5 Days Ruaha – Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam

5 Days Ruaha – Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam

A 5-day safari to Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park is a great trip for anyone who wants to explore southern Tanzania. This safari gives you a mix of easy wildlife viewing and a true wild safari experience. These parks are less crowded compared to northern Tanzania, so you can enjoy a quiet and natural environment without many vehicles around. The trip is well planned to be comfortable and not rushed, allowing you to enjoy every moment at a relaxed pace. You will see open plains, rivers, hills, and beautiful landscapes in one journey, making each day feel different and exciting.

Overview of the Safari

This 5-day safari takes you to two amazing parks in southern Tanzania. You start at Mikumi National Park, which is easy to reach from Dar es Salaam and is known for its open plains and many animals that are easy to spot. Then you travel to Ruaha National Park, which is much larger, more wild, and less crowded, offering a deeper and more natural safari experience. The road trip passes through local villages, farms, small towns, and scenic countryside, giving you a chance to see everyday life in Tanzania. The journey itself is part of the experience, with changing landscapes that keep the trip interesting.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Day 3: Mikumi National Park- Ruaha National Park
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park 
Day 5:Ruaha National Park– Dar es Salaam

This safari highlights a smooth and well-balanced journey where each day has a clear purpose. You begin with easy wildlife viewing in Mikumi, move into a more remote and wild experience in Ruaha, and then return through Mikumi again. This flow helps you enjoy both convenience and adventure in one trip while also avoiding long, stressful travel days in a row.

Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park

You will start your journey early in the morning from Dar es Salaam to avoid heavy traffic and make better use of your day. You will drive to Mikumi National Park, which takes about 5–6 hours. Along the way, you will pass through busy towns, small villages, local markets, and wide-open countryside, giving you a real feel of Tanzania. You may also see mountains like the Uluguru Mountains in the distance. When you arrive, you will check in at your lodge, enjoy lunch, and take some time to relax after the journey. In the afternoon, you will go for your first game drive, where you may see animals such as lions resting under trees, elephants moving in groups, giraffes feeding on tall trees, zebras, and buffalo. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge to relax, have dinner, and enjoy the peaceful environment with natural sounds from the bush.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Lodge

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, you will spend the whole day exploring Mikumi National Park. The park has wide open plains, making it easy to see animals from a distance. You will go on a morning game drive when animals are most active, and later continue with another game drive in the afternoon. During the day, you may see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and different types of antelopes. You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park and continue your search for wildlife. This full day gives you more time to explore different areas of the park and increase your chances of seeing more animals. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Lodge

Day 3: Mikumi – Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Ruaha National Park. This is a longer drive of about 7–9 hours, but it is full of interesting views and changing landscapes. You will pass through hills, valleys, farms, and small towns, including areas around Iringa. There will be stops along the way for lunch, stretching, and short breaks, making the journey more comfortable. This drive also gives you a chance to see local houses, farms, and daily life in rural Tanzania. When you arrive in Ruaha, you will check in at your lodge or camp, which is usually located in a quiet natural area. You can relax, take a shower, and enjoy dinner while listening to the sounds of nature around you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruaha Hill Top

Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Today you will spend the whole day exploring Ruaha National Park, one of the largest and most wild parks in Tanzania. You will start with a morning game drive when animals are most active, and later continue with another game drive in the afternoon. The park is known for its large number of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, giraffes, and many types of antelopes. You may also be lucky to see rare African wild dogs, which are not easy to find in many places. The Great Ruaha River is an important water source, so many animals gather there to drink, making it a great place for wildlife viewing. You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, surrounded by nature, and continue your game drive until evening. After a full day, you will return to your lodge for dinner and rest, often sharing stories of the day around a campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruaha Hill Top

Day 5: Ruaha – Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam from Ruaha National Park. This is a long drive, so you will leave early and have stops along the way for rest and lunch. As you travel, you will once again enjoy the beautiful scenery, including hills, villages, and open countryside. This day is mainly for travel and reflection on your safari experience. When you arrive in Dar es Salaam, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Wildlife You Will See on Your Safari

• Large groups of elephants, often seen walking together and sometimes close to your vehicle
• Lions resting in the shade or hunting in the open plains
• Giraffes feeding on tall trees across Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park
• Zebras and buffalo moving in large herds across the savannah
• Different types of antelopes, including impala and kudu
• Hippos in rivers and waterholes, especially in Ruaha National Park
• Crocodiles resting near riverbanks
• Rare African wild dogs, mostly found in Ruaha
• Many bird species with different colors and sizes, perfect for bird lovers
• A mix of landscapes, from open plains to river areas, making every game drive unique

Best Time to Go 

The best time to go on this safari is during the dry season, from June to October and December to February. During this time, animals gather around water sources such as rivers and waterholes, making them easier to see. The grass is shorter, which improves visibility during game drives. The roads are also dry and in better condition, making travel smoother and more comfortable. The weather is mostly sunny during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings, which is perfect for safari activities and photography.

Safari Cost

The cost is about $1,200 per person for a mid-range safari, depending on the season, number of people, and accommodation choice. This price is set to give you a comfortable and well-organized trip at a good value. It usually includes transport in a strong 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for better wildlife viewing, a professional and experienced guide, park entrance fees, accommodation, and all meals. This allows you to enjoy your safari without worrying about planning details, as everything is arranged for you.

What to Pack

Comfortable clothes are important, especially in neutral colors like beige, green, or brown, which help you blend in with the environment. A light jacket is useful for early mornings and evenings when it can be cool. Comfortable shoes are needed for travel and short walks around the lodge. You should also bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. A camera or smartphone will help you capture special moments, while insect repellent will protect you from mosquito bites. Do not forget personal medicine and small travel items that you may need during the trip.

Important Tips

· Book your safari early, especially during busy seasons, to secure the best lodges and services

· Choose a reliable safari company with experienced guides for a smooth and safe trip

· Carry enough drinking water during long drives to stay hydrated

· Follow your guide’s instructions at all times, especially during game drives

· Respect wildlife by staying quiet and not disturbing animals

· Be prepared for long travel distances between parks like Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park

· Stay patient during game drives, as animals can take time to find but are worth the wait

Safari Inclusions

· Airport pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam

· Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

· Professional and experienced driver-guide

· Accommodation for all nights during the safari

· All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

· Park entrance fees for Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park

· Game drives in both national parks

· Drinking water during the safari journey

Safari Exclusions

· International and domestic flights

· Visa fees for entry into Tanzania

· Travel insurance

· Tips for driver-guide and lodge staff

· Personal expenses (such as drinks, souvenirs, and laundry)

· Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Why Choose This Safari?

This safari is a great choice because it takes you to less crowded parks where you can enjoy nature in peace without many tourists around. It offers a perfect mix of easy wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park and a deeper, more wild experience in Ruaha National Park. You will travel through different landscapes, from open plains to river areas and remote wilderness, making each day interesting and unique. It is also more affordable compared to northern safaris, while still offering rich wildlife and beautiful scenery, making it a great value experience.

Plan Your Safari Now!

Travel with Rede Tours and Safaris for a smooth and well-organized trip where everything is arranged for you. This allows you to relax and fully enjoy your adventure without stress. Start planning today and discover the beauty of southern Tanzania through Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park, and create unforgettable safari memories.

Start planning today and discover the beauty of southern Tanzania!

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