7 Days Midrange Tanzania Extended Weekend Safari to Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha

Leave Dar es Salaam early to maximize available holiday time. Travel through Morogoro toward Mikumi and begin an afternoon game drive after arrival. Search the Mkata Floodplain for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and lions. Starting early reduces traffic risk and improves the chance of completing a rewarding first wildlife activity.

Distance: Approximately 300–320 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Game-Drive Time: Approximately 2–4 hours
Attractions: Mkata Floodplain and plains wildlife
Location: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Angalia Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Explore Mikumi’s open plains, woodland and water sources throughout the day. Possible sightings include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and predators. Birdwatchers can observe raptors, hornbills, rollers and waterbirds. The Hippo Pool viewpoint may be included when accessible, ensuring the short holiday break contains substantial wildlife time.

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

Destination:

Mikumi Natinal Park

Overnight:

Angalia Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Travel to Udzungwa and hike through tropical rainforest with a local guide. Search for birds, butterflies, primates and remarkable plants while progressing toward Sanje Waterfalls. The full route is steep and physically demanding, so a shorter alternative may be appropriate. The guide’s safety decision takes priority over completing every planned viewpoint.

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

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Travel through Kilombero, Iringa and the Southern Highlands toward Ruaha. The substantial transfer reveals farms, mountains, villages and changing vegetation. Practical comfort stops will be made where possible. The evening remains at leisure so the group can rest after hiking and travelling rather than adding another rushed activity.

Distance: Approximately 300–370 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 6–9 hours
Attractions: Kilombero landscapes, Iringa Highlands and countryside
Location: Udzungwa to Ruaha area

Destination:

Udzungwa Mountains

Overnight:

Tandala Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Explore the Great Ruaha River, baobab woodland, plains and rocky hills. Search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, greater kudus, sable antelopes and predators while appreciating Ruaha’s remote scenery. The full-day schedule allows meaningful wildlife observation and gives the extended break a deep wilderness experience beyond Mikumi’s accessible plains.

Distance: Varies according to wildlife movement
Activity Time: Approximately 8–10 hours
Attractions: Great Ruaha River, elephants, predators and baobabs
Location: Ruaha National Park

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Tandala Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Select a morning game drive or eligible walking safari before travelling toward Iringa. Explore Isimila’s archaeological landscape and sandstone formations. The activity adds history, geology and photography to the extended weekend, ensuring the itinerary concludes with more than another game drive.

Distance: Approximately 160–210 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Activity Time: Approximately 4–6 hours combined
Attractions: Ruaha wildlife, Isimila archaeology and formations
Location: Ruaha to Iringa

Destination:

Ruaha National Park

Overnight:

Pera Imperial Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Depart Iringa early and return through Kitonga Escarpment, Mikumi and Morogoro. The drive can take most of the day, and traffic may delay arrival. Travellers returning to work or connecting with international transport should leave a buffer after the safari rather than depending on a precise evening arrival.

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