6 Days Walking & Big Five Midrange Drive-in Safari in Tanzania

Depart Dar es Salaam early and travel toward Mikumi National Park, reaching the park in time for an afternoon game drive after suitable stops along the route. Once inside Mikumi, begin searching across the Mkata Floodplain for the large animals that define a classic Tanzania safari. Elephants and buffaloes are important targets, while giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelopes are frequently part of the wider wildlife experience. Your guide will also search for lions and other predators while explaining tracks, habitats and animal behaviour. The open scenery makes this an excellent introduction to southern Tanzania’s big-game environment before continuing to your comfortable midrange accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Distance: Approx. 285–310 km plus game drive
Time: Approx. 5–6 hours transfer plus afternoon wildlife viewing
Attractions: Elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and Mkata Floodplain

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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Spend a complete day inside Mikumi exploring its plains, woodland and water sources with a strong focus on large mammals and predators. Start early and watch for elephants moving across the savannah, buffalo herds gathering near productive habitats and lions resting or hunting where conditions allow. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelopes provide constant interest between the major sightings, while hippos and birds add variety around suitable water areas. Your guide will adapt the route according to wildlife movements rather than following a fixed circuit. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing through the afternoon, using the full day to maximize your opportunity to experience the park’s big-game character before returning to the lodge.

Distance: Approx. 60–100 km
Time: Approx. 8–10 hours
Attractions: Elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and savannah wildlife

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Leave Mikumi after breakfast and drive toward the forested Udzungwa Mountains, where the emphasis changes from vehicle-based game viewing to exploration on foot. After meeting your guide, begin a designated forest trail through dense vegetation, streams and mountain terrain while looking for primates, birds, butterflies and signs of forest mammals. The walking experience allows you to notice sounds, tracks, plants and small ecological details that cannot be appreciated from a safari vehicle. Depending on the trail selected, you may also reach waterfall scenery or panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding valley. Return to your accommodation after the hike for a comfortable evening and recovery from an active day.

Distance: Approx. 60–65 km plus guided walking trail
Time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours drive plus 3–5 hours walking
Attractions: Rainforest trails, primates, waterfalls, birds, butterflies, plant life and mountain viewpoints

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Begin with another guided walking experience in Udzungwa, choosing a route that complements what was explored the previous day. Morning conditions can be particularly rewarding for birds and primates, while the cooler forest makes walking more comfortable. Your guide will explain plants, forest ecology and animal signs as you move through the trail before returning to the vehicle. Afterwards, begin the road journey toward Iringa through the Southern Highlands, passing villages, farms and mountainous landscapes. The combination of morning walking and afternoon overland travel keeps the day varied while avoiding unnecessary repetition. Arrive in Iringa later in the afternoon and settle into your midrange hotel.

Distance: Approx. 120–200 km depending on road and accommodation
Time: Morning walking activity plus 3–5 hours transfer
Attractions: Forest trails, primates, birdlife, mountain scenery, Southern Highlands and rural landscapes

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Iringa Sunset Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Start the morning with a cultural visit to Kalenga, learning about the history of Chief Mkwawa and the Hehe people before continuing to Isimila Stone Age Site. At Isimila, the experience again becomes active as you walk through the archaeological landscape to view unusual natural pillars, eroded gullies and areas associated with prehistoric stone tools. The walk combines geology, archaeology and outdoor exploration, adding a historical dimension to the safari. After the visits, travel back toward Mikumi through the highlands and arrive at your midrange lodge later in the day, ready for one final nature activity the next morning.

Distance: Approx. 190–230 km plus walking at heritage sites
Time: Approx. 2–4 hours visits plus 3–4 hours transfer
Attractions: Kalenga Museum, Hehe culture, Chief Mkwawa history, Isimila Stone Age Site, natural pillars and archaeological walking

Destination:

Iringa Attractions

Overnight:

Asante Afrika Camp Mikumi

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Begin your final morning with a guided nature or walking safari in an authorized Mikumi area, subject to park arrangements. Instead of searching for animals from the vehicle, the activity focuses on reading footprints, identifying plants, observing birds and understanding the smaller details of the ecosystem while following all ranger safety instructions. The walking experience provides a fitting conclusion to a safari that has combined both vehicle and on-foot exploration. Afterwards, return for refreshments and begin the drive toward Dar es Salaam through Morogoro, arriving later in the day for drop-off and the end of your six-day Southern Circuit adventure.

Distance: Approx. 285–310 km road transfer
Time: Approx. 1–3 hours guided walking plus 5–6 hours driving
Attractions: Walking safari, animal tracks, birdlife, plants, Mikumi scenery and Tanzania countryside