SOUTHERN TANZANIA WILD AT HEART
9 DAYS IN TANZANIA
TRIP SUMMARY
Discover the Untamed South of Tanzania
This journey takes you into Tanzania's wildest and least-known side, far from the usual tourist trails. You'll explore the south of the country, where nature feels rawer and more exclusive.
You'll start by tracking lions across the plains of Mikumi, then swap the jeep for hiking boots to discover the waterfalls of the Udzungwa jungle. You'll feel the immensity of Africa in Ruaha, a land of giant baobabs and apex predators, before flying to the legendary Nyerere Reserve (Selous).
There you'll experience the magic of the Rufiji River, drifting past hippos and crocodiles at sunset. A 9-day itinerary that combines land, water, and air to show you the untamed soul of the continent.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
LANDING ON THE SWAHILI COAST
You'll arrive in the vibrant coastal city of Dar es Salaam, the country's economic heart. Our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel to rest after the journey and soak up the tropical climate of the Indian Ocean, ready for the great expedition that begins the following day.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge in Dar es Salaam. Meals included: Dinner
GATEWAY TO THE SOUTH: MIKUMI
You'll leave the bustle of the coast behind and head inland by road, watching the landscape transform as you arrive at Mikumi National Park. In the afternoon you'll go out on your first game drive across the Mkata floodplains, often compared to the Serengeti for their endless horizons and high density of wildlife. Your first dinner under the African sky awaits.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
THE MKATA PLAINS
A full day to explore Mikumi in depth. You'll cover its tracks searching for elephant herds, buffaloes, zebras, and the lions that often rest in tree branches or survey the land from termite mounds. Enjoy a picnic lunch right in the middle of the savannah before heading back to the lodge as the sun goes down.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Includes: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
TREKKING IN THE UDZUNGWA JUNGLE
A complete change of scene: you'll swap the savannah for the lush tropical forest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. A guided walk through ancient trees and endemic primates leads you to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, where your reward awaits, a refreshing swim in the natural pools with views over the Kilombero Valley.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Includes: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
INTO THE WILD HEART: RUAHA
A fascinating journey through the rural heart of Tanzania, crossing the Great Rift Valley and passing through Iringa until you reach Ruaha National Park. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering a glimpse into authentic local life before arriving at one of the most remote and spectacular parks in the country.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Includes: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
PREDATOR TERRITORY IN RUAHA
You'll explore the largest and wildest park in the country, famous for its red-earth landscapes, enormous baobabs, and for being home to 10% of the world's lion population. Feel the raw tension of nature in a place where big cats hunt massive prey like buffaloes and giraffes. An intense, photographic safari day you won't forget in a hurry.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Includes: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
FLYING OVER RUFIJI AND A BOAT SAFARI
You'll fly by light aircraft over the vast African wilderness, taking in unique aerial views before landing in the Nyerere Reserve (formerly Selous). In the afternoon, one of the south's most magical experiences awaits: a boat safari on the Rufiji River. You'll drift past hundreds of hippos and crocodiles as animals come to drink in the golden light of the setting sun.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Includes: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
THE INMENSITY OF NYERERE
You'll venture by 4x4 into Africa's largest game reserve. Nyerere is a labyrinth of lakes, channels, and forests where wildlife is abundant and diverse. Look out for the famous African wild dogs (painted wolves), very hard to spot anywhere else, and savour the feeling of being completely alone in the wilderness, far from other tourists.
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Lodge. Includes: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
COAST HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
You'll say goodbye to the wild with one final light aircraft flight to Dar es Salaam, soaring over jungles and rivers until the blue of the Indian Ocean comes back into view. From there you'll connect with your international flight home, closing an expedition that will have changed how you see the world.
Meals included: Breakfast & domestic flights
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
RUAHA RIVER LODGE
TEMBO
RUAHA RIVER LODGE
TEMBO
HONDO HONDO UDZUNGWA
TEMBO
ASANJA NDEBO RUAHA
SIMBA
SOUTHERN SUN DAR ES SALAAM
SIMBA
INCLUDED
- International flights
- 1 night in lodge (dinner included)
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers
- 7-day lodge safari on a full-board basis
- Private luxury 4x4 safari jeep with unlimited mileage
- Spanish-speaking safari specialist guide
- Bottled water and binoculars during the safari
- Park entry fees for Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha, Selous and Nyerere
- Booking managements fees
NOT INCLUDED
- Visa processing
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Drinks during the safari
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Anything not listed in the “included” section
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
International flights
Your gateway airport should be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). If you're adding a Zanzibar extension, you can fly home directly from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Tanzania. We can handle the paperwork for you for €100, just let us know! Alternatively, you can apply on arrival at the airport.
Vaccinations
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Tanzania, unless you've visited a yellow fever endemic country in the six months before your trip. That said, we always recommend stopping by your nearest tropical medicine centre for personalised advice from a specialist.
Malaria
No mandatory treatment is required. However, we strongly recommend visiting an international vaccination center for professional advice regarding malaria prevention and other travel health recommendations.
Terms and conditions
Here we will include a link to our cancellation policy..
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
EXTENDED YOUR JOURNAY
After the adventure, comes paradise
ZANZIBAR
From 315€
PEMBA
From 1250€
MAFIA
From 975€