Explore Mikumi and the Great Ruaha River on a 5-day midrange Tanzania wildlife safari featuring elephants, predators, river habitats and Iringa.
A quick look at the tour style, experiences, travel months and accommodation for this package.
This 5-day midrange Mikumi and Great Ruaha River wildlife safari focuses on the relationship between Southern Tanzania’s animals, landscapes and vital water sources. Mikumi introduces open plains, the Hippo Pool and herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. Ruaha then adds rugged baobab country and the Great Ruaha River, where elephants, hippos, crocodiles, predators and diverse birds may gather according to seasonal water conditions. This is a vehicle-based wildlife safari and does not advertise a boat activity, because boat safaris are not a standard experience on this Mikumi–Ruaha route. Your final Iringa attraction adds highland history or archaeology before the return to Dar es Salaam.
5:30 AM–12:30 PM: Begin Your Southern Tanzania Wildlife Journey
Your safari will begin with an early Dar es Salaam pickup and an overland journey toward Mikumi. Our guide will explain how water influences wildlife across both national parks and introduce the itinerary. Refreshment and washroom stops will be included during the road transfer.
12:30 PM–3:00 PM: Lunch and Midrange Lodge Arrival
You will check in at a comfortable midrange lodge, enjoy lunch and prepare for the first wildlife drive. Our guide will explain the Mkata Floodplain and the importance of Mikumi’s water areas to resident animals.
3:00 PM–6:00 PM: Afternoon Mikumi Wildlife Drive
You will explore the plains for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and lions. Water points may attract birds and mammals as the afternoon becomes cooler. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
6:00 AM–11:00 AM: Morning Game Drive and Hippo Pool
Your morning safari may include the Hippo Pool or another suitable water habitat. You may see hippos, waterbirds and animals approaching to drink before continuing across the floodplain. Our guide will also search for elephants, lions and buffaloes during the drive.
11:00 AM–2:00 PM: Lunch and Highlands Transfer
You will leave Mikumi and enjoy lunch before travelling toward Iringa. The journey moves from lower plains into cooler highland landscapes. Comfort stops and information about the region will be provided along the way.
2:00 PM–7:00 PM: Continue to Ruaha
You will travel beyond Iringa toward Ruaha and check in at a midrange lodge. Dinner and overnight will prepare you for the following day’s Great Ruaha River exploration.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
6:30 AM–12:00 PM: Baobabs Elephants and River Approach
You will enter Ruaha and travel through baobab woodland toward productive wildlife areas. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, greater kudu and predators may be encountered along the way. Our guide will select river access according to seasonal conditions and wildlife movement.
12:00 PM–2:00 PM: Great Ruaha River Picnic
Near the river, you may see elephants searching for water, hippos occupying pools, crocodiles on the banks and birds using riverine vegetation. You will enjoy lunch at an authorized site while our guide explains the river’s ecological importance.
2:00 PM–6:00 PM: Riverine Predator and Wildlife Drive
Your afternoon will follow riverine habitat, dry channels and nearby plains. Predators may use the river corridor to locate prey, while elephants and antelopes move between water and feeding areas. Return to the lodge for dinner.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
6:00 AM–11:30 AM: Sunrise River and Wildlife Search
You will return to Ruaha during the cooler morning period. Our guide may revisit the Great Ruaha River or explore another seasonal water area for wildlife missed during the first day. Elephants, predators, birds and antelopes may be active.
11:30 AM–3:30 PM: Picnic and Final Ruaha Circuit
After lunch, you will continue through baobab country while gradually moving toward the exit. The drive provides a final opportunity to photograph Ruaha’s wildlife and river-shaped landscapes.
3:30 PM–7:00 PM: Transfer to Iringa
You will leave Ruaha and travel to a midrange hotel in Iringa. After arrival, enjoy dinner and prepare for the final morning attraction.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
6:30 AM–9:30 AM: Iringa Town or Isimila
Your final experience may introduce Iringa town’s highland history or the archaeology and sandstone scenery of Isimila. The selected activity will begin early and remain carefully timed.
9:30 AM–7:30 PM: Long Return to Dar es Salaam
You will travel through the Southern Highlands, Kitonga and Mikumi toward Dar es Salaam. Lunch and comfort stops will be provided before evening drop-off at the agreed destination.
We offer two pricing options:
The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.
Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
| No of pax | Adult Price | Child Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | From $1,757 pp | From $1,318 pp |
| 2 Pax | From $1,132 pp | From $849 pp |
| 3 Pax | From $924 pp | From $693 pp |
| 4 Pax | From $820 pp | From $615 pp |
| 5 Pax | From $757 pp | From $568 pp |
| 6 Pax | From $715 pp | From $537 pp |
| 7+ Pax | From $686 pp | From $514 pp |
The Booking Form
Explore Mikumi and the Great Ruaha River on a 5-day midrange Tanzania wildlife safari featuring elephants, predators, river habitats and Iringa.
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.
Follow the journey from Start to End. Numbers show the order of destinations and arrows show the direction of travel. Lines connect approximate locations, not actual driving or flight paths.
Loading map…
More itineraries with related destinations and experiences.
Explore Tanzania Southern Circuit on a 5-day luxury safari from Dar es Salaam through Mikumi, Ruaha and Iringa. Enjoy luxury lodge stays, private game drives, baobab landscapes, wildlife, culture and scenic highland roads.
View packageBook the ultimate all-inclusive luxury road safari departing from Dar es Salaam. Travel in a private 4x4 vehicle to elite five-star lodges in Mikumi and Ruaha.
View packageEnjoy a 5-day luxury Tanzania safari holiday from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi and Udzungwa, featuring wildlife, rainforest, waterfalls and culture.
View packageExperience a 5-day luxury drive-in, drive-out safari from Dar es Salaam through Mikumi and Ruaha, featuring game drives, Great Ruaha River scenery, baobab landscapes, birdwatching and the scenic Iringa highlands.
View package5 Days Midrange Mikumi and Great Ruaha River Wildlife Safari is listed as a Private Safari. See the itinerary for the arrangements for this package.
The experiences selected for 5 Days Midrange Mikumi and Great Ruaha River Wildlife Safari are Wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro. The itinerary describes when they take place.
5 Days Midrange Mikumi and Great Ruaha River Wildlife Safari is listed for travel throughout the year. Confirm availability for your preferred dates.
The accommodation category selected for this package is Mid-Range Lodges. Confirm the specific properties and availability when booking.
No reviews available for this tour.
