8 Days Southern Tanzania Safari Journey

From $ 2,800 pp

Duration: 8 Days

Tour Type: Wildlife

Trip Overview

This 8-day safari adventure takes you through three of southern Tanzania’s most beautiful and wildlife-rich national parks, offering a perfect mix of game drives, walking safaris, boat experiences, and cultural encounters. Starting from Dar es Salaam, you travel to the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park, where rivers, open plains, and forests create an ideal home for elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and rare wild dogs. A peaceful boat safari and guided walking safari allow you to experience nature from different perspectives, making the journey both exciting and immersive.

From Nyerere, the safari continues to Mikumi National Park for relaxed wildlife viewing, before heading to the remote and dramatic landscapes of Ruaha National Park. Known for its rugged beauty, large elephant herds, and excellent predator sightings, Ruaha offers outstanding game viewing and photography opportunities. The journey ends with a flight to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, giving you the option to unwind on pristine beaches or conclude your safari with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wild heart.

Full-day game drives in Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks.

Maasai cultural visit combined with scenic drives through southern Tanzania.

Optional flight to Zanzibar for beach relaxation after the safari.

Boat safari and walking safari in Nyerere National Park.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1 : Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park & Boat Safari

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam. After a short briefing about your safari, you will start your journey at 8:00 AM, heading to Nyerere National Park. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, and you will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will check in and then head out for a relaxing boat safari. As you cruise along the river, you will have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. After an exciting evening on the water, return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2 : Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

After breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park. This vast and wild park is home to many animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and even the rare African wild dog. You will have a packed lunch and continue exploring the park in the afternoon, spotting more wildlife and enjoying the beauty of the African wilderness. In the evening, return to your camp for dinner and relaxation.

Day 3 : Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park

Wake up early for a guided walking safari, where you will explore the park on foot and learn about the smaller animals, birds, and plants. After breakfast, begin your journey to Mikumi National Park, enjoying scenic views of the countryside along the way. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing the drive. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check in at your lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting after the long journey. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the camp before dinner.

Day 4 : Relaxation & Evening Game Drive in Mikumi National Park

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at Camp Bastian. Spend the morning resting or enjoying the camp’s facilities. In the afternoon, head out for an exciting evening game drive in Mikumi National Park. This is a great opportunity to see wildlife at dusk, when many animals become more active. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. After the game drive, return to your camp for dinner and relaxation.

Day 5 : Maasai Cultural Tour & Drive to Ruaha National Park

Start your day with an early visit to a Maasai village. Here, you will learn about their unique culture, traditions, and way of life. After an hour of cultural exploration, return to the lodge for breakfast. With packed lunches, depart for Ruaha National Park. The drive takes about six hours and passes through Iringa town, offering beautiful landscapes, valleys, and mountains along the way. Arrive in the evening and settle in at your lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 6 : Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for a full-day game drive in Ruaha National Park. This park is famous for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, including kudu, wildebeests, elephants, zebras, lions, hippos, hartebeests, impalas, and giraffes. With a packed lunch, continue exploring different areas of the park, spotting more animals in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 7 : Another Day of Wildlife Exploration in Ruaha

After breakfast, embark on another full-day safari in Ruaha. You can choose between a game drive or a walking safari, both offering unique ways to experience the park. Ruaha is known for its large herds of elephants, buffalo, gazelles, and its over 400 bird species. Keep an eye out for the rare sable and roan antelopes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your adventure. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

 

Day 8 : Ruaha National Park to Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam

After breakfast, drive to Iringa Airport for your morning flight to Zanzibar. This marks the end of your incredible safari adventure, but a new journey begins as you arrive on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. You can spend your time relaxing on the beach or exploring the island’s rich culture and history.

Includes

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Flight Tickets

Excludes

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff
  • Alcoholic beverages unless specified
  • Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, souvenirs)

Book This Tour

Customer Reviews

What our customers say

At Sweet Memory Adventure, we are honored to receive wonderful feedback from our guests, with many praising our exceptional service, unforgettable experiences, and dedication to creating memorable journeys.

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Zoe profile picture
Zoe
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Great first Safari experience!! We did 3 different game drives and saw every animal in abundance except for a lion-- although we did see vultures but couldn't pin point it. Moses was super helpful in communicating all of the prices and plans in advance and our guide, Hassan, was amazing. It was sad leaving him at the end of the trip but we will for sure stay in contact. The lodging both inside the camp and the nicer one outside for the 2nd night were both nice. All of the food was so so good and visiting the Maasai village on the 2nd day was a huge highlight of our trip. 100% would recommend to anyone.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Artix profile picture
Artix
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Unforgettable Adventure! We had an amazing four-day safari in Mikumi and Selous with unforgettable memories. The start was great, the communication was easy and Moses was very flexible to our needs. From the first moment Zack was the perfect guide with an impressive knowledge about animals, their behaviour and the ecosystem. He knows the huge biodiversity of Tanzania very well and identifies animals easily by voices and tracks. It was a breathtaking feeling to see elephants close enough to touch. Besides nature and wildlife, Zack takes us on a journey through the impressive culture and daily life of people in Tanzania. We are very thankful. Zack was not just a top tour guide but also a very kind and friendly company. Moreover, accommodations were wonderful and the food was really good. It was an adventure of a lifetime. Next safari is safe! We are very thankful and highly recommend Sweet Memory Adventure. Asante sana!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kristina K profile picture
Kristina K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
6stars experience 3days 2nights Safari at Mikumi NP with our super friendly and profesional guide/driver Nico was over our expectations!!! We saw hundreds of animals, we saw them really all🦓🐘🦛🦒🦁🐊🦌🐃 Highly recommend this company! Thank you Moses for organizing all this for us 🙏 and as you don't need much staff to bring with you please fill your luggage with some toys, pencils,exercise books, dresses. Local kids will fill your heart with the gratitude 💝💝💝
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Bonnie profile picture
Bonnie
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Explendid adventure for the whole family! Had the most exciting trip with Sweet Memories Adventures with my family and enjoyed the holidays to the maximum.Keep up with the good work guys👌
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Joshkom K profile picture
Joshkom K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Personally I should admit by saying that i was extremely satisfied with Sweet Memories Adventures. The owner is courteous and very very helpful from the beginning organizing our trip to Tanzania, always available. Professional, organized, simply superb. I highly recommend it. Sweet memories Adventures will make your dreams come true. thanks for the awesome unforgettable experience
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Nisbett profile picture
Nisbett
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent Hospitality I must say that i was extremely satisfied with Sweet Memories Adventures. The owner is courteous and very very helpful from the beginning organizing our trip to Tanzania, always available. Professional, organized, simply superb. I highly recommend it. Sweet memories Adventures will make your dreams come true. thanks for the awesome unforgettable experience

Ready for your African Adventure?

Share your travel dreams, and we’ll transform them into a fully customized luxury safari or private tour designed just for you.

Recommended for you

The tours you see across our website are here to spark your imagination. Think of them as inspiration, not fixed plans. Every journey you book with us is crafted from scratch by our specialists, shaped around your style, interests, and budget to create a trip that’s uniquely yours.