Overview Explore the Untamed Wilds of Mikumi and Ruaha
Discover Tanzania's Hidden Safari Heartland
While the northern circuit dazzles with its iconic landscapes and crowds, southern Tanzania offers something increasingly rare in modern Africa: true wilderness. With Morishas Tours and Safaris, our 6-day safari to Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks invites you to discover Tanzania's hidden safari heartland, where ancient baobabs dot the horizon, the Great Ruaha River sustains teeming wildlife, and you can drive for hours without encountering another vehicle.
The southern circuit represents safari in its purest form—untamed, remote, and deeply authentic. Here, the wildlife thrives without the pressure of mass tourism, and the landscapes stretch endlessly beneath vast African skies. This is the Africa that safari dreams are made of, waiting for those willing to venture just a little further .
Tour Highlights
Explore Two of Tanzania's Largest and Most Remote Parks
This exceptional safari takes you through two of Tanzania's most magnificent yet lesser-known national parks. Mikumi National Park, often called the "Serengeti of the South," offers accessible wildlife viewing with its open floodplains and diverse ecosystems. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park, presents a rugged and untouched wilderness where wildlife from both southern and central Africa converge .
Witness Large Elephant Herds and Abundant Predators
Ruaha is renowned for its enormous populations of elephants and predators. With one of the largest lion populations on the continent, frequent leopard and cheetah sightings, and the rare opportunity to spot African wild dogs, the park delivers exceptional predator encounters. Large herds of buffalo, kudu, and sable antelope further enrich the wildlife experience .
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Both parks are havens for birdlife enthusiasts. Mikumi boasts over 400 recorded bird species, while Ruaha impresses with more than 570 species. From the colourful lilac-breasted roller to the majestic bateleur eagle, the parks offer some of the finest birdwatching in Africa .
Scenic Landscapes and Great Ruaha River
The dramatic landscapes of the southern circuit provide unforgettable scenery. The Great Ruaha River, the lifeblood of Ruaha National Park, attracts wildlife to its banks and creates stunning photographic opportunities. Ancient baobab trees dot the savannahs, and the Mkata floodplains of Mikumi present sweeping views that seem to stretch to the edge of the world.
Authentic Wilderness Experience
Unlike the busier northern circuit, the southern safari offers an authentic sense of isolation and immersion. With fewer visitors and vast wilderness areas, you can experience Africa as it once was—wild, untamed, and deeply soulful.
Itinerary in this Tour Package
Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park, a journey of approximately five to six hours that offers ever-changing views of the Tanzanian countryside. As you travel, watch rural life unfold—traditional villages, colourful markets, and farmers tending their fields.
Upon arrival at Mikumi, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an evening game drive. The Mkata floodplains, often compared to the Serengeti's plains, host large herds of elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes. As the sun begins to set, the golden light transforms the landscape, and predators emerge for their evening hunt. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African bush .
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Wake before dawn for an early breakfast, then embark on a full-day game drive through Mikumi National Park. The morning light offers excellent conditions for wildlife photography, and the animals are at their most active.
Explore different zones of the park, including the Hippo Pools, where crocodiles and hippos bask in the sun. Look out for predators such as lions and hyenas, and be rewarded with sightings of giraffes, elephants, buffalo, and a spectacular array of birdlife. The park's mix of grasslands, swamps, and woodlands supports an incredible diversity of species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Continue your game viewing into the afternoon, exploring different areas of the park before returning to your lodge for dinner and relaxation .
Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park with packed lunch boxes. The journey takes you deeper into southern Tanzania, approximately six to seven hours, offering views of remote villages and rugged terrain. As you travel, the landscape transforms, becoming wilder and more untouched.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp near Ruaha in the evening. After check-in, enjoy a leisurely evening and prepare for the thrilling days ahead in Tanzania's largest national park. The sounds of the bush—the calls of nocturnal animals, the rustle of wildlife—provide a soundtrack to your first night in this wild paradise .
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park
Rise early and set out for a full-day game drive in Ruaha, famous for its large populations of elephants and predators. The park covers a vast and varied landscape, from open savannahs to rocky hills, baobab-studded plains to riverine forests. The Great Ruaha River, the park's lifeline, attracts wildlife especially during the dry season.
Look out for prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dogs, which are increasingly rare elsewhere in Africa. The park supports large herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as kudu, sable antelope, and other species that thrive in this diverse environment. For birdwatchers, Ruaha is a paradise with over 570 recorded species .
Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing your game drive, exploring different sections of the park. Each area offers unique wildlife encounters, ensuring that your day remains filled with discovery. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Another Full Day in Ruaha National Park
Enjoy another exciting day exploring different sections of Ruaha National Park. With its remote and untouched ecosystem, every drive offers a new adventure. Visit the Great Ruaha River, the lifeline of the park where crocodiles and hippos abound. If you are lucky, you might witness dramatic predator-prey interactions as lions or hyenas stalk their prey along the riverbanks.
The park's rugged terrain and diverse habitats create exceptional wildlife viewing. The dry season brings animals to the river, creating some of the most spectacular game viewing in Africa. The landscape itself is breathtaking, from rocky outcrops to baobab-dotted plains, providing endless opportunities for photography. Return to your accommodation in the evening to relax and share stories around the campfire under the stars .
Day 6: Ruaha to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam, enjoying your last views of the Tanzanian countryside. This drive offers time to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and unforgettable landscapes experienced over the past six days.
Upon arrival in Dar, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your incredible safari adventure. As you depart, you carry with you the memories of an authentic and deeply immersive safari experience in Tanzania's wild south .
What Is Included
Transportation and Guiding
- Transportation in a comfortable, custom-built 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography
- Professional, English-speaking safari guide with extensive knowledge of Tanzanian wildlife and ecology
- All game drives and park entry fees throughout the tour
Accommodation and Meals
- Carefully selected lodges or tented camps on a full-board basis
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Additional Inclusions
- All government taxes and conservation fees
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or the airport
- Mineral drinking water
What Is Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and laundry
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary