7 Days Best of Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha

Walk the Wild, Cruise the Rufiji, Discover Tanzania’s Untamed Heart.

7 Days Best of Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha

Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure This safari is the ultimate way to explore three of Tanzania’s southern gems. Begin in the vast Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), Tanzania’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unspoiled wilderness, winding rivers, and incredible diversity of wildlife set the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Continue to Mikumi National Park, where open plains echo the Serengeti and the Big Five roam freely. Mikumi is one of the few places where you may witness lions climbing trees — a rare and thrilling sight.

Finally, venture into Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s secondlargest reserve and home to East Africa’s largest elephant population. With dramatic baobabstudded landscapes and nearly 10% of Africa’s lions, Ruaha offers raw, authentic encounters with nature.

This safari blends discovery, adventure, and serenity — the perfect combination for an extraordinary African experience.

FAQs

Tanzania is a yearround safari destination, but the best time to visit depends on the experience you’re after.

  • June to October & January to March: These months are prime for witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, when vast herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in search of fresh grazing. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, and conditions are generally dry.
  • December to February: A quieter season with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed safari atmosphere.
  • April, May & November: Considered offpeak months, these periods often feature discounted safari packages. While rain is more likely, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, offering a unique perspective and excellent value for budgetminded travelers.

Whether you seek dramatic migration scenes or peaceful escapes, Tanzania delivers unforgettable safari adventures in every season.

Peak season lodges and camps fill up quickly, and availability can be limited. To secure your preferred accommodations and flights, especially if you’re traveling as a large group, we recommend booking 10 to 12 months in advance. That said, many travelers also book 3 to 6 months ahead and still manage to find excellent options. The earlier you plan, the more flexibility you’ll have in choosing lodges, camps, and flight schedules.

For classic, adventure, or luxury travelers, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti deliver iconic Big Five sightings, sweeping savannahs, wildebeest migration and world-class lodges designed for unforgettable stays. If you’re craving something wilder, Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Parks offer raw, untouched wilderness, where lions, leopards, cheetahs, and zebras roam across rugged terrain. Whether you want timeless elegance, thrilling adventure, or an off-the-grid escape, Tanzania’s diverse parks guarantee not just a safari, but the ultimate journey of a lifetime.

Planning your safari with Kilele Climb Tours means turning your dream into a personalized adventure. We don’t just sell packages; we craft journeys that reflect your passions and style. Whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, exploring the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, or unwinding on Zanzibar’s beaches, every detail is tailored to you.

Our expert team listens to your wishes and designs a custom itinerary that blends thrilling wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, and moments of pure relaxation. To spark ideas, we showcase our most popular safaris, which serve as inspiration before we refine them together into something uniquely yours.

With Kilele Climb Tours, you’ll enjoy seasoned guidance, handpicked lodges, and transparent planning. The result? An unforgettable safari that feels like it was made just for you.

Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most welcoming destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. Safari hubs like Arusha, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater are well-established, with professional guides and reliable infrastructure ensuring a secure experience. Tourist areas are generally safe, though travelers should take simple precautions in busy cities, such as keeping valuables secure. Safari lodges and camps are managed with guest comfort and safety in mind. With thoughtful planning, Tanzania offers not only unforgettable adventures but also peace of mind throughout your journey.

To verify if a Tanzania tour operator is legitimate, check that they hold a valid Tourism Agent License (TALA) and are registered with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO). These credentials confirm official recognition. Next, review their reputation on trusted platforms like TripAdvisor Reviews. Look for consistent positive feedback, transparency in communication, and a professional online presence. Together, these steps help ensure you’re booking with a trustworthy and reliable operator.

7 Days Best of Southern Tanzania Safari – Nyerere, Mikumi & Ruaha
Low season (April 1st to May 31st)
2 Persons
$1061 Per Person
3 Persons
$906 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$855 Per Person
Peak Season (June 1st to March 31st)
2 Persons
$1164 Per Person
3 Persons
$1005 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$954 Per Person

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Included
Excluded

SHORT DAY WISE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival Dar es Salaam

Day 2 – Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park – Boat Safari at Rufiji River

Day 3 – Nyerere – Game Drive at Nyerere National Park

Day 4 – Nyerere – Walking Safari then transfer to Mikumi National Park

Day 5 – Mikumi – Game Drive at Mikumi National Park

Day 6 – Ruaha – Transfer to Ruaha- Evening Game Drive at Ruaha National Park

Day 7 – Ruaha – Game Drive at Ruaha National Park

Day 8 – Ruaha – Morning Game Drive & take flight/ Transfer to next destination

Day 1

Arrival – Dar es Salaam

Arrive at Dar es Salaam International Airport where a representative greets you. Transfer to your hotel and relax after your flight. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling local cuisine or strolling nearby streets. Overnight in Dar es Salaam.

