3 Days Midrange Southern Circuit Big Five Safari and Udzungwa Tour

Road Transfer

Your Southern Circuit journey begins with an early pickup from your hotel, residence or another agreed location in Dar es Salaam. Travel through eastern Tanzania’s countryside towards Morogoro, enjoying views of local communities, farmland and the Uluguru Mountains. Refreshment and comfort stops will be included before you continue to Mikumi National Park.

Mkata Floodplain Game Drive

Enter Mikumi for an afternoon game drive across the Mkata Floodplain, one of the park’s principal wildlife-viewing areas. Search the open grassland for elephants, African buffaloes and lions, representing three of the celebrated Big Five. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and warthogs may also be observed before you proceed to your midrange lodge or camp.

Main attractions: Uluguru Mountains, Mkata Floodplain, elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes and zebras.
Driving distance: Approximately 300 kilometres.
Road-transfer time: Approximately 5–7 hours.
Afternoon game drive: Approximately 3–4 hours.

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Angalia Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Transfer to the Udzungwa Mountains

After breakfast, leave the Mikumi area and travel towards Mang’ula at the base of the Udzungwa Mountains. The relatively short transfer introduces you to the Kilombero Valley’s farms, villages and green mountain scenery.

Meet your hiking guide, complete the necessary registration and receive a briefing before entering the forest. Carry sufficient drinking water, sun protection and suitable footwear with good grip.

Sanje Waterfalls Hike                              

Follow a forest trail towards Sanje Waterfalls, one of Udzungwa’s best-known natural attractions. The route includes steep and uneven sections, making a reasonable level of fitness necessary. Different viewpoints reveal the waterfall descending through the escarpment and provide broad views across the Kilombero Valley.

The hiking duration will depend on the chosen route, trail conditions and individual fitness. Slower participants should inform the guide so the pace and available stopping time can be managed appropriately.

Forest Birds and Endemic Primates

Listen for forest birds and watch the canopy for primates during the hike. Udzungwa supports rare species such as the Iringa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, although dense vegetation and natural movement can make sightings challenging.

Your guide will interpret the forest’s plants, birds and wildlife before leading you back towards the park entrance. Continue to your midrange accommodation around Mang’ula for the evening.

Main attractions: Sanje Waterfalls, Kilombero Valley views, tropical forest, endemic primates and forest birds.
Driving distance: Approximately 65–90 kilometres.
Transfer time: Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours.
Hiking duration: Approximately 4–6 hours, depending on route and fitness.

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Mang’ula Village Experience

Begin the morning with a guided cycling tour or cultural walk around Mang’ula. The exact activity can be chosen according to your interests, physical ability and local availability. Explore village roads, farming areas and community surroundings while learning about everyday life near the Udzungwa Mountains.

A cultural walk offers a gentler alternative for guests who prefer not to cycle. Participants should request permission before photographing residents, homes or community activities.

Return to Dar es Salaam

After completing the village experience, begin the drive to Dar es Salaam through the Kilombero Valley and Morogoro region. Stops for refreshments and personal comfort will be arranged along the way.

Arrival is expected during the evening, depending on traffic and road conditions. Your driver-guide will provide drop-off at the destination confirmed during booking.

Main attractions: Mang’ula village, cycling or cultural walking, farming landscapes and local life.
Driving distance: Approximately 350–380 kilometres.
Cultural activity: Approximately 1.5–3 hours.
Return-transfer time: Approximately 6–8 hours