6 Days Nyerere & Mikumi Safari Itinerary

This 6-day safari adventure takes you deep into the heart of Southern Tanzania, exploring the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and the rolling savannahs of Mikumi National Park. Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, this itinerary combines boat safaris, walking safaris, and classic game drives with comfortable lodges and camps in the wild.

Safari Highlights

• Thrilling boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park.

• Guided walking safari with armed ranger in the Selous.

• Game drives with chances to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and African wild dogs.

• Scenic landscapes: wetlands, open plains, and baobab-dotted savannahs.

• Relaxing in hand-picked lodges and tented camps close to nature.

Belief Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrival Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Nyerere National Park

• Day 2: Full-day game drive in Nyerere

• Day 3: Morning walking safari – Afternoon boat safari on Rufiji River

• Day 4: Transfer to Mikumi National Park – Evening game drive

• Day 5: Full-day game drive in Mikumi

• Day 6: Morning game drive – Return to Dar es Salaam

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park

Meet and greet in Dar es Salaam and drive to Nyerere National Park. Arrive for lunch at your lodge, then enjoy an evening game drive.

• Accommodation: Selous Riverside Camp / Similar

• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

Accommodation: Selous Riverside Camp / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend the entire day exploring Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wildlife sanctuaries. Depart early with your professional guide in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, traversing savannahs, forests, and riverine habitats.

Activities & Highlights:

• Search for elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos along the way.

• Spot giraffes, zebras, and antelopes grazing peacefully.

• Observe the park’s abundant birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.

• Stop mid-day for a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by nature’s sounds and sights – an ideal moment for photography and wildlife observation.

• Afternoon game drive continues, giving a chance to catch predators in action during the cooler hours.

Return to camp in the evening to relax, enjoy a hearty dinner, and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters.

Day 3: Walking Safari & Boat Safari in Nyerere

Accommodation: Selous Riverside Camp / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning:
Begin the day with a guided walking safari, accompanied by an armed ranger. Learn about animal tracks, local plants, and the smaller, often-overlooked creatures of the bush. Walking allows a closer and more intimate connection with the environment.

Afternoon:
After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, one of the park’s most picturesque areas. Glide past hippos and crocodiles, and spot elephants and buffaloes along the riverbanks. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of herons, storks, kingfishers, and other riverine species.

Evening:
Return to the camp for dinner and a relaxing evening by the riverside, listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Highlights:

• Hands-on learning about wildlife and plant life during the walking safari

• Up-close encounters with riverine wildlife on the boat safari

• Opportunities for photography and birdwatching

Day 4: Nyerere – Transfer to Mikumi National Park

Accommodation: Mikumi Safari Lodge / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, a scenic journey across Tanzania’s rural landscapes. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in the park’s open plains.

Activities & Highlights:

• Spot giraffes, zebras, elephants, and wildebeest roaming freely.

• Watch the golden light of sunset illuminate the savannah, creating stunning photography opportunities.

• Mikumi’s landscape resembles the Serengeti in miniature, offering a diverse safari experience in a more intimate setting.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Mikumi National Park

Accommodation: Mikumi Safari Lodge / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend the day exploring Mikumi National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. The park is known for its large herbivore populations, lions, and occasional African wild dogs, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Activities & Highlights:

• Morning game drive to observe wildlife in the cooler hours.

• Picnic lunch in the park under the shade of acacia trees.

• Afternoon drive continues, giving opportunities to spot predators and enjoy the park’s diverse scenery.

• Capture beautiful photographs of wildlife against the backdrop of rolling hills and open savannahs.

Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation after a day full of adventure.

Day 6: Mikumi – Return to Dar es Salaam

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy a final morning game drive, taking in the park’s morning activity and possibly spotting wildlife missed on previous days. Afterward, depart Mikumi for Dar es Salaam, concluding your safari adventure.

Highlights:

• Morning wildlife encounters in Mikumi

• Scenic drive back to the city

• Opportunity to reflect on your safari experiences and capture final photos

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees for Nyerere and Mikumi

• Accommodation as mentioned (full-board basis)

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

• Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles with professional English-speaking guides

• Boat safari on the Rufiji River

• Walking safari in Nyerere with armed ranger

• Bottled drinking water during safaris

Safari Exclusions

• International or domestic flights

• Visa fees and travel permits

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff

• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable cotton clothing (neutral colors recommended)

• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and walking safaris

• Camera and binoculars for wildlife and landscape photography

• Light jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings

• Insect repellent

• Personal medications and toiletries

• Travel documents including passport, visa, and vaccination certificate