Explore the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of Tanzania on this comprehensive 10-day safari. Visit four remarkable national parks: Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha, and Nyerere. Each park offers unique experiences, from expansive savannas to lush forests and vast river systems. Begin your journey in Mikumi National Park, known for its wildlife-rich plains. Then, head to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, famous for its hiking trails and endemic species. Next, travel to Ruaha National Park, home to large elephant herds and diverse ecosystems. Finally, explore Nyerere National Park, the largest in Tanzania, known for its vast wilderness and wildlife. This adventure promises unforgettable encounters with nature and a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity.
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
Day 3: Mikumi National Park
Day 4: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Day 5: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Day 6: Udzungwa to Ruaha National Park
Day 7: Ruaha National Park
Day 8: Ruaha to Nyerere National Park
Day 9: Nyerere National Park
Day 10: Departure from Dar es Salaam
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, where you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the day to relax and recover from your travels. Enjoy the hotel amenities or explore the vibrant city if time allows. Visit local markets or enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Tanzanian cuisine. In the evening, meet your guide, who will provide an overview of the itinerary for the upcoming days. Get a good night’s sleep in preparation for your journey into the parks.
After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park, which is about a 4-5 hour drive from Dar es Salaam. Arrive in the park and check into your lodge. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive. Mikumi is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of antelope species. Keep an eye out for the park's rich birdlife as well. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner. Enjoy the tranquility of the park and share stories about your first day with fellow travelers.
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to see animals during their most active hours. Look for lions, giraffes, and elephants roaming the plains. Afterward, return to your lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, head out for another game drive or consider a guided walking safari to experience the park from a different perspective. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and reflect on the wildlife you’ve encountered throughout the day.
After breakfast, depart for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive from Mikumi. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a guided hike through the park. Udzungwa is known for its lush forests and unique biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Udzungwa red colobus monkey. Explore various trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and viewpoints. Return to your lodge for dinner, sharing stories of your hike and the wildlife you encountered.
Spend another day in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Choose from various hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species and rare plants. A guided hike may lead you to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls, where you can take in the stunning views and enjoy a refreshing dip. After a day of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before preparing for the next leg of your safari.
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park, which takes about 4-5 hours by road. Arrive at your lodge and check in. After lunch, set out on your first game drive in Ruaha. The park is known for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and numerous bird species. Explore the park’s varied habitats, from savannas to riverine forests. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner. Share the highlights of your first day in Ruaha with fellow travelers.
Enjoy a full day in Ruaha National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to witness the wildlife at dawn. Look for active predators and herds of animals emerging from their resting places. After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, continue your exploration with a mid-morning game drive or a guided walking safari. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, take part in another game drive, focusing on different areas of the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and discuss the day’s wildlife encounters.
After breakfast, depart for Nyerere National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours. Arrive at your lodge and check in. After lunch, embark on your first game drive in Nyerere. The park is known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. Explore the park’s river systems and open plains. As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and sharing your experiences from Ruaha and the day’s adventure.
Spend a full day exploring Nyerere National Park. Start with an early morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures to spot wildlife. Look for elephants, lions, and various bird species. After breakfast, consider a boat safari on the Rufiji River, where you can see hippos and crocodiles up close while enjoying the scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, continue your game drives, focusing on areas where wildlife is abundant. Return to your lodge for dinner and enjoy your final night in the park.
After breakfast, depart Nyerere National Park and return to Dar es Salaam, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the city. Consider visiting local markets or enjoying a meal at a restaurant before your departure. After your activities, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Reflect on the incredible wildlife and experiences from your safari adventure, taking with you lasting memories of Tanzania's natural beauty. Safe travels