Meals Plan: Bed

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 2

Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park

Distance & Drive time: Dar es Salaam to Selous takes about 4 to 5 hours (230 km/142mi)

Depart at 08:30hrs for a scenic 5hour drive to Nyerere National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, then embark on an afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji River. Glide past hippos basking in the shallows, crocodiles lurking on the banks, and a dazzling array of birdlife overhead. The dramatic scenery and rich wildlife make this a memorable introduction to the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Meals plan: Lunch & Dinner included

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 3

Nyerere National Park

Spend a full day exploring Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and the rare African wild dog. The park’s vast plains, woodlands, and river systems showcase Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity. A picnic lunch in the bush adds to the adventure, surrounded by the sounds of nature. With its rich wildlife and dramatic scenery, Nyerere offers unforgettable safari experiences. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, reflecting on the day’s encounters.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 4

Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided walking safari in Nyerere National Park, offering a unique chance to experience the bush on foot. Accompanied by expert rangers, observe tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed during game drives, gaining a deeper connection to nature. Later, depart for Mikumi National Park, traveling through scenic landscapes and rural villages along the way. Arrive in the evening, just in time for dinner at your lodge or camp inside or outside the park. Relax under the stars and prepare for tomorrow’s game drives across Mikumi’s open savannahs.

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 5

Mikumi National Park

Spend full day exploring Mikumi National Park, often described as a miniature Serengeti. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes, alongside predators such as lions and leopards. The park’s varied landscapes include baobab-dotted plains, acacia woodlands, and wetlands alive with hippos and birdlife. A picnic lunch in the bush allows you to soak in the wilderness atmosphere. Return to camp for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of Africa’s night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 6

Mikumi to Ruaha National Park & Afternoon game drive

After breakfast, you’ll depart Mikumi National Park for the fivehour drive to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s secondlargest reserve. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive to explore this vast wilderness. The great Ruaha River flows through the park, serving as its lifeline and attracting abundant wildlife. Ruaha is renowned for its immense elephant population — the largest in East Africa — and nearly 10% of Africa’s lions roam here. With dramatic landscapes and thriving wildlife, Ruaha offers unforgettable encounters. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 7

Full day game drive in Ruaha National Park

Distance & Drive time: Full Day Game Drive

On today’s game drive through Ruaha National Park, you’ll discover its remarkable diversity of plants and trees, dominated by acacias and iconic baobabs. Over 1,650 plant species have been identified here, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. Beyond Ruaha’s vast elephant population, the park is home to kudu, sable, and roan antelopes — species rarely seen elsewhere. You may also encounter leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, bateared foxes, and jackals. With luck, you might even spot the endangered wild dogs. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 8

Ruaha National Park – Airport

In the early morning, enjoy a sunrise game drive in Ruaha National Park before returning to your lodge for breakfast. Afterward, continue exploring the park until midday, depending on your accommodation and flight schedule. Later, your driver will transfer you to the airstrip for your departure flight to Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar. For those choosing to drive back to Dar es Salaam, the journey begins after breakfast. This marks the last leg of your safari — a 12hours’ drive filled with reflection, unforgettable experiences, and cherished memories as you bid farewell to your safari crew.

Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner not included)

Departure Instructions

Your 8day safari ends in Dar es Salaam at 18:30. Flights must depart 22:00 (domestic) or 23:30 (international) onward, ensuring a smooth, stressfree journey home.

OPTIONAL SAFARI ACTIVITIES

  • Night Game Drive Tarangire or Lake Manyara
  • Empakai crater hike
  • Maasai Village Visit
  • Hadzabe &Datoga Tribe Visit
  • Mto wa Ambu Village tour
  • Ngorongoro crater Rim Walking safari
  • Visit to the Olduvai Gorge
  • Balloon Safari Tarangire or Serengeti

Why Book With Kilele Climb Tours?

