7 Days Southern Circuit Safari | Udzungwa - Mikumi – Ruaha

7 Days Southern Circuit Safari | Udzungwa - Mikumi – Ruaha

Safari Overview

The 7 Days Southern Circuit Safari is a journey into Tanzania’s most untouched and authentic wilderness. It offers a rare opportunity to escape the crowded northern safari routes and experience the raw, peaceful, and truly immersive beauty of southern Tanzania.

Your adventure begins in Dar es Salaam and takes you deep into diverse and breathtaking landscapes. You will explore the lush rainforest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, continue to the open wildlife-rich plains of Mikumi National Park, and finally venture into the vast and remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania.

This safari is carefully designed to combine adventure and relaxation. It includes hiking through tropical forests, exciting game drives in open savannahs, scenic road journeys, and authentic encounters with Tanzania’s natural environment and local culture.

With fewer tourists, peaceful surroundings, and more exclusive wildlife experiences, the southern circuit is perfect for travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with nature and true African wilderness.

7 Days Southern Circuit Safari Highlights (Udzungwa - Mikumi – Ruaha)

•  Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Udzungwa 
• Day 2: Udzungwa then Back to Mikumi
• Day 3: Full Day Mikumi National Park
• Day 4: Mikumi to Iringa
• Day 5: Full Day in Ruaha National Park
• Day 6: Another Full Day Ruaha National park
•  Day 7: Departure from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam

Operation Cost with Accommodation USD: 1,350 per person

7 Days Southern Circuit Safari Day by Day Itinerary: Udzungwa – Mikumi – Ruaha

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Udzungwa

On this day, our driver will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam. You will begin your journey toward the southern circuit, traveling through scenic countryside landscapes, local villages, and changing vegetation that gradually leads you into a more natural and peaceful environment.

As you approach Udzungwa Mountains National Park, the scenery becomes greener and more mountainous, giving you your first taste of Tanzania’s untouched wilderness.

Upon arrival, you will check in at your accommodation and have time to relax after the drive. In the evening, you can enjoy the calm atmosphere of nature, listen to the sounds of the forest, and prepare for the adventure ahead the next day.

• Accommodation: Udzungwa Campsite
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Udzungwa Hiking Experience Then Transfer to Mikumi

After breakfast, you will start your day with a guided hiking experience in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. You will walk through a rich tropical rainforest filled with fresh air, tall trees, and natural trails that make this park one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in Tanzania.

During the hike, you will explore the forest at a relaxed pace, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and observe unique monkey species and other wildlife along the way. One of the main highlights of the day is visiting stunning waterfalls, where you can take photos, rest, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.

After completing the hike, you will return for lunch and a short rest. Later in the afternoon, you will continue your journey toward Mikumi National Park, driving through changing landscapes as the forest gives way to open savannah.

Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and have time to relax after the journey. The evening is free for rest and preparation for the next day’s full game drive experience.

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

Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, you will enter Mikumi National Park for a full-day game drive in one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. The park is well known for its wide open plains, which make wildlife viewing clear, easy, and very enjoyable throughout the day.

During the game drive, you will explore different areas of the park in search of wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see lions resting under trees, elephants moving in herds, giraffes walking across the plains, zebras grazing in groups, and wildebeests spreading across the savannah. The park is also home to many bird species and other fascinating animals, making every moment exciting.

At midday, a picnic lunch will be served inside the park at a designated safe area, allowing you to relax and enjoy nature while staying close to the wildlife environment.

In the late afternoon, after a full day of exploration and unforgettable sightings, you will slowly drive back to your lodge where you can rest, refresh, and enjoy the peaceful evening.

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

Day 4: Mikumi National Park to Iringa

After breakfast, you will depart from Mikumi National Park and begin your scenic drive toward Iringa. The journey takes you through beautiful highland landscapes, rolling hills, and rural communities, giving you a chance to see everyday life in southern Tanzania outside the national parks.

