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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Safari Overview
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Mikumi Arrival: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi & Afternoon Game Drive
Your adventure officially begins today. From the moment our professional guide warmly welcomes you in Dar es Salaam, the logistics dissolve into seamless comfort. As we drive through vibrant valleys and traditional communities, the transition from civilization to wilderness becomes wonderfully apparent. By the time you arrive at your accommodation and enjoy a freshly prepared meal, your spirit will be attuned to the rhythm of the bush. Your introductory afternoon game drive on the Mkata Floodplain acts as a thrilling precursor of the colossal herds and dramatic predator sightings waiting to be discovered. Morning: Depart Dar es Salaam after an early breakfast at your hotel. Drive west through the Morogoro region, passing lush agricultural landscapes and traditional Tanzanian villages. The 4-5 hour drive offers stunning views of the Uluguru Mountains. Your guide will provide commentary on the local culture, history, and ecology along the way. Afternoon: Arrive at Mikumi National Park and check in at your lodge. Enjoy a hearty lunch with views over the savannah. At 3:00 PM, depart for your first game drive on the Mkata Floodplain - Mikumi's main wildlife arena. Search for elephants, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, and buffalo. The floodplain is named after the Mkata River and offers exceptional visibility for wildlife viewing and photography. Photography tip: afternoon golden light between 4:00-6:00 PM creates stunning wildlife portraits. Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the African horizon. Freshen up and enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars. Your guide will brief you on the next day's adventure to Nyerere National Park.
Nyerere Transfer: Journey to Nyerere & Full-Day Safari
Awakening to the crisp morning air and the symphony of native birdlife, today is devoted to extensive exploration. After breakfast, transfer to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) - Africa's largest game reserve. Capitalizing on the cool early hours, you will delve into the remotest sectors of the park. Highlights include a spectacular boat safari on the Rufiji River, where colossal crocodiles and hundreds of hippos line the banks. Savor a picturesque picnic lunch amidst the wild as the day unfolds with unforgettable encounters. Morning: Early breakfast at the lodge at 6:00 AM. Check out from Mikumi and depart for a scenic 2-3 hour drive south to Nyerere National Park (Selous). The route passes through traditional villages and offers views of the distant Udzungwa Mountains. Nyerere is named after Tanzania's first president Julius Nyerere and covers over 30,000 sq km - making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa. Afternoon: Arrive and check in at your Nyerere area lodge. Enjoy lunch, then depart for a thrilling 2-hour boat safari on the Rufiji River. The Rufiji is the largest river in East Africa and the lifeblood of Nyerere National Park. The boat safari offers unparalleled viewing of hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water's edge, and prolific birdlife including the rare Pel's fishing owl, African fish eagle, and malachite kingfisher. Photography tip: the boat provides a stable platform for low-angle wildlife photography. Evening: Sundowner drinks overlooking the Rufiji River as the sky turns shades of orange and crimson. Return to the lodge for a celebratory dinner. An optional night game drive (available at extra cost) offers the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, porcupines, and genet cats.
Departure: Morning Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam
As the first golden rays of the morning sun gently illuminate the majestic terrain one final time, you will embark on a concluding dawn safari. This fleeting opportunity often yields some of the most dramatic lighting for wildlife photography, capturing the lingering mist dissipating across the valleys. Following a hearty breakfast at your spectacular lodge, it will be time to bid a fond farewell to the untamed wilderness. As we facilitate your seamless transfer back to Dar es Salaam, you will carry with you an extraordinary collection of photographs and profound memories of Africa. Morning: Early morning tea or coffee at 5:30 AM, then depart for a final 3-hour game drive in Nyerere National Park. This is prime time for predator sightings as lions and leopards are most active in the cool dawn hours. The early morning light creates spectacular photo opportunities. Your guide will use this final drive to search for any animals you may have missed, ensuring a complete safari experience. Wildlife tip: early morning drives between 6:00-8:00 AM offer the best chance of seeing predators on the hunt. Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a full breakfast. Check out and depart for the return drive to Dar es Salaam (4-5 hours). Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Tanzanian cuisine. The drive offers final glimpses of rural Tanzanian life, including baobab trees, traditional markets, and the lush landscapes of the Morogoro region. Evening: Arrive in Dar es Salaam by late afternoon. Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your departure flight, or to your hotel for onward travel. End of tour. We recommend booking flights departing after 6:00 PM to allow ample time for the drive.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- All Park Permits
- Budget/Mid-range Accommodation
- Professional Driver
- Ground Transport
Not Included
- Visa
- Insurance
- Personal Spending
- Tips
Best Time to Travel
Jun-Oct
Budget/Mid-range lodges and tented camps
Full Board
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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