Your Dream Adventure, Your Price

At Kilele Climb Tours, we turn your dream of Tanzania into reality. Our travel specialists work closely with you to design the perfect journey — tailored to your preferences, your budget, and your sense of adventure. Whether you’re seeking the simplicity of Budget Camping, the comfort of Classic, the refined touches of Signature, or the indulgence of Luxury, we have the ideal option waiting for you.

Our Price Indication Page makes it easy to compare seasons — low, and high — alongside accommodation levels, so you can see exactly how your choices shape your experience. From rugged adventure to five star comfort, every package is crafted to deliver unforgettable moments, breathtaking scenery, and personalized service.

With Kilele Climb Tours, your dream trip isn’t just planned — it’s perfected. Let us help you choose the package that matches your vision and make Tanzania the journey of a lifetime.

Included
Excluded

Peak Season (June 1st to March 31st)

CLASSIC SAFARI

“Comfortable and budget-friendly safari experience”

2 Persons
$1164 Per Person
3 Persons
$1005 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$954 Per Person

SIGNATURE SAFARI

“Best Value, Our most popular option with upgraded lodges and comfort”

2 Persons
$1364 Per Person
3 Persons
$1197 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$1095 Per Person

LUXURY SAFARI

“Premium lodges and exclusive, high-end safari experience”

2 Persons
$1769 Per Person
3 Persons
$1650 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$1432 Per Person

Low Season (April 1st to May 31st)

CLASSIC SAFARI

“Comfortable and budget-friendly safari experience”

2 Persons
$1061 Per Person
3 Persons
$906 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$855 Per Person

SIGNATURE SAFARI

“Best Value, Our most popular option with upgraded lodges and comfort”

2 Persons
$1248 Per Person
3 Persons
$1098 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$996 Per Person

LUXURY SAFARI

“Premium lodges and exclusive, high-end safari experience”

2 Persons
$1643 Per Person
3 Persons
$1534 Per Person
4-6 Persons
$1316 Per Person

SHORT DAY WISE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival Dar es Salaam

Day 2 – Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park – Boat Safari at Rufiji River

Day 3 – Nyerere – Game Drive at Nyerere National Park

Day 4 – Nyerere – Walking Safari then transfer to Mikumi National Park

Day 5 – Mikumi – Game Drive at Mikumi National Park

Day 6 – Ruaha – Transfer to Ruaha- Evening Game Drive at Ruaha National Park

Day 7 – Ruaha – Game Drive at Ruaha National Park

Day 8 – Ruaha – Morning Game Drive & take flight/ Transfer to next destination

Day 1

Arrival – Dar es Salaam

Arrive at Dar es Salaam International Airport where a representative greets you. Transfer to your hotel and relax after your flight. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling local cuisine or strolling nearby streets. Overnight in Dar es Salaam.

Meals Plan: Bed

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 2

Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park

Distance & Drive time: Dar es Salaam to Selous takes about 4 to 5 hours (230 km/142mi)

Depart at 08:30hrs for a scenic 5hour drive to Nyerere National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, then embark on an afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji River. Glide past hippos basking in the shallows, crocodiles lurking on the banks, and a dazzling array of birdlife overhead. The dramatic scenery and rich wildlife make this a memorable introduction to the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Meals plan: Lunch & Dinner included

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 3

Nyerere National Park

Spend a full day exploring Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and the rare African wild dog. The park’s vast plains, woodlands, and river systems showcase Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity. A picnic lunch in the bush adds to the adventure, surrounded by the sounds of nature. With its rich wildlife and dramatic scenery, Nyerere offers unforgettable safari experiences. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, reflecting on the day’s encounters.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 4

Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided walking safari in Nyerere National Park, offering a unique chance to experience the bush on foot. Accompanied by expert rangers, observe tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed during game drives, gaining a deeper connection to nature. Later, depart for Mikumi National Park, traveling through scenic landscapes and rural villages along the way. Arrive in the evening, just in time for dinner at your lodge or camp inside or outside the park. Relax under the stars and prepare for tomorrow’s game drives across Mikumi’s open savannahs.

