11‑Day Southern Tanzania Grand Wilderness Safari Itinerary

This extended safari takes you deep into Tanzania’s wildest and least‑crowded national parks. From the riverine forests of Nyerere, the open plains of Mikumi, the rugged baobab valleys of Ruaha, the lush rainforests of Udzungwa Mountains, to the remote and untouched wilderness of Katavi National Park — this itinerary blends classic game drives, boat safaris, walking adventures, waterfalls, primate trekking, and raw African wilderness.

Expect dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and wildlife encounters that feel truly exclusive.

Safari Attractions Highlights

• Rufiji River boat safari — hippos, crocodiles, river birds

• Walking safari in Nyerere with armed ranger

• Ruaha’s big cats, huge elephant & buffalo herds

• Mikumi’s open plains — giraffes, zebras, lions

• Udzungwa’s rainforest trekking & Sanje Waterfalls

• Katavi’s massive hippo pools, crocodile gatherings, untouched wilderness

• Classic 4×4 game drives across all parks

• Fewer tourists — pure Southern Circuit authenticity

Day‑by‑Day Safari Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Nyerere National Park

• Fly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Nyerere Airstrip

• Meet your safari guide and begin your first game drive

• Explore riverine forests, lagoons, and open plains

• Check‑in at your lodge/camp

• Sunset by the Rufiji River

Day 2: Full‑Day Game Drives in Nyerere

• Early morning game drive — predators most active

• Search for elephants, lions, wild dogs, giraffes, antelopes

• Midday rest at the lodge

• Afternoon game drive in new habitats

Day 3: Boat Safari & Walking Safari

• Morning boat safari on the Rufiji River

• Spot hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, kingfishers

• Afternoon walking safari with armed ranger

• Learn tracks, plants, insects, bush survival

• Evening campfire

Day 4: Transfer to Mikumi National Park

• Breakfast and checkout

• Scenic drive or flight to Mikumi

• Afternoon game drive in Mikumi’s open plains

• Spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elephants, lions

• Overnight at a Mikumi lodge

Day 5: Full‑Day Safari in Mikumi

• Explore the Mkata Floodplain — excellent wildlife viewing

• Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos

• Visit Vuma Hills or other scenic viewpoints

• Sunset at the lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

• Breakfast and depart for Udzungwa

• Arrive at the rainforest foothills

• Short nature walk near the lodge

• Overnight at Udzungwa

Day 7: Udzungwa Mountains Trekking (Sanje Waterfalls)

• Full‑day guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls

• Spot colobus monkeys, birds, butterflies

• Swim at the waterfall pools

• Return to lodge for relaxation

Day 8: Transfer to Ruaha National Park

• Breakfast and depart for Ruaha

• Scenic drive through mountains and villages

• Afternoon game drive in baobab valleys

• Search for lions, leopards, elephants, kudu

• Overnight at Ruaha lodge/camp

Day 9: Full‑Day Safari in Ruaha

• Early morning game drive — big cats active

• Explore Mwagusi, Mdonya, Ruaha River areas

• Picnic lunch in the bush

• Afternoon game drive focusing on elephants & buffalo herds

• Sunset at the lodge

Day 10: Fly to Katavi National Park

• Breakfast and transfer to airstrip

• Scenic flight to remote Katavi National Park

• Afternoon game drive in Katavi’s untouched plains

• Spot huge hippo pods, crocodile gatherings, elephants

• Overnight at Katavi camp

Day 11: Full‑Day Safari in Katavi & Departure

• Morning game drive — raw wilderness experience

• Visit Chada Plains or Katuma River

• Search for lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes

• Afternoon relaxation

• Fly back to Dar es Salaam

• End of safari

Safari Add‑Ons

Optional Upgrades

• Hot air balloon safari (Ruaha)

• Night game drive (Mikumi or Katavi)

• Cultural tour in Morogoro or Maasai village

• Zanzibar beach extension (3–5 nights)

• Photographic safari vehicle upgrade

• Private bush dinner experience

• Birdwatching specialist guide

Safari FAQs

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (June–October) is ideal, but all parks offer year‑round wildlife.

Safari Vehicles

4×4 Land Cruisers with pop‑up roofs or open‑sided vehicles depending on park regulations.

Walking Safari Safety

Guided by armed rangers and professional safari guides — fully safe.

Packing Essentials

Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, comfortable shoes, warm jacket for early mornings.

Customization

Itinerary can be tailored — number of nights, lodges, and activities adjusted to your preference.