Tour Overview
Experience a deeper and more immersive journey through Southern Tanzania on this unforgettable 6 Days / 5 Nights Mikumi – Udzungwa – Ruaha Safari with Msonge Tours & Safaris.
This extended safari adventure combines wildlife exploration, rainforest trekking, scenic landscapes, and remote wilderness experiences across three of Tanzania’s most remarkable national parks.
The journey begins in Mikumi National Park, where wide floodplains, open savannahs, and acacia woodlands create ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, antelopes, and diverse birdlife roaming freely across the plains.
From the savannah, the adventure continues into the lush tropical forests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Here, the experience shifts from safari vehicles to guided rainforest trekking through ancient forest trails filled with birdsong, waterfalls, butterflies, monkeys, and endemic plant species.
The scenic hike to the famous Sanje Waterfalls rewards travelers with breathtaking views, refreshing natural pools, and excellent photography opportunities surrounded by dense rainforest scenery.
The final stage of the journey leads into Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s least crowded safari destinations. Massive baobab trees, dramatic river systems, rocky escarpments, and vast wilderness plains create a raw and authentic safari atmosphere unlike anywhere else in East Africa.
Extended game drives in Ruaha allow travelers to fully explore the park’s remote landscapes while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and exceptional birdlife.
This Safari is Perfect For:
Tour Highlights
Mikumi Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives across Mikumi National Park's famous plains.
Udzungwa Rainforest Trek
Guided rainforest trekking in the highly biodiverse Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Sanje scenic waterfalls
Hike to gorgeous, misty cascades and enjoy refreshing swims in natural rock plunge pools.
Ruaha National Park
Deep game drives tracking across raw, low-crowd landscapes decorated with colossal baobabs.
Incredible Animal Variety
High probability of seeing elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, kudu, and buffaloes.
Ecological Diversity
A glorious blend of classic savannah, green montane forest, and ancient river ecosystems.
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, begin the scenic journey toward Mikumi National Park. Enjoy a comfortable road safari while observing the changing landscapes and authentic Tanzanian countryside life.
Savor lunch at a lodge or restaurant near Mikumi before entering the park for your first exciting game drive across open plains and floodplains. Watch for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and hippos.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Premium Lodge/Camp near Mikumi
- • Transit: Comfortable 4x4 safari cruiser with pop-up roof
Embark on intensive morning and afternoon game drives in Mikumi National Park. Explore different sections of the park during the cooler morning hours when wildlife activity is highest. Your guide searches for predators, grazing herds, and colorful birds while explaining the ecosystem.
After a delicious lunch break, continue tracking wildlife across the golden savannah, catching spectacular photography conditions and the iconic African sunset over the floodplains.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Premium Lodge/Camp near Mikumi
- • Sights: Predator movement, elephant herds, dynamic savannah sunrises
Depart Mikumi after breakfast and make the short drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, begin a guided trek through the ancient, humid tropical rainforest accompanied by a professional conservation guide.
The trail leads to the breathtaking Sanje Waterfalls. Marvel at the cascading water and take a refreshing swim in natural mountain pools before enjoying a quiet picnic lunch box surrounded by pristine forest views.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Quality Lodge near Udzungwa Mountains
- • Fauna Highlight: Sanje Crested Mangabey, endemic birds & butterflies
Following breakfast, depart the Eastern Arc highlands and make a scenic transit journey deeper into the Southern Circuit towards Ruaha National Park—Tanzania's largest sanctuary.
Enjoy lunch along the route before arriving in Ruaha. Embark on an evening game drive among giant baobabs, scanning for elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, and crocodiles along the river.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Wilderness Safari Camp in Ruaha National Park
- • Key Sights: Colossal baobab trees, Rift Valley escarpment
A full, thrilling day dedicated to exploring the rugged beauty of Ruaha National Park. Seek out massive pride movements, wild dog packs, leopards hiding in riverine trees, and immense herds of elephants gathering along the Great Ruaha River system.
With over 570 recorded bird species, Ruaha is also an extraordinary playground for bird lovers and wildlife photographers. Enjoy picnic lunches at scenic viewpoints within the deep valley.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- • Accommodation: Wilderness Safari Camp in Ruaha National Park
- • Highlight: Tracking active predators near the Great Ruaha River channels
Savor an early morning breakfast while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness before packing your bags. Embark on the comfortable return road journey back toward Dar es Salaam.
Savor a final group lunch at a selected restaurant along the route. Arrive in Dar es Salaam by evening for drop-off at your hotel, airport, or residence, bringing an end to your unforgettable safari adventure.
Day Details:
- • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- • Drop-off: Dar es Salaam location of your choice
- • Memories: Unrivaled savannah scenes & rainforest experiences
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 5 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
Dry Season (June-Oct & Dec-March) is optimal as wildlife gathers around riverbeds and trekking paths are firm. The green season offers beautifully lush scenery, roaring falls, and dynamic photography conditions.
What To Pack
Pack neutral safari clothing, high-traction trekking shoes, a light rain/breeze jacket, a wide sun hat, high quality sunglasses, zoom camera gear, 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
$950 / person min*Includes private 4x4 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.