10 Days Southern Tanzania & Mafia Beach Safari

Day 0: Arrival Day

Upon arrival in Tanzania, you will be welcomed by a Leiyos Safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam.

This safari is ideal for travelers arriving from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, or Morogoro. Access can be arranged via domestic flight, SGR train, or road transfer depending on your travel plans.

Depending on your arrival schedule, overnight accommodation can be arranged before the safari begins the following day.

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park

After breakfast, depart Dar es Salaam and travel to Nyerere National Park. Arrive in time for lunch before settling into your lodge or camp.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the park, exploring its vast wilderness and searching for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

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

Spend the day exploring Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas.

The park is renowned for its large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and endangered African wild dogs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Nyerere National Park to Mikumi Town

After breakfast, depart Nyerere National Park and travel toward Mikumi.

Enjoy scenic views of Southern Tanzania’s landscapes as you make your way to Mikumi Town. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and relax ahead of the following day’s safari activities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

After an early breakfast, enter Mikumi National Park for a full-day game drive.

Explore the famous Mkata Floodplain, home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, lions, and numerous bird species. The open landscapes make wildlife viewing particularly rewarding.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mikumi to Iringa

After breakfast, depart Mikumi and travel through the scenic southern highlands toward Iringa.

Upon arrival, enjoy time to relax and explore the historic town. Depending on arrival time, optional visits can be arranged to local markets or nearby attractions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Iringa to Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, depart Iringa and travel to Ruaha National Park.

Upon arrival, begin a game drive en route to your lodge. Ruaha is famous for its rugged landscapes, ancient baobab trees, large elephant herds, and excellent predator sightings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Spend the day exploring Tanzania’s largest national park.

The Great Ruaha River attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the year, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and numerous antelope species. The park offers one of the most authentic safari experiences in East Africa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Ruaha to Mafia Island

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Mafia Island.

Upon arrival, enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Mafia Island to Kilwa Masoko

After breakfast, depart Mafia Island and travel to Kilwa Masoko.

Kilwa is one of East Africa’s most important historical destinations and was once a major trading center along the Swahili Coast. Spend time exploring the town and experiencing its rich cultural heritage and coastal scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Kilwa Masoko to Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, depart Kilwa and travel back to Dar es Salaam.

Enjoy the scenic coastal journey as you return to Tanzania’s commercial capital, marking the end of your Southern Tanzania adventure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Departure

Depending on your onward travel plans, transfers can be arranged to Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) for your international departure or to Zanzibar via ferry or domestic flight.

End of Safari.