7 Days Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha Safari

Day 0: Arrival Day

Upon arrival in Tanzania, you will be welcomed by a Leiyos Safari representative. 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 preferred travel plans.

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

Day 1: Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park and arrive in time to begin your first game drive. Explore the park’s famous Mkata Floodplain, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in Southern Tanzania.

The open grasslands attract a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, hartebeests, and numerous bird species. Lions are frequently spotted throughout the park, while hippos and crocodiles can often be seen around water sources.

Continue exploring the park throughout the afternoon before proceeding to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Early Morning Sunrise Game Drive – Transfer to Ruaha

Begin the day with an early sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active. This is one of the best times to observe predators returning from their nightly hunts and herbivores grazing across the plains.

After breakfast, depart Mikumi and travel toward Ruaha National Park through the scenic landscapes of southern Tanzania and the Iringa Highlands.

Arrive at your lodge in the Ruaha area later in the day for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

After an early breakfast, enjoy a full-day game drive in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park.

Ruaha is famous for its rugged landscapes, giant baobab trees, large elephant herds, and exceptional predator populations. Explore different habitats while searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species.

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

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Isimila Stone Age Visit and Transfer to Morogoro

After breakfast, depart Ruaha and travel toward Iringa where you’ll visit the famous Isimila Stone Age Site.

Explore the archaeological site known for its ancient stone tools and impressive natural sandstone pillars that have been shaped by thousands of years of erosion. Learn about the area’s significance in East African prehistory before continuing your journey.

After the visit, proceed to Morogoro for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer from Morogoro to Nyerere National Park and Late Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Morogoro and travel to Nyerere National Park.

Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy lunch before heading out for a late afternoon game drive. Explore the park’s vast wilderness and search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, hyenas, and other wildlife.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Game Drive in Nyerere National Park and Boat Safari

After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive through Nyerere National Park. The park’s diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered African wild dog.

Following lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River. This unique experience allows you to observe hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and wildlife gathering along the riverbanks from a completely different perspective.

Return to the lodge before sunset for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Early Morning Transfer to Zanzibar (Optional Dar es Salaam)

After an early breakfast, begin your transfer toward Zanzibar via ferry or flight connections through Dar es Salaam. Guests who prefer may conclude the safari in Dar es Salaam instead.

This marks the end of your Southern Circuit safari adventure.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Departures

Depending on your onward travel plans, departures can be arranged via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. International travelers can connect through Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, while additional domestic flight arrangements can be made upon request.

End of Safari.