Along the way, you will enjoy changing scenery as the warm savannah gradually transforms into a cooler and greener highland environment. It is a relaxed driving day, allowing you to rest, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful countryside views.

Upon arrival in Iringa, you will check in at your accommodation and have time to unwind after the journey. The evening is calm and refreshing, offering a comfortable atmosphere to relax and prepare for the next stage of your safari into Ruaha.

• Accommodation: Iringa Sunset Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Iringa to Ruaha National Park – Game Drive

After breakfast, you will continue your journey from Iringa toward Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest and most remote national park. The drive takes you deeper into the wild as the landscapes become more rugged, untouched, and truly natural.

Upon arrival at the park, you will immediately begin your first game drive. This is your introduction to the raw beauty of Ruaha, where wildlife is less disturbed and nature feels completely open and wild. You may encounter large herds of elephants, prides of lions, giraffes, buffalo, and other animals roaming freely across the vast wilderness.

After an exciting game viewing experience, you will continue to your lodge where you can relax, refresh, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the African bush as the day comes to an end.

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

Day 6: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, you will spend a full day exploring Ruaha National Park, one of the most untouched and wildlife-rich parks in Africa. Today is dedicated to deep exploration, allowing you to experience the park at different times of the day when animals are most active.

You will enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives across vast landscapes of open plains, river systems, and rocky hills. This increases your chances of witnessing powerful wildlife moments, including lions in their natural territory, leopards resting in trees, elephants moving in large herds, buffalo groups, and possibly wild dogs in action.

Ruaha is known for its low number of visitors, meaning your safari experience will feel private, peaceful, and truly connected to nature. There are no crowds only you, your guide, and the wild.

In the evening, after a rewarding day in the bush, you will return to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters of the day.

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

Day 7: Ruaha to Dar es Salaam (Departure)

On your final day, after breakfast, you will begin your journey from Ruaha National Park back to Dar es Salaam. This is a long but scenic drive that takes you through changing landscapes as you leave the remote wilderness behind and gradually return to the coastal city.

Along the way, you will have time to reflect on your safari experience from rainforest hikes and open savannah game drives to the deep wilderness of Ruaha. It is a peaceful final stretch of your journey, offering a sense of closure to your adventure in southern Tanzania.

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, our driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, marking the official end of your unforgettable safari experience.

• Accommodation: Not Included
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Cost for 7 Days Southern Circuit Safari 

USD 1,350 per person (including operation costs with accommodation)

Price Includes:

• All park entrance fees
• All accommodation as per itinerary
• All meals as specified
• Professional safari guide/driver
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• All game drives

Price Excludes:

• International & domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)
• Optional activities
• Tips for guide and lodge staff

Animals You May See on Your 7-Day Southern Circuit Safari

During your journey through Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Ruaha National Park, you will experience different ecosystems rainforest, savannah, and remote wilderness. Each park offers unique wildlife encounters, making your safari diverse and exciting.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

In the lush rainforest of Udzungwa, wildlife is more hidden and focused on primates and forest species. You may see:

• Udzungwa red colobus monkey (endemic species)
• Sanje mangabey
• Blue monkeys
• Bush pigs
• Duikers (small forest antelope)
• Wide variety of birds and butterflies
• Occasional waterfalls with rich forest life around them

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi is famous for its open plains, making wildlife easy to spot during game drives. You may see:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Wildebeests
• Buffaloes
• Hippos (in water pools)
• Crocodiles
• Antelopes such as impala, kudu, and eland
• Warthogs and hyenas
• Rich birdlife including hornbills and secretary birds

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is wild, remote, and less crowded, offering some of the best predator sightings in Tanzania. You may see:

• Large elephant herds (one of the biggest populations in East Africa)
• Lions (including large prides)
• Leopards
• Cheetahs (occasionally)
• African wild dogs (rare but possible)
• Buffaloes in huge herds
• Giraffes and zebras
• Hippos and crocodiles along the Ruaha River
• Jackals, hyenas, and other predators
• Many antelope species including kudu, sable, and roan antelope

This safari gives you a full wildlife experience from rare forest primates in Udzungwa, to classic safari animals in Mikumi, and powerful predator action in the wild landscapes of Ruaha.

