travel arrangements. This marks the end of your ten-day safari.