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 5

Mikumi National Park

Spend full day exploring Mikumi National Park, often described as a miniature Serengeti. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes, alongside predators such as lions and leopards. The park’s varied landscapes include baobab-dotted plains, acacia woodlands, and wetlands alive with hippos and birdlife. A picnic lunch in the bush allows you to soak in the wilderness atmosphere. Return to camp for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of Africa’s night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 6

Mikumi to Ruaha National Park & Afternoon game drive

After breakfast, you’ll depart Mikumi National Park for the fivehour drive to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s secondlargest reserve. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive to explore this vast wilderness. The great Ruaha River flows through the park, serving as its lifeline and attracting abundant wildlife. Ruaha is renowned for its immense elephant population — the largest in East Africa — and nearly 10% of Africa’s lions roam here. With dramatic landscapes and thriving wildlife, Ruaha offers unforgettable encounters. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 7

Full day game drive in Ruaha National Park

Distance & Drive time: Full Day Game Drive

On today’s game drive through Ruaha National Park, you’ll discover its remarkable diversity of plants and trees, dominated by acacias and iconic baobabs. Over 1,650 plant species have been identified here, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. Beyond Ruaha’s vast elephant population, the park is home to kudu, sable, and roan antelopes — species rarely seen elsewhere. You may also encounter leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, bateared foxes, and jackals. With luck, you might even spot the endangered wild dogs. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Accommodations

Classic

Signature

Luxury

Day 8

Ruaha National Park – Airport

In the early morning, enjoy a sunrise game drive in Ruaha National Park before returning to your lodge for breakfast. Afterward, continue exploring the park until midday, depending on your accommodation and flight schedule. Later, your driver will transfer you to the airstrip for your departure flight to Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar. For those choosing to drive back to Dar es Salaam, the journey begins after breakfast. This marks the last leg of your safari — a 12hours’ drive filled with reflection, unforgettable experiences, and cherished memories as you bid farewell to your safari crew.

Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner not included)

Departure Instructions

Your 8day safari ends in Dar es Salaam at 18:30. Flights must depart 22:00 (domestic) or 23:30 (international) onward, ensuring a smooth, stressfree journey home.

CHOOSE YOUR STAY

“From luxury lodges and boutique hotels to adventurous camps under the stars,
we give you the freedom to select the accommodation style that fits your Safari and experience Tanzania your way.”

CLASSIC ACCOMMODATIONS:

Our Classic stays are simple, welcoming, and budget-friendly. Expect clean rooms, comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and hearty buffet dinners. Wi-Fi may be limited, but the peaceful settings and occasional extras like swimming pools make for a pleasant overnight rest.

SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Our Signature lodgings offer refined comfort in beautifully designed spaces. Rooms feature plush beds, modern bathrooms, and private balconies with scenic views. Guests enjoy excellent meals in Buffet dining and free access to swimming pools. Wildlife sightings from the lodge add a special touch.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS:

Our Luxury options deliver exceptional indulgence. Spacious suites, private plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, and terraces with inviting sofas await. Service is impeccable, cuisine exquisite, and views unforgettable—perfect for those seeking the finest experience.

BUDGET CAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS

Discover Tanzania’s rich culture and breathtaking wildlife without stretching your budget on our Budget Camping Safaris. Forget the hassle of pitching tents or handling chores — your professional Safari Guide and Chef take care of everything, from cooking to camp setup. For groups of seven or more, we even provide a supply vehicle and camping assistants, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

Expect spacious twoman dome tents, wellventilated with mosquito nets and rain flysheets, plus sleeping mats for comfort. Single supplements are available if you prefer your own tent. Remember to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and towels for your stay.

As night falls, gather around a glowing campfire under the vast African sky — the perfect way to end each day. Affordable, immersive, and unforgettable, our camping safaris are ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic experiences in the Tanzanian bush.

Getting To Tanzania
Getting To Tanzania
Health in Tanzania Safari
Health in Tanzania Safari
Tanzania Wildlife Safari Cost
Tanzania Wildlife Safari Cost
Why Visit Tanzania
Why Visit Tanzania

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

A holiday in Tanzania is a dream come true—a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters. To make your journey even more extraordinary, we offer a range of optional activities designed to enrich your safari. Imagine soaring above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon or immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures. Each experience adds depth and wonder to your trip, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

Tarangire National Park – Night Game Drive
Lake Manyara National Park – Night Game Drive
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Tarangire or Serengeti
Mto waMbu Village Tour
Hadzabe & Datoga Tribe Visit
Maasai Boma Visit
Empakaai Crater Hike
Olduvai Gorge Visit
Ngorongoro crater Rim Walking safari

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