5 Days Udzungwa – Mikumi – Ruaha Safari
Experience the best of southern Tanzania in 5 days, visiting Udzungwa, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks with hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
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5 Days Udzungwa – Mikumi – Ruaha Safari
A 5-day safari to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, 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 hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful nature. These parks are less crowded, so you can enjoy a quiet and natural experience. The trip is well planned to be easy, comfortable, and not rushed. You will see forests, mountains, rivers, and open plains in one journey.
Overview of the Safari
This 5-day safari takes you to three special places in southern Tanzania. You start at Udzungwa Mountains, which is known for hiking and waterfalls. Then you go to Mikumi National Park, where animals are easy to see. After that, you visit Ruaha National Park, which is big, wild, and full of animals. The road trip is smooth and passes through villages and beautiful scenery.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Udzungwa
Day 2: Udzungwa – Mikumi National Park
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi
Day 4: Mikumi – Ruaha National Park
Day 5: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha & Departure
Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Udzungwa
You will arrive in Dar es Salaam, where your driver will meet you and take you to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The drive takes about 5–6 hours, and along the way you will pass local villages and enjoy beautiful scenery. When you arrive, you will check in at your lodge and take time to relax. This day is mainly for rest after your journey so you can be ready for the adventure ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Udzungwa Campsite
Day 2: Udzungwa Hiking & Transfer to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, you will go for a guided hike in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. You will walk through the forest and may see monkeys, birds, and butterflies along the way. The main highlight is the waterfall, where you can enjoy the view and even swim if you like. After the hike, you will have lunch and then drive to Mikumi National Park, which takes about 1–2 hours. If you arrive early, you may enjoy a short game drive in the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Lodge
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Today you will spend the whole day in Mikumi National Park. The park has wide open land, so it is easy to see animals. You may see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and antelopes during your game drive. At midday, you will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, then continue your game drive in the afternoon while looking for more wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Lodge
Day 4: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Ruaha National Park. The journey takes about 5–7 hours, and along the way you will see hills, rivers, and local villages. Ruaha is a large and wild park, known for its elephants, lions, and wide landscapes with baobab trees. When you arrive, you will check in at your lodge and relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruaha Hill Top
Day 5: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha & Departure
Today you will enjoy a full day in Ruaha National Park. This park is very good for seeing predators like lions and wild dogs, and many animals come to the river to drink, making it easier to spot them. After the game drive, you will travel back or go to the airstrip for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Wildlife You Will See on Your 5 Days Safari
You will see many animals during this safari, and each day will feel different and exciting. In Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park, you may see elephants walking in groups, lions resting or hunting, giraffes eating from tall trees, zebras moving in herds, buffalo, and different types of antelopes. You may also see hippos near water and many colorful birds. In Udzungwa Mountains National Park, the experience is different because it is a forest, where you will see monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other small forest animals. The landscapes change from mountains to open plains to rivers, so every place feels new, making your safari interesting and enjoyable every day.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go on safari is during the dry season, from June to October and December to February.
•From June to October, animals are easier to see because they gather around water sources. During this time, the roads are dry and in good condition, making travel between Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Ruaha National Park smooth and comfortable. The weather is mostly sunny with clear skies, which is perfect for game drives and photography.
•From December to February, the weather is also good, with warm temperatures and less rain. Animals are still easy to see, and the landscapes are slightly greener, which makes the scenery very beautiful. This is also a great time to enjoy a safari with good weather and comfortable travel conditions.
Safari Cost
The cost for this 5-day safari is about $1,350 per person for a mid-range safari. This price is set to give you a comfortable and well-organized trip at a good value. It means you will travel in a good safari vehicle, stay in comfortable lodges or camps, and enjoy smooth and well-planned game drives without stress.
What to Pack on Your Safari
•Comfortable clothes
•Light jacket
•Hiking shoes
•Sunscreen and hat
•Camera
•Insect repellent
•Personal medicine
Important Tips
• Book early
It is important to book your safari early so you can get the best lodges and a good vehicle. Some places near Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Ruaha National Park get full quickly, especially in the high season. Early booking also helps you plan your trip better and avoid last-minute stress.
• Choose a good safari company
A good safari company will make your trip smooth and safe. They provide experienced guides, good vehicles, and clear planning. A professional guide will help you find animals easily and explain everything in a simple way, making your safari more enjoyable.
• Carry water during hiking
When hiking in Udzungwa, it is important to carry enough drinking water. The weather can be warm, and the hike can be long, so staying hydrated helps you feel comfortable and enjoy the experience.
• Follow your guide
Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions. Guides know the parks very well and understand animal behavior. This helps keep you safe and also increases your chances of seeing more wildlife.
• Be ready for long drives
Some travel days involve long drives between parks. It is good to be prepared by bringing snacks, a camera, and something to keep you comfortable. The drives are also part of the experience, as you will see local villages and beautiful landscapes along the way.
Safari Inclusions
•Airport pick-up and drop-off
•4x4 safari vehicle
•Professional guide
•Accommodation and meals
•Park fees
•Game drives
•Drinking water
Safari Exclusions
•Flights
•Visa
•Insurance
•Tips
•Personal expenses
•Extra activities
Why Choose This 5 Days Safari?
This safari is a great choice because it takes you to less crowded parks, so you can enjoy nature in peace without many tourists around. It also offers a mix of experiences, starting with hiking in Udzungwa Mountains National Park and continuing with wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park. Along the way, you will see very different landscapes, from green forests and waterfalls to wide open plains and wild savannah. This makes the journey more interesting and enjoyable every day. Overall, it gives you a real and natural experience where animals live freely in their environment. This safari is perfect if you want something quiet, unique, and close to nature.
Plan Your Safari Now!
Travel with Rede Tours and Safaris for a smooth trip. Everything will be well organized so you can relax and enjoy your safari.
Start planning today and discover the beauty of southern Tanzania!
Book Now
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