5-Day Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha Safari from Dar es Salaam

The 5-Day Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha Safari from Dar es Salaam is a private Southern Tanzania safari combining wildlife viewing, mountain hiking and remote wilderness experiences in three of Tanzania's most diverse national parks.

This 5-day, 4-night itinerary takes you from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha National Park. The safari combines classic African game drives, guided forest hiking, waterfalls and wildlife viewing in one journey.

In Mikumi National Park, travelers explore the open savannah and Mkata Floodplain in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and hippos. The journey continues to Udzungwa Mountains for guided hiking through tropical forest and scenic waterfalls before reaching Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park and one of the country's most remote wildlife destinations.

This safari is ideal for travelers looking for a varied Southern Tanzania experience that combines wildlife, hiking, mountains, waterfalls and authentic African wilderness.

Safari Highlights

• Visit three major Southern Tanzania national parks
• Enjoy wildlife game drives in Mikumi National Park
• Explore the wildlife-rich Mkata Floodplain
• Hike through the forests of Udzungwa Mountains
• Visit scenic waterfalls and mountain trails
• Experience the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park
• Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and other wildlife
• Private safari vehicle and professional guide
• Combine game drives, hiking and nature experiences
• Start your safari from Dar es Salaam
• Optional flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam at the end of the safari

Safari at a Glance

• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Starting Point: Dar es Salaam
• Destinations: Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha National Park
• Safari Type: Private Safari
• Main Activities: Game drives, hiking, waterfall visit and wildlife viewing
• Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp
• Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle
• Best For: Wildlife lovers, adventure travelers, couples, photographers and nature enthusiasts
• Best Time: June to October and January to February

Main Activities

Wildlife Game Drives

Game drives are the main safari activity in Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks. Mikumi offers open grasslands and accessible wildlife viewing, while Ruaha provides a more remote and rugged wilderness experience.

Hiking in Udzungwa Mountains

Explore the tropical forests and mountain trails of Udzungwa Mountains National Park with a professional guide. The hiking experience can include waterfalls, forest viewpoints, birds and opportunities to see primates and other forest wildlife.

Wildlife Photography

The combination of open savannah, mountains, tropical forest and Ruaha's rugged landscapes provides excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.

Wildlife You May See

Wildlife sightings vary depending on season, weather and animal movements.

In Mikumi National Park, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hippos and antelopes.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is known for its tropical forest environment and supports several species of primates, birds and other forest wildlife.

Ruaha National Park is home to large populations of elephants and supports lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and many other wildlife species.

As with all safaris, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural habitats.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for the Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha Safari is generally during the dry season from June to October.

During this period, wildlife viewing can be excellent in Mikumi and Ruaha as animals often gather around available water sources. The weather is also generally favorable for road travel and hiking in Udzungwa Mountains.

January and February can also offer good travel conditions, greener scenery and rewarding wildlife experiences.

The rainy seasons bring lush landscapes and active waterfalls but can make some roads and hiking trails more challenging.

Who Is This Safari For?

This safari is ideal for:

Wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore multiple national parks in Southern Tanzania.

Adventure travelers looking to combine game drives with hiking and waterfall experiences.

Couples and honeymooners interested in a private and varied Tanzania safari.

Photographers who want to capture wildlife, landscapes, forests and mountains.

Nature lovers interested in experiencing savannah, rainforest, mountains and remote wilderness.

Travelers with limited time who want to visit three different Southern Tanzania destinations in one trip.

What Makes This Safari Different?

This itinerary combines three completely different environments and safari experiences.

Mikumi National Park provides classic African wildlife viewing across open plains and the Mkata Floodplain.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park offers a different experience with tropical forests, hiking trails, waterfalls and unique biodiversity.

Ruaha National Park provides a remote and rugged wilderness experience with large landscapes, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife.

Together, these three destinations create one of the most diverse short safari experiences in Southern Tanzania.

5-Day Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Dar es Salaam toward Mikumi National Park.

Enjoy the scenic drive through Tanzania's countryside before arriving in the Mikumi area around midday. Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before preparing for your first safari activity.

In the afternoon, enter Mikumi National Park for a game drive. Explore the Mkata Floodplain and other wildlife-rich areas while searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and lions.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Mikumi lodge or tented camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Activity: Afternoon game drive

Day 2: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains – Hiking and Waterfalls

After breakfast, depart Mikumi and travel toward Udzungwa Mountains National Park.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin a guided hike through the forest. Depending on the selected trail and available time, the hike may include waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and opportunities to observe birds, primates and other forest wildlife.

After completing the hike, return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Udzungwa lodge or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Transfer, guided hiking and waterfall experience

Day 3: Udzungwa Mountains to Ruaha National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Udzungwa and begin your journey toward Ruaha National Park.

The journey takes you through changing landscapes toward the Iringa region and deeper into Southern Tanzania.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp near Ruaha National Park and check in. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere of the African wilderness.

If time allows, an afternoon wildlife activity can be arranged.

Overnight: Ruaha lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activity: Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, spend the full day exploring Ruaha National Park.

Ruaha is known for its vast wilderness, baobab landscapes and diverse wildlife. Your safari guide will explore different areas of the park while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife.

Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive before continuing your wildlife exploration in the afternoon.

As the sun begins to set, return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Ruaha lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activity: Full-day game drive

Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Departure from Ruaha

Wake up early for your final morning game drive in Ruaha National Park.

The morning hours provide another opportunity to see wildlife before returning to your lodge for breakfast and checking out.

After the safari, you can choose the most suitable onward travel arrangement.

Option 1: Return to Dar es Salaam by Road

Begin your road journey from Ruaha toward Dar es Salaam. This option is suitable for travelers who prefer to continue their journey overland and have enough travel time available.

Option 2: Fly from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam

For a faster and more comfortable journey, you can take a scheduled domestic flight from Ruaha's airstrip to Dar es Salaam. This option saves significant travel time and is recommended for travelers connecting with other flights or continuing their journey from Dar es Salaam.

Your 5-Day Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha Safari ends upon arrival at your selected destination.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Activities: Morning game drive and departure

Why Book This Southern Tanzania Safari?

This safari offers the opportunity to experience three different sides of Tanzania in just five days.

From the wildlife plains of Mikumi to the forests and waterfalls of Udzungwa and the remote wilderness of Ruaha, the itinerary combines some of the most diverse landscapes in Southern Tanzania.

At Mikumi Safari Tours, we can customize the itinerary according to your travel dates, group size, accommodation preference and onward travel plans.

Book Your 5-Day Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha Safari

Ready to explore Southern Tanzania?

Contact Mikumi Safari Tours with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and accommodation preference. We will prepare a personalized itinerary and quotation based on your safari requirements.

Email: info@mikumisafaritours.com
WhatsApp: +255 678 325 518