11 Days Explore the wilderness of Southern Tanzania

Detailed Overview

Overview

For those who want to avoid crowds of tourists and experience a safari adventure “off-the-beaten-track”, the southern safari circuit would be perfect for that. The parks included in the southern safari circuit are Nyerere National Park (before Selous G. R.), which has been a World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity since 1982, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The parks in this region are huge, unspoiled, remote and are full of a spectacular diversity of wildlife and they offer exceptional birding opportunities. In Nyerere National Park you can find the world’s densest population of the last remaining African wild dogs and there are approximately 3,700 lions – one of the largest populations in Africa. Selous has a great variety of habitats such as swamps, open grassland, riverine forests and the Miombo woodlands with impressive baobabs and acacia trees as well doum and borassus palms up to 30 meters high and mango trees can also be found in well-watered places. The Rufiji River with his numerous side arms and large lakes forms a labyrinth with islands, sandbars and lagoons. Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania's and East Africa's largest parks, is home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world and is a bird-watching paradise with about 500 species of birds. The source of life for this park is the Great Ruaha River, which attracts large herds and therefore many predators to its banks during the dry season. The southern circuit offers activities that cannot be experienced in the north. For example, guided walking tours, that give you a chance to get closer to nature and boat safaris, like in Nyerere National Park where the Rufiji River with its numerous side arms and large lakes forms a labyrinth with islands, sandbars and lagoons and you can see crocodiles sunbathe on their banks and hippos wallow in the water. The landscape of the Mikumi Nationa Park is often compared to that of the Serengeti and is considered one of the best observation areas for the biggest antelope in the world – the eland antelope. And finally, the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which is a part of 34 biodiversity hotspots worldwide due to its rich levels of biodiversity and endemism. Its massive forest panoramas and variety of gorgeous waterfalls are a great draw for trekkers. The park is home of an important population of primates, including the Sanje Mangabey and the Iringa Red Colobus, which you can find only here. There are 2500 plant species, 25% of which are endemic, and over 400 different bird species have been counted. On the way to Ruaha Nationalpark you can visit the “Isimila Stone Age Site” and the museum with small, well-captioned displays highlighting some of the discoveries. You walk through ancient canyons and pillars. Fossilized bones of mammals; an extinct hippopotamus and over 60.000 years old tools are some of the stone age finds found here.

Tour Highlights

• Relatively unspoiled national parks and therefore still an insider tip
• Undisturbed safaris due to fewer tourists
• Different types of game viewing safaris by boat, 4×4 or on foot
• Explore the pristine wilderness and unique scenic diversity of these parks
• Home to a large elephant population, large prides of lions and over 500 bird species
• Best place to see wild dogs
• Visit the Stone Age ruins of Isimila
• Enjoy biodiversity and endemism as well spectacular views and gorgeous waterfalls in the Udzungwa mountains

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park (before Selous G. R.)

At 08:00 am meet our driver guide, then drive to Nyerere National Park. The journey takes about 6 hours via Kibiti Village where we will stop for lunch. After arrival in Nyerere National Park and a short orientation briefing, you will embark for a boat safari on the majestic Rufiji River, bringing you into close contact with hippos, crocodiles, fantastic birdlife and other animals like elephants, lions, buffalos and other game that comes to the river. It will take approximately 2 hours cruising on the River. Later, after sunset, meet your driver, then transfer to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous Camp (luxury)

Day 2: Nyerere National Park

At 06:00 am before breakfast we start for a wilderness walking safari, which is accompanied by an armed ranger and lasts about 3 hours. This gives you an intimate feeling with the savanna and its proximity to African wildlife. After breakfast we head for a full day game drive with a stop in the bush for picnic lunch. Later, after sunset, transfer to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous Camp (luxury)

Day 3: Nyerere National Park full day game drive

After breakfast, with packed lunch, enjoy full day game drive looking for animals like wild dog, leopard, lion etc. Later in the evening drive back to the Camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous Camp (luxury)

Day 4: Nyerere National Park – Mikumi National Park

Early morning breakfast and departure from Nyerere National Park to Mikumi Nationa Park with game viewing and lunch on route. This journey takes you through one of the wildest and most untouched areas of Tanzania, up into the Uluguru Mountains across rivers and small local villages and farms. The drive is tiring but possibly the most rewarding and adventurous on the southern circuit. Arrival in the accommodation in the afternoon. After relaxing, in the late afternoon we drive to one of the two unique viewpoints to watch the sunset, with game viewing on the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mikumi Cottage or Bastian Campsite (budget), Bastian Lodge (mid-range)

Day 5: Mikumi Nationa Park – Iringa Town

After breakfast, you leave the lodge for another game drive towards the two water holes “Mkata” and “Chamgore”. These water holes offer a good opportunity for game viewing as animals are attracted to these water holes. Apart from the saddle-bill stork, hammer kop and malachite kingfisher, you will also find there monitor lizards and pythons inhabiting the pools. Afternoon drive to Iringa town, a pleasant small town that overlooks the Ruaha River and which used to be a center of the German colonial administration in the past.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Sunset Hotel or Saivilla Hotel

