5 Days Mikumi & Ruaha Safari from Zanzibar | Southern Tanzania Safari

5 Days

Mikumi & Ruaha Safari from Zanzibar | Southern Tanzania Safari

Tour Overview

Experience the ultimate Southern Tanzania safari combining Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park in one unforgettable 5-day adventure from Zanzibar.

Mikumi, Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, is the most accessible from Dar es Salaam and offers excellent wildlife viewing with almost guaranteed sightings. Its open plains make it ideal for spotting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and lions.

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, is a true wilderness destination known for its dramatic landscapes, the Great Ruaha River, massive elephant populations, large prides of lions, and the endangered African wild dog. With fewer visitors and vast untouched terrain, Ruaha offers an exclusive and authentic safari experience.

This safari is perfect for travelers seeking a diverse wildlife experience, combining accessibility, scenic landscapes, and remote big-game viewing.

Included

Accommodation and meals according to the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Game drives as per itinerary
Ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
SGR train from Morogoro to Dar es Salaam
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
All ground transfers

Excluded

Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks)
Laundry services
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature
Travel insurance
Visa fees (if applicable)
Flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (can be arranged on request)

Day 1: Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park

Early morning departure from Zanzibar on the 07:00 am ferry to Dar es Salaam.
Upon arrival at approximately 08:30 am, meet your professional driver-guide and begin the drive to Mikumi National Park.
Arrive at Camp Bastian Mikumi in time for check-in and hot lunch.
In the afternoon, depart for your first game drive across the famous Mkata Floodplain. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, and possibly lions and leopards.
Return to Camp Bastian Mikumi for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Camp Bastian Mikumi
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mikumi – Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive in Mikumi until approximately 11:00 am.
Later, depart for Ruaha National Park with a stop in Iringa for lunch. The drive from Mikumi to Ruaha takes approximately 6 hours and offers scenic views of Tanzania’s mountains, villages, and rural
landscapes.
Arrive at Ruaha Hilltop Lodge in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, depart for a full day of game driving in Ruaha National Park with picnic lunch. Ruaha covers approximately 10,300 sq km and is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s
most spectacular wilderness areas.
The Great Ruaha River forms the park’s eastern boundary, attracting large concentrations of wildlife
including hippos and crocodiles. The park is famous for:
● Large elephant herds
● Big prides of lions
● Leopard sightings
● Endangered African wild dogs
● Greater and Lesser Kudu
● Roan and sable antelope
● Over 370 bird species

Return to Ruaha Hilltop Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

Another exciting full day exploring different areas of Ruaha National Park.
Your guide will take you to riverbanks, baobab-dotted plains, and remote sections of the park to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Enjoy picnic lunch inside the park.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Ruaha – Morogoro – Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, depart Ruaha and transfer toward Morogoro.
Connect with the 16:25 SGR train from Morogoro to Dar es Salaam.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, transfer for onward arrangements (flight back to Zanzibar can be
arranged separately if required).
Meals: Breakfast