Ruaha, Mikumi & Nyerere NP

Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport, you will be greeted by your guide, who will provide a briefing about your upcoming adventure. You will then begin your scenic transfer to Ruaha National Park, one of the largest and least-visited parks in Tanzania, established in 1964. The park is a hidden gem, known for its vast, rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife. Situated at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, Ruaha offers a diverse range of ecosystems, from miombo woodlands to savannahs and river valleys. This diversity attracts a high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. The park is also home to large herds of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes, as well as an abundance of bird species such as the African fish eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and vulturine guinea fowl. After arriving at Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, you will have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner. The lodge offers stunning views of the park, with spacious rooms featuring ensuite bathrooms, private verandas, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and a swimming pool.

Over the next two days, you will embark on morning and afternoon game drives in the heart of Ruaha National Park. The park’s vast landscapes of baobab trees, riverine forests, and grasslands provide a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing. The wildlife here is prolific, and during the calving season, you can witness the dramatic sights of wildebeest and zebra giving birth, drawing predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs who stalk the plains for an opportunity. While on your drives, you’ll likely encounter herds of elephants near the Ruaha River, buffaloes grazing in the open plains, and large predators like leopards hiding in the trees. The birdlife is equally captivating, with the opportunity to spot over 500 species, including white-backed vultures, golden pipits, and a variety of raptors. During the day, you’ll stop for picnic lunches at scenic locations, taking in the park’s beauty. In the evenings, you will return to Ruaha Hilltop Lodge for dinner and overnight stays.

After an early breakfast, you will depart from Ruaha National Park and drive towards Mikumi National Park, which is located to the west of the Selous Game Reserve and was established in 1964. Mikumi is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania and is often referred to as a “mini Serengeti” due to its similar ecosystems. The park’s flat, grassy plains and scattered acacia trees attract large herds of wildebeest, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes, along with lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species such as the black-crowned crane, African spoonbill, and the colourful lilac-breasted roller. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the park before heading to Camp Bastian Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. The lodge offers comfortable, eco-friendly tents with ensuite bathrooms, private verandas, and a serene atmosphere overlooking the surrounding savannah.

After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day game drive in Mikumi National Park. The park is particularly known for its abundant wildlife, including one of the highest densities of elephants in Tanzania. During the calving season, the plains are teeming with young wildebeest and zebra, which in turn attracts the predators. You may have the chance to see cheetahs chasing down prey, lions lurking in the tall grasses, or wild dogs on the prowl. Mikumi is also home to several bird species like the yellow-throated longclaw, African hawk eagle, and various species of hornbills. Around midday, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the park before continuing with your game drive. In the evening, return to Camp Bastian Lodge for dinner and overnight, where you can unwind under the stars and share stories of the day’s adventures.

Today, you will continue your journey south to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, established in 1922. This park is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering nearly 50,000 square kilometers, and offers some of Tanzania’s most remote and pristine wilderness. The park is a haven for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and African wild dogs, as well as a wide range of bird species like the pel’s fishing owl and the saddle-billed stork. The park’s vast river systems and extensive wetlands provide the perfect environment for large mammal herds, especially during the calving season when the plains are alive with newborns. Upon arrival at Sable Mountain Lodge, you will enjoy a picnic lunch in a beautiful setting and then check into your lodge for a relaxing afternoon. Sable Mountain Lodge provides luxurious accommodations with expansive views, an infinity pool, and beautifully designed rooms equipped with modern amenities and ensuite bathrooms.

After an early breakfast, you will spend a full day exploring the vast expanses of Nyerere National Park. You’ll travel by 4x4 safari vehicle to different regions of the park, where you’ll observe the impressive elephant herds, large prides of lions, and the elusive African wild dog. The park is known for its tranquil boat safaris on the Rufiji River, where you can see hippos and crocodiles lounging by the water’s edge. Along the riverbanks, you’ll also spot waterbirds such as kingfishers and herons. The calving season provides exceptional opportunities to witness wildebeest, zebra, and impala giving birth in the open grasslands, with predators such as lions and hyenas lurking in the distance, waiting for the right moment to strike. After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue with a game drive before returning to Sable Mountain Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

On your final day, depending on your flight schedule, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast and transfer back to Dar es Salaam or Selous Airport for your onward journey. If time permits, you may stop for a short sightseeing tour or shopping for souvenirs before heading to the airport, marking the end of your memorable 8-day safari.

This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore Tanzania's southern parks during the calving season. From the remote wilderness of Ruaha and Mikumi to the vast expanse of Nyerere, you’ll experience diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes, all while staying in comfort at some of the best lodges in the region.