8-Day Mikumi & Southern Circuit Safari Itinerary

Overview

Embark on an 8-day adventure through Tanzania’s breathtaking Mikumi National Park and the iconic Southern Circuit. This safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Spot lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species while staying in carefully selected lodges and camps for comfort and authenticity. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and families seeking an immersive safari experience.

Safari Highlights

• Game drives in Mikumi National Park

• Walking safaris and night drives

• Visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a forest hike

• Explore Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve

• Boat safari on the Rufiji River

• Cultural visits to local villages

• Stunning sunsets over the African plains

We believe every safari should offer a balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural insight. Our itineraries focus on:

• Authentic Wildlife Encounters: See animals in their natural habitat, away from overcrowded spots.

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety, education, and a memorable safari.

• Eco-Friendly Travel: Promoting responsible tourism and wildlife conservation.

• Comfortable Accommodation: Carefully chosen lodges and camps for rest after each adventure.

Detailed Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Activities:
Arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. After luggage handling and introductions, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax, freshen up, or take a short walk around the hotel area. Your guide will provide a briefing about the safari adventure ahead, including safety tips, itinerary overview, and wildlife expectations. Enjoy a leisurely evening with dinner at the hotel, preparing for the early departure the next day.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Dar es Salaam
Meals: Dinner included

Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
Activities:
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mikumi National Park, approximately 5–6 hours through rural landscapes, villages, and farmland, with stops for refreshments or photography. Upon arrival, check in at your safari lodge and enjoy a welcome lunch. In the afternoon, head out on your first game drive, exploring the park’s open savannahs, rivers, and woodlands. Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and various bird species. Conclude the day with a sunset drive, capturing the golden light over the African plains before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Safari lodge in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: First wildlife encounters, sunset photography, introduction to safari life

Day 3: Full-Day Mikumi Safari
Activities:
Begin the day with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. Observe predators on the hunt and herbivores grazing in the morning mist. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then relax or enjoy optional birdwatching. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive, exploring different parts of the park. Optional walking safaris allow closer interaction with nature, observing tracks, insects, and smaller animals under the guidance of an armed ranger. End the day with a sundowner on a scenic viewpoint or by the lodge.

Accommodation: Safari lodge in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Big Five sightings, walking safari, photography opportunities

Day 4: Mikumi – Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Activities:
After breakfast, depart for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, approximately 4–5 hours’ drive through scenic hills and forested areas. Upon arrival, check in at an eco-lodge nestled in the rainforest. Spend the afternoon on a guided forest hike, exploring trails, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for endemic primates like the Udzungwa red colobus and colorful birds. Learn about the unique ecosystem from your guide and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Accommodation: Eco-lodge near Udzungwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Forest hiking, endemic wildlife, birdwatching, waterfalls

Day 5: Udzungwa – Selous Game Reserve
Activities:
After breakfast, transfer to Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife areas. The drive is scenic with several stops for photography or refreshments. Upon arrival at your safari lodge, settle in and enjoy a light lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first Selous game drive, searching for elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of buffalo. Return to the lodge for dinner and relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Safari lodge in Selous
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Selous wildlife introduction, scenic lodge views

Day 6: Selous Game Reserve Safari
Activities:
Start your day with a morning game drive when wildlife is most active, with opportunities to spot predators and diverse birdlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax mid-morning. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the riverbanks, and various water birds. Learn about the river ecosystem from your guide and enjoy photography opportunities from the boat. End the day with a scenic sunset drive or relax at the lodge.

Accommodation: Safari lodge in Selous
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Morning and evening game drives, boat safari, wildlife photography

Day 7: Selous – Dar es Salaam
Activities:
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive, soaking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Return to the lodge for check-out and begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam. Depending on time, you may stop for souvenir shopping or enjoy a short city tour. Arrive at your hotel for rest and dinner.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Dar es Salaam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Highlights: Last wildlife sightings, shopping, city exploration

Day 8: Departure
Activities:
After breakfast, transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward flight. Say farewell to Tanzania with unforgettable memories of wildlife, rainforest, and coast.

Meals: Breakfast included

Inclusive

• All park entrance fees and permits

• Professional English-speaking safari guide

• Accommodation and meals as specified

• Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles

• Bottled water during game drives

• Cultural visits and forest walks where specified

Exclusive

• International flights

• Personal travel insurance

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional activities not mentioned

Travel & Safety Advisory

• Health: Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date. Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Carry personal medications and first-aid kit.

• Sun & Heat: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and wear hats during daytime.

• Wildlife Safety: Remain in vehicles unless instructed; maintain safe distances.

• Clothing & Footwear: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing; closed shoes for walking safaris and forest hikes.

• Electronics: Protect cameras from dust and heat; carry extra batteries.

• Local Culture: Respect communities; ask permission before photographing people.

• Nighttime: Avoid walking alone; night activities only with guides.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable safari clothing (neutral colors)

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

• Light jacket for early mornings and evenings

• Swimsuit for optional beach or lodge pools

• Insect repellent and personal medications

• Reusable water bottle