7 Days Midrange Southern Tanzania Safari to Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha

Your safari begins with an early departure from Dar es Salaam in a private vehicle. Travel through settlements, farms and the Morogoro region while watching the urban environment gradually change into open countryside. After reaching Mikumi and completing the required entry procedures, begin an afternoon game drive across the Mkata Floodplain. Its wide grasslands may reveal elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs and lions. The late-afternoon light creates attractive photography opportunities while your guide introduces the park’s ecosystems and explains the safari route ahead.

Distance: Approximately 300–320 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Game-Drive Time: Approximately 2–4 hours
Main Attractions: Mkata Floodplain, elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes
Location: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Matembezi Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Spend the day exploring Mikumi’s floodplain, woodland and seasonal water sources. Your guide will select routes according to wildlife movement and road conditions while searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hippos and predators. Mikumi also supports rewarding birdlife, including hornbills, rollers, eagles, storks and kingfishers. When accessible, visit the Hippo Pool viewpoint. The full-day program provides sufficient time for patient observation, photography and ecological interpretation rather than hurriedly moving between sightings.

Distance: Varies according to the selected circuit
Activity Time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Main Attractions: Mkata Floodplain, Hippo Pool, plains animals, predators and birds
Location: Mikumi National Park

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Matembezi Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Leave Mikumi and travel toward the green Udzungwa Mountains. Upon arrival, meet an authorized local guide and begin the Sanje Waterfalls hike through tropical rainforest. The trail may reveal colourful butterflies, birds, monkeys and endemic primates such as the Udzungwa red colobus or Sanje mangabey. The complete hike contains steep, uneven and potentially slippery sections and can be physically demanding in heat or humidity. Guests should wear reliable walking shoes, carry water and communicate honestly about fitness. A shorter forest experience may be considered when conditions or individual ability make the full route unsuitable.

Driving Distance: Approximately 75–100 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 hours
Hiking Time: Approximately 4–7 hours
Main Attractions: Sanje Waterfalls, rainforest, endemic primates, birds and viewpoints
Location: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Depart Udzungwa and travel through the Kilombero region toward Iringa and Ruaha. The journey reveals farmland, mountain slopes, villages and the distinctive scenery of the Southern Highlands. Suitable comfort and photography stops may be made when safe and practical. Continue beyond Iringa toward Ruaha, watching the landscape become increasingly remote and dry. The evening is intentionally left at leisure because this is a substantial transfer day. Arrival time depends on road, traffic and weather conditions.

Distance: Approximately 300–370 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 6–9 hours
Main Attractions: Kilombero landscapes, Southern Highlands, Iringa scenery and rural communities
Location: Udzungwa Mountains to Ruaha National Park area

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Explore the vast landscapes of Ruaha National Park, focusing on the Great Ruaha River, baobab woodland, rocky hills and open plains. Possible wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, greater kudus, sable antelopes, lions, leopards and African wild dogs. Predator encounters remain unpredictable, but Ruaha’s wilderness and ecological diversity make every game drive rewarding. During drier periods, wildlife may gather around remaining water sources. Your guide will interpret animal behaviour and provide time to appreciate both major sightings and the park’s dramatic landscapes.

Distance: Varies according to the selected Ruaha circuit
Activity Time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Main Attractions: Great Ruaha River, elephants, predators, greater kudus and baobab woodland
Location: Ruaha National Park

Destination:

Ruaha

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Begin with either a morning game drive or an authorized walking safari. The game drive suits guests wanting additional large-mammal viewing, while the walk focuses on tracks, plants, insects, birds and wilderness interpretation. Walking participation depends on age, fitness, weather and ranger availability. Afterwards, travel to Iringa and visit Isimila Stone Age Site, where archaeological significance combines with striking sandstone pillars and eroded formations. The site adds history and landscape exploration to the wildlife journey.

Distance: Approximately 160–210 kilometres, including activity routes
Driving Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Activity Time: Approximately 2–3 hours in Ruaha and 2–3 hours at Isimila
Main Attractions: Morning wildlife, walking experience, archaeology and sandstone formations
Location: Ruaha National Park to Iringa and Isimila

Destination:

Ruaha

Overnight:

Mdonya Old River Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

❮ ❯

Leave Iringa early for the long return journey through Kitonga Escarpment, Mikumi and Morogoro. Mountain valleys, changing vegetation, roadside communities and agricultural scenery accompany the drive. Suitable comfort and refreshment stops will be arranged where facilities are available. Arrival in Dar es Salaam depends on traffic, weather and roadworks. A same-evening international flight is not recommended unless a substantial time buffer has been included.

Distance: Approximately 500–520 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 9–12 hours
Main Attractions: Kitonga Escarpment, Southern Highlands and countryside scenery
Location: Iringa to Dar es Salaam