14‑Day Southern Tanzania Grand Circuit Safari Itinerary

This 14‑day safari showcases the full beauty of Tanzania’s Southern Circuit — a journey through vast savannahs, riverine forests, baobab valleys, tropical rainforests, remote floodplains, and one of Africa’s most spectacular floral landscapes. You will explore Nyerere National Park, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha, Katavi, and the breathtaking Kitulo National Park, known for its seasonal wildflower bloom and high‑altitude grasslands.

Expect fewer crowds, dramatic scenery, and wildlife encounters that feel raw, exclusive, and deeply immersive.

Safari Attractions Highlights

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

• Walking safari in Nyerere with armed ranger

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

• Udzungwa’s Sanje Waterfalls & rainforest trekking

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

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

• Kitulo’s wildflower meadows, orchids, rare birds, and highland scenery

• Classic 4×4 game drives across all parks

• Authentic Southern Tanzania experience with minimal crowds

Day‑by‑Day Safari Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

• Meet and greet at Julius Nyerere International Airport

• Safari briefing

• Overnight in Dar es Salaam

Day 2: Dar es Salaam → Nyerere National Park

• Drive or fly to Nyerere

• Afternoon game drive

• Explore riverine forests and open plains

• Overnight at Nyerere lodge/camp

Day 3: Full‑Day Game Drives in Nyerere

• Early morning game drive — predators active

• Search for elephants, lions, wild dogs, giraffes

• Afternoon game drive

• Sunset by the Rufiji River

Day 4: Boat Safari & Walking Safari

• Morning boat safari on the Rufiji River

• Afternoon walking safari with armed ranger

• Evening campfire and dinner

Day 5: Nyerere → Mikumi National Park

• Breakfast and checkout

• Scenic drive to Mikumi

• Afternoon game drive in Mikumi’s open plains

• Overnight at Mikumi lodge

Day 6: Full‑Day Safari in Mikumi

• Explore Mkata Floodplain

• Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos

• Visit Vuma Hills viewpoints

• Sunset at the lodge

Day 7: Mikumi → Udzungwa Mountains

• Breakfast and depart for Udzungwa

• Arrive at rainforest foothills

• Short nature walk

• Overnight at Udzungwa

Day 8: Udzungwa Mountains Trekking (Sanje Waterfalls)

• Full‑day guided hike to Sanje Waterfalls

• Spot colobus monkeys, birds, butterflies

• Swim at waterfall pools

• Return to lodge

Day 9: Udzungwa → Ruaha National Park

• Breakfast and depart for Ruaha

• Scenic drive through mountains and villages

• Afternoon game drive in baobab valleys

• Overnight at Ruaha lodge/camp

Day 10: 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

Day 11: Ruaha → Kitulo National Park

• Breakfast and depart for Kitulo Highlands

• Scenic drive through the Southern Highlands

• Arrive at Kitulo Plateau — known for wildflowers and orchids

• Gentle afternoon walk across the grasslands

• Overnight at Kitulo/nearby lodge

Day 12: Kitulo National Park Exploration

• Full‑day exploration of Kitulo Plateau

• Discover seasonal wildflower blooms (Dec–April)

• Spot rare birds, primates, and high‑altitude flora

• Visit waterfalls or local viewpoints

• Overnight at Kitulo

Day 13: Kitulo → Katavi National Park

• Breakfast and transfer to airstrip

• Scenic flight to remote Katavi National Park

• Afternoon game drive

• Overnight at Katavi camp

Day 14: Full‑Day Safari in Katavi & Departure

• Morning game drive — raw wilderness

• 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 for wildlife; Kitulo flowers bloom December–April.

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.