What to Bring for Your Safari 

Packing correctly makes your safari more comfortable and enjoyable, especially because you will experience different climates from warm savannahs to cooler highlands and early morning game drives.

We recommend bringing simple, practical items that help you stay comfortable throughout the journey:

• Light breathable clothing to keep you cool during game drives
• Comfortable walking shoes for short walks and nature exploration
• Hat and sunglasses to protect you from strong sun during midday drives
• Sunscreen to avoid sunburn during long outdoor hours
• Camera or binoculars to capture wildlife moments and distant animals
• Light jacket for early mornings and evening temperatures, especially in highland areas

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the right season can greatly enhance your safari experience, especially in terms of wildlife visibility and weather conditions.

• The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot and game drives more rewarding. Roads are also more accessible, and the weather is generally clear and pleasant.
• From November to May, the landscape becomes greener and more beautiful. This is the rainy season, which brings excellent birdwatching opportunities, newborn animals, and fewer tourists in the parks perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter experience.

Transport & Guide

Your safari experience is designed to be safe, comfortable, and guided by professionals who understand the parks in detail.

Throughout the trip, you will travel in a specially designed 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This vehicle allows you to enjoy uninterrupted views of wildlife and take great photos while staying comfortable on rough safari roads.

All game drives and transfers are led by a professional, English-speaking safari driver-guide. Your guide is not only responsible for navigation but also shares knowledge about wildlife behavior, park history, and local ecosystems, making your safari more meaningful and informative.

Optional Add-ons

To make your safari more personalized, we offer additional experiences that can be added depending on your interests and available time.

• A Maasai cultural village visit allows you to learn about one of Tanzania’s most iconic communities, their traditions, lifestyle, and way of living close to nature.
• A walking safari offers a more intimate experience with nature, where you explore the bush on foot with an armed ranger, focusing on tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife details.
•  For travelers who want to relax after safari, a Zanzibar beach extension is available, offering white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a perfect ending to your adventure.
• Balloon safari (if extending to northern circuit)

Why Book with Us for Your 7 Days Southern Circuit Safari

When planning a safari in Tanzania, the company you choose will directly shape your experience in the wild. We don’t just organize trips we deliver carefully crafted safari experiences designed for comfort, safety, and unforgettable memories.

•  We are a locally based Tanzanian safari operator, which means we know the parks, routes, seasons, and wildlife behavior better than anyone else. This local expertise allows us to position you in the right place at the right time for the best possible wildlife sightings, without wasting time or missing key experiences.
• Our safari guides are highly experienced professionals with deep knowledge of wildlife, nature, and local culture. They are not just drivers they are storytellers, wildlife experts, and your personal companions throughout the journey, ensuring every game drive is meaningful and exciting.
• We use reliable, well-maintained 4x4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs designed specifically for game viewing and photography. These guarantees comfort even on long drives and excellent visibility when spotting wildlife in open plains and remote areas.
• We believe in transparency and trust. Our pricing is clear and honest, with no hidden charges or last-minute surprises. Everything is explained upfront so you can plan your trip with full confidence and peace of mind.
• Most importantly, we focus on personalized service. Every traveler is different, so we adjust and support your safari based on your interests, pace, and expectations whether you want adventure, relaxation, photography, or a mix of everything.

With us, your safari is not just a holiday it is a professionally guided, deeply immersive journey into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness.

This is your opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most untouched safari routes, far away from crowded tourist destinations and deep into the heart of real wilderness in southern Tanzania.

If you are ready for an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and authentic African adventure, we are here to guide you every step of the way from planning your trip to your safe arrival and beyond.

Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, we can also customize this safari to match your travel style, budget, and preferred travel dates.

Contact us today to book your 7 Days Southern Circuit Safari and start your journey into the wild heart of Tanzania.