Sensational Southern Circuit Safari to Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi

Our sensational 9-day Southern Circuit safari takes you far from the crowds to some of Tanzania’s most remote and untouched wildlife sanctuaries for an outstanding safari adventure. Sleep in luxury tented accommodation in fantastic locations surrounded by pure wilderness and the mesmerizing sounds and sights of the African bush.

Day 1: Dar es Salaam - Selous Game Reserve

This morning your exciting Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari will set off early from Dar es Salaam City Centre, where you will meet your safari guide and settle into your comfortable 4x4 Safari vehicle for the first leg of your journey. 

The drive to Selous takes about 6 hours through the scenic rural south of the country, and you will arrive at your camp in time for a late lunch.  Stretch your legs, enjoy some refreshments and then it will be time to jump back into your vehicle for your afternoon game drive, and your first taste of the wonderful wildlife experience awaiting you in the Selous Game Reserve. 

Rufiji Camp is excellently positioned on the banks of the Rufiji River and each of the luxury tents has a huge private veranda facing the river – perfect for star-gazing!
You will return to your camp in time to freshen up before dinner, which is served overlooking the river.

Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp.

Day 2: Selous Game Reserve

Today you will have the entire day to explore Selous in your private safari vehicle.  Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Africa, providing a home for a huge number of Elephants, Buffalos and Wildebeest.  Endangered Wild Dogs (African Hunting Dogs) are present in large numbers in this reserve and there is also the chance to see Lion and several species of antelope and other small mammals.  In between game drives you can relax around the shaded pool and listen to the unique sounds of the African bush.

Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp.

Day 3: Selous Game Reserve

After breakfast you are in for a treat – a walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. The sights, sounds and smells of a walking safari are a special, unforgettable  highlight of your safari experience, bringing you up close to the marvels of the wild.  This is your opportunity to make acquaintance with some of the smaller inhabitants of the Selous, and your guide will show you how to track various animals and how to approach them silently on foot for some of the best possible photographic opportunities.

After lunch we have arranged a boating safari along the many channels and lakes of the Rufiji River system.  This is a very relaxing mode of game viewing and you will be floating silently among pods of Hippo and floats of Crocodiles.  There are many water birds to be seen along the river and you can look out for Storks, Ducks, Stilts and Herons.  Many other animals can be observed coming down to the river to drink.  Be sure to have extra batteries for your camera!

Back at your Camp you can enjoy sundowners while watching the African sun sink below the horizon in a dramatic show of colour.

Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp.

Day 4: Selous Game Reserve

Today you have another precious day to enjoy wonderful Selous!  Make the most of every moment with morning and afternoon game drives or spend the whole day out in the bush with a packed lunch.

Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp.

Day 5: Selous Game Reserve - Mikumi National Park

After breakfast at the camp we will set off to drive through the northern parts of Selous to Mikumi Game Reserve, with the prospect of excellent game viewing en-route.  We will be taking a picnic lunch to enjoy in a scenic spot and you will reach your overnight camp around mid-afternoon.

Vuma Hill Tented Camp is in an elevated position overlooking the wide-open spaces of the Mikumi plains.  Accommodation is in comfortable luxury tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms and large private verandas overlooking the wilderness.  Dine on the terrace under the starry African sky.

Dinner and overnight at Vuma Hill Tented Camp.

Day 6: Mikumi National Park - Ruaha Naitonal Park

After breakfast at Vuma Lodge we will on the road again, this time heading to Ruaha National Park, which is famous for its rare Sable and Roan antelope, and big herds of Elephants. Although Ruaha is one of the largest parks in Africa, it is comparatively unknown and, due to its remoteness, remains wonderfully unspoiled..

Enjoy a late lunch at Ruaha River Lodge followed by an afternoon game drive.

Ruaha River Lodge comprises twenty spacious stone cottages (bandas), built on a rocky ridge with spectacular views of the Ruaha River, which is a magnet for thirsty animals.  Drinks are served around a campfire on the river bank or on the elevated deck, so that you never miss a moment of the magic of Ruaha.

Dinner and overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Day 7: Ruaha National Park

The whole day is yours to enjoy sensational game viewing in Ruaha!  Nearly 500 bird species have been sighted within the park, and the river area features large numbers of Hippo and Crocodile.  Lion, Leopard, Hunting Dog, Waterbuck, Impala, Giraffe, Warthog and Eland are commonly seen near the river, while Grants gazelle, Ostrich and Cheetah may be seen on the plains. 

Dinner and overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Day 8: Ruaha National Park - Mikumi National Park

Be on the lookout for Elephant, Giraffe, Buffaloes, Zebra, and a good selection of antelope.   Predators include rare tree-climbing Lions, Leopards, Wild Dog and Black-backed Jackal.

Back at the camp it is time to swop game viewing tales and photos with your fellow visitors After breakfast at the Lodge it is back on the road as we make our return journey to Mikumi Game Reserve, for the last leg of your safari.  We will have you back at Vuma Hill Camp  in time for lunch, with the chance to relax on your deck before you set off on an evening game drive through Mikumi, before another delicious dinner is served.

Dinner and overnight at Vuma Hill Tented Camp.

Day 9: Mikumi National Park - Dar es Salaam

Set off after breakfast for another game drive and yet another chance to see some of Tanzania’s stunning wildlife.  We will get you back to camp in time for lunch.

After lunch it is time to bid your hosts farewell and depart for the drive back to Dar es Salaam, which takes about 4 to 5 hours, arriving early evening.