8 Days Mikumi , Ruaha and Udzungwa Safari

Trek Overview

This 8-day safari takes you through Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa, offering diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and adventure.

Begin in Mikumi National Park, where open plains host elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and big cats. Next, explore Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and wildest park, home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and vast elephant herds. Enjoy game drives and a walking safari for a close-up bush experience.

Finally, head to Udzungwa Mountains, a tropical rainforest rich in unique wildlife. Hike to the breathtaking Sanje Waterfalls, swim in natural pools, and spot rare primates.

This itinerary balances game drives, nature walks, and scenic hikes, ensuring a thrilling yet relaxed experience. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers!

What to Expect

  • Exciting Game Drives – Experience thrilling safaris in Mikumi and Ruaha, spotting elephants, lions, leopards, and more.

  • Diverse Landscapes – Explore vast savannahs, rugged hills, baobab forests, and lush rainforests in three unique parks.

  • Predator Sightings – Witness big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting in Ruaha’s wilderness.

  • Elephant Herds – Encounter large groups of elephants in Ruaha, home to Tanzania’s biggest population.

  • Birdwatching Opportunities – Spot over 400 bird species, including rare and endemic varieties.

  • Walking Safari – Take a guided bush walk in Ruaha for a closer look at wildlife, plants, and animal tracks.

  • Hike to Sanje Waterfalls – Trek through Udzungwa’s rainforest to a breathtaking 170 m-high waterfall.

  • Scenic Road Trips – Enjoy picturesque drives through Tanzania’s countryside, passing villages and mountains.

8 Days Mikumi , Ruaha and Udzungwa Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Start your adventure with an early morning drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi, a 5–6-hour journey through scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the Mkata floodplain, known for large herds of buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and predators like lions. The open savannah offers great wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi

  • Afternoon game drive in the Mkata floodplain

  • Sightings of elephants, lions, zebras, and buffaloes

Spend the entire day exploring Mikumi’s diverse landscapes. Begin with an early morning game drive when animals are most active. Spot predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. Visit the hippo pools to see hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. Have a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with an afternoon game drive. Bird lovers will enjoy Mikumi’s 400+ bird species. Return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Highlights:

  • Early morning and afternoon game drives

  • Visit to hippo and crocodile pools

  • Birdwatching opportunities

After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park, a 5–6-hour drive through rural Tanzania. Stop for lunch along the way and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Upon arrival in Ruaha, check into your lodge and relax. You can take a short evening game drive or enjoy the sunset from the lodge while spotting wildlife near the Great Ruaha River.

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through Tanzania’s countryside

  • Relaxation at the lodge with views of Ruaha’s wilderness

  • Optional short evening game drive

Start the day with an early morning game drive, searching for large prides of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Ruaha is home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population, and you’ll likely see large herds. Explore the park’s rocky hills, baobab forests, and open plains. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon drive along the Ruaha River, where you might spot crocodiles and hippos. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Highlights:

  • Morning and afternoon game drives

  • Sightings of elephants, big cats, and antelopes

  • Stunning landscapes with baobab trees and rocky hills

Enjoy a second full day in Ruaha to experience more of the park’s wildlife at a slower pace. Start with a relaxed breakfast before heading out for a mid-morning drive, focusing on lesser-seen animals like wild dogs and sable antelopes. Have lunch at a scenic spot and then opt for an afternoon walking safari with an armed ranger to explore the bush on foot. This experience offers insights into Ruaha’s smaller wildlife, plants, and tracks left by big animals.

Highlights:

  • Mid-morning game drive with chances to spot rare species

  • Walking safari for a unique wildlife experience

  • Sunset relaxation at the lodge

After an early breakfast, take a final morning game drive in Ruaha before heading to Udzungwa, a 5-hour drive. The journey takes you through local villages and beautiful mountain landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take a short guided nature walk to explore Udzungwa’s rich plant and birdlife. Enjoy the cooler climate before dinner.

Highlights:

  • Morning game drive in Ruaha

  • Scenic drive to Udzungwa

  • Short guided nature walk

After breakfast, start your guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls, a 170-meter-high waterfall offering breathtaking views. The hike takes you through a dense rainforest, home to endemic primates like the Sanje mangabey and Iringa red colobus. Along the way, your guide will point out medicinal plants and bird species. Enjoy a swim in the natural pools beneath the falls before descending. Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge.

Highlights:

  • Hike through tropical rainforest

  • Wildlife encounters, including rare primates

  • Swimming beneath Sanje Waterfalls

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam, a 6-hour drive. Stop for lunch along the way and enjoy the changing landscapes. Arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of your incredible safari adventure.

Highlights:

  • Scenic return drive to Dar es Salaam

  • Final wildlife sightings along the way

  • End of a memorable safari experience

Tour Price: Ask for a quote

Our 8 Days Mikumi , Ruaha and Udzungwa Safari is fully customizable to fit your needs. Reach out for a quote, and we can talk about your budget and individual preferences.

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