Tour Overview
Experience the incredible diversity of Southern Tanzania on this unforgettable 5 Days / 4 Nights Mikumi – Udzungwa – Ruaha Safari with Msonge Tours & Safaris.
This carefully designed adventure takes travelers through three of Tanzania’s most remarkable natural landscapes — the open savannahs of Mikumi National Park, the lush tropical forests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, and the untamed, remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park.
The safari begins in Mikumi National Park, where expansive plains, acacia woodlands, and river systems create one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife viewing destinations. Frequent sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and majestic lions make Mikumi an ideal introduction to the savanna.
From the flat grasslands, the journey transitions into the cool and green rainforest environment of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Unlike traditional drive-through safari parks, Udzungwa offers a completely unique, active experience focused on nature trekking, waterfalls, endemic primates, lush tropical vegetation, and spectacular mountain vistas. Guided treks lead travelers to Sanje Waterfalls, cascading dramatically down volcanic rock faces.
The adventure concludes in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s most untouched, pristine wilderness areas. Ruaha’s dramatic landscapes of massive baobab trees, rocky escarpments, deep river valleys, and sweeping plains create a raw, authentic safari atmosphere. Known for its massive herds of elephants, rich predator activity, and exceptional birdlife, Ruaha offers a profound finale to this Southern Circuit expedition.
This Safari is Perfect For:
Tour Highlights
Mikumi Game Drives
Exhilarating game drives across Mikumi's famous floodplains with rich herds of herbivores and lions.
Udzungwa Rainforest Trek
Guided tropical rainforest trekking in the biodiverse Eastern Arc Mountains chain.
Sanje Scenic Waterfalls
Visit the pristine multi-tiered Sanje Waterfalls featuring deep natural plunge pools.
Remote Ruaha Exploration
Deep game tracking across raw, low-crowd landscapes decorated with colossal baobabs.
Incredible Animal Variety
Excellent chances to see huge elephant herds, lions, leopards, giraffes, wild dogs, and rare antelopes.
Active Adventure Blend
The perfect blend of standard comfortable wildlife game viewing and active deep-jungle mountain hiking.
Day-by-Day Expedition Schedule
Detailed Itinerary
Your professional safari guide from Msonge Tours & Safaris will pick you up from your hotel, airport, or residence in Dar es Salaam. After a short safari briefing, embark on the scenic road trip towards Mikumi National Park via the highway.
By afternoon, enter Mikumi for game drives. Spot massive herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and hippos basking in natural watering holes.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Premium Lodge/Camp near Mikumi
- • Transit: Comfortable 4x4 safari cruiser with pop-up roof
After a scenic morning drive, enter the dense tropical canopy of Udzungwa Mountains. Accompanied by a local conservation guide, trek lush forest trails populated by rare birds, massive butterflies, ancient trees, and endemic monkeys (including the Sanje crested mangabey).
Trek high up to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls. Savor a peaceful picnic lunch box looking over the forest before returning to relax.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Premium Safari Camp near Udzungwa
- • Trek Style: Moderate difficulty, high reward scenery
Depart the rainforest and journey west, traveling through changing landscapes, massive Rift Valley slopes, local communities, and savannah scrubland towards Ruaha National Park—Tanzania's largest sanctuary.
Embark on a preliminary evening game drive in Ruaha, tracking leopards, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and rich herds of elephants under ancient baobabs.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Wilderness Safari Camp in Ruaha
- • Vibe: Remote, authentic, and completely exclusive
Embark on morning and afternoon game drives during peak animal activity. Traverse river systems, rocky gorges, and flat savannas while scanning for rare wild dogs, roaring lion prides, elusive leopards, kudu, hippos, and over 570 recorded avian species.
The dramatic landscapes, ancient baobab clusters, and exceptionally low visitor density make this an outstanding playground for pristine, unhurried wildlife photography.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Wilderness Safari Camp in Ruaha
- • Key Sightings: Elephant families, lions, leopards, crocodiles
Savor a final early breakfast in the wild, pack bags, and begin the comfortable return road journey. Savor views of Southern Tanzania's rolling agricultural communities, forests, and highlands along the route back.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch stop at a selected restaurant en route. Arrive in Dar es Salaam by evening for hotel, residence, or airport drop-off, bringing an end to your incredible Southern Tanzanian circuit safari.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- • Drop-off: Dar es Salaam location of your choice
- • Service: Private escorting by your personal guide
What's Included
- Private transportation in a highly robust 4x4 safari cruiser with a pop-up roof
- Professional, licensed English-speaking safari guide & driver
- All national park entrance fees, conservation taxes, and levies
- Comfortable safari accommodations for 4 nights (Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha)
- All guided trekking fees & local forest ranger hires in Udzungwa
- All meals as specified throughout the detailed itinerary
- Unlimited chilled bottled mineral drinking water in the safari vehicle
What's Not Included
- International & domestic flight tickets to/from Tanzania
- Tanzania entry visa fees (normally $50 - $100 depending on nationality)
- Personal travel and emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Personal expenses, laundry, souvenirs, and gifts
- Tips/gratuities for your safari guide, rangers, and lodge staff
- Soft drinks, carbonated sodas, and premium alcoholic beverages
- Optional extra activities not listed in our direct itinerary specifications
Best Time To Visit
June to October (Dry Season) is ideal as wildlife gathers near remaining water sources and trekking paths are firm. The green season offers beautifully lush scenery, roaring falls, and dynamic photography conditions.
What To Pack
Pack neutral safari attire, highly-tractioned comfortable hiking boots, a light rain/breeze jacket, a wide sun hat, quality sunglasses, zoom lenses, swimwear (for falls), and insect repellent.
Photography
Outstanding prospects for wildlife capturing, lush misty waterfalls, rare primates in canopies, ancient giant baobab landscapes, and glowing golden-hour Southern Tanzanian sunrises.
Why Choose Msonge Tours?
At Msonge Tours & Safaris, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and local immersion. We specialize in designing and executing highly customized guided tours across Tanzania's Southern Circuit. Our sturdy, well-maintained 4x4 safari cruisers, certified local guides, and outstanding hospitality ensure a flawless transition from deep forests to endless savannahs.
Special Package Price
$790 / person min*Includes all private land cruiser transport, park conservation fees, rainforest hiking guides, expert English driver, full-board overnight stays, and unlimited drinking water.
Book This Safari
Secure your date and our southern circuit team will coordinate with you instantly.