5 Days Midrange Tanzania Southern Circuit Big Five and Birding Safari

5:30 AM–12:30 PM: Roadside Birding and Transfer

Depart Dar es Salaam and begin identifying common birds as urban surroundings give way to farmland and natural vegetation. The guide will stop only where it is safe and appropriate, keeping the journey on schedule while building the first sightings list.

12:30 PM–3:00 PM: Lunch and Midrange Camp Arrival

Check in near Nyerere, enjoy lunch and spend a short period observing birds around the lodge grounds. Even before entering the park, sunbirds, weavers or hornbills may provide interesting sightings.

3:00 PM–6:00 PM: Big Game and Woodland Birds

The afternoon drive combines mammal viewing with bird identification. While searching for elephants, buffaloes and giraffes, watch for rollers, bee-eaters, hornbills and birds of prey occupying the woodland.

Destination:

Nyerere National Park

Overnight:

Nyerere Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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6:00 AM–10:30 AM: Morning Bird Chorus and Predator Search

Begin while bird activity is at its strongest. Your guide will listen for calls, examine treetops and scan open areas while also following signs of lions, leopards and African wild dogs.

10:30 AM–2:00 PM: Lakes, Waterbirds and Picnic

Nyerere’s aquatic habitats bring an entirely new collection of species. Look for African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks and waders while hippos and crocodiles occupy the water below. Stop for a picnic lunch at an approved location.

2:00 PM–6:00 PM: Raptors and Large Mammals

Use the afternoon thermals to search for soaring raptors while continuing the drive through elephant and buffalo territory. Return to camp with time to update the sightings list before dinner.

Destination:

Nyerere National Park

Overnight:

Nyerere Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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6:00 AM–10:00 AM: Final Nyerere Birding Circuit

Visit productive woodland or wetland areas for species missed the previous day. The guide will balance careful bird identification with opportunities to observe any large mammals encountered along the route.

10:00 AM–7:00 PM: Journey to Mikumi

Travel toward Mikumi with lunch and rest stops arranged during the drive. Birds seen safely along the route may be added to the trip list. Arrive at a midrange lodge for dinner and overnight.

Destination:

Nyerere National Park

Overnight:

Angalia Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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6:00 AM–11:30 AM: Plains Birds and Big-Game Encounters

Enter Mikumi early and scan the Mkata Floodplain for bustards, ground hornbills, lapwings and raptors. At the same time, search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes.

11:30 AM–2:00 PM: Water-Point Observation and Lunch

Spend time near suitable water sources where birds and mammals gather during the warmer hours. Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic location while remaining alert for nearby species.

2:00 PM–6:00 PM: Final Birding and Big Five Drive

Explore grassland and woodland edges during the last full safari session. This varied habitat can add new birds to the list while offering final opportunities to photograph elephants, buffaloes and predators.

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Angalia Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

7:00 AM–9:00 AM: Lodge-Ground Birdwatching

Before departure, enjoy breakfast and a relaxed birdwatching session around the lodge. Review the complete sightings list with your guide and confirm any uncertain identifications.

9:00 AM–4:00 PM: Return to Dar es Salaam

Drive back to Dar es Salaam with a lunch or refreshment stop en route. Drop-off at the agreed destination concludes the midrange Big Five and birdwatching safari