Day 6: Iringa Town – Ruaha National Park

After breakfast check out and start the journey to Ruaha National Park. On the way you have the possibility to visit the “Isimila Stone Age Site” and the museum with small, well-captioned displays highlighting some of the discoveries. You walk through ancient canyons and pillars. Fossilized bones of mammals; an extinct hippopotamus and over 60.000 years old tools are some of the stone age finds found here. Then proceed to the national park. In the late afternoon we leave the accommodation for a sunset game drive. – Day 7 + 8: Full day game drives in Ruaha National Park Game drives in Ruaha National Park, look for Roan and Sable antelope, waterbuck, Reedbuck and buffalo venture to the river edge to drink, attracting the attention of lion, leopard, hyena, African wild dog, jackal and of course crocodiles. With a little luck you can see the African dwarf antelope "Dikdik", which is only a little bigger than a har. There are many birds in the park include Eurasia migrants that come to visit the park twice a year.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation:  Tanapa Bandas or Public Campsite (budget) Ruaha River Lodge or Ruaha Cottage (mid-range) Mwagusi Safari Camp (luxus)

Day 9: Ruaha Nationa Park – Udzungwa Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart to Udzungwa Mountains National Park with packed lunch and game viewing on the way. You will arrive in the early afternoon followed by relaxation and leisure in the Camp/Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Twiga Hotel (budget); Hondo Hondo Tented Camp (mid-range); Udzungwa Falls Lodge (luxury)

Day 10: Wonderful Walking in Udzungwa Nationa Park

After an early breakfast (early, because you should avoid the hot sun), start walking in this beautiful Park, experience the stunning natural beauty of this park. Picnic lunch in the bush then proceed exploring the area. Enjoy the wonderful Sanje waterfall, endemic “Iringa red colobus” and “Sanje crested mangabey” monkeys, colorful birds and butterflies and the beautiful scenery. On top of the waterfall, you can swim in the refreshing plunge pool. In the evening you can experience the sunset before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Twiga Hotel (budget); Hondo Hondo Tented Camp (mid-range); Udzungwa Falls Lodge (luxury)

Day 11: Udzungwa Nationa Park – Dar es Salaam

After breakfast until lunch the arrangement depends on your additional program and the time you should be at your drop-off point. We can offer another short walk to Sonje waterfalls, a visit to Magombero Monkey Forest or Mang’ula Village a picturesque rural Tanzanian village, or a rubber plantation tour. End of safari service in the late afternoon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Possible Accommodation: no accommodation on this day.

Best Travel Time

• The best time to visit the Southern Circuit national Parks is during the dry season from June to October. It is the best time for wildlife viewing because the vegetation is less dense. The temperature is hot and dry during the day, cooler at night.
• From November to February it becomes more sultry and greener.
• Rainy season is from March to May routes are almost impassable and lodges and camps very often closed.

Inclusions

• Transport from and to your hotel/residence or airport/seaport
• Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
• All accommodations and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or as agreed. N. B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All camping gear (if applicable)
• Game drives and activities as per itinerary
• 4 × 4 safari vehicle with pop up roof for game viewing
• TANAPA armed ranger (where needed, e.g. on walking safaris, some boat safaris etc.)
• All National Park and nature trail fees
• Drinking water during the game drives/walking safari
• Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft- and alcoholic drinks, telephone, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees
• Tips to the driver & guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
• Optional activities not outlined in the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• Visit to a local dance show/village (Nyerere N. P.)
• On request other tour languages possible
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of stay or additional program is possible / or have a look at our other offers

Important Notes

• Kids under the age of 12 are not allowed on a walking safari.
• We offer discounted prices for children.
• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travelers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari.

What to Bring

• Hiking boots
• Layered clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm hat and gloves
• Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Personal medication
• Reusable water bottle

Activities Included

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Accommodation Options

Night 1 Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous Camp (luxury); Night 2 Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous Camp (luxury); Night 3 Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Mloka Safari Lodge (mid-range), Africa Safari Selous Camp (luxury); Night 4 Mikumi Cottage or Bastian Campsite (budget), Bastian Lodge (mid-range); Night 5 Sunset Hotel or Saivilla Hotel; Night 6  Tanapa Bandas or Public Campsite (budget) Ruaha River Lodge or Ruaha Cottage (mid-range) Mwagusi Safari Camp (luxus); Night 7 Twiga Hotel (budget); Hondo Hondo Tented Camp (mid-range); Udzungwa Falls Lodge (luxury); Night 8 Twiga Hotel (budget); Hondo Hondo Tented Camp (mid-range); Udzungwa Falls Lodge (luxury); Night 9 no accommodation on this day.

Pricing & Booking Notes

Optional Add-Ons & Upgrades

Transport, Guide & Meal Details