Southern Tanzania offers a raw, untamed safari experience far removed from the busier northern circuit. Vast landscapes, dramatic river systems, ancient baobabs, and powerful predator territories define this region.
This carefully curated nine-day journey combines river ecosystems, open savannah, and rugged wilderness, offering intimate wildlife encounters with fewer vehicles and deeper immersion.
Scheduled flight from Zanzibar
Scenic transfer to Nyerere
En route wildlife viewing
Sunset river relaxation
Depart from Zanzibar City by scheduled morning bush flight to Mikumi Airstrip. The flight offers aerial views of coastline, bushland, and scattered rural villages before landing on the mainland.
Upon arrival, your Deeper Serengeti Safaris guide welcomes you for the scenic drive toward Nyerere National Park. The drive gradually transitions into miombo woodland and riverine landscapes as you approach the vast Rufiji Basin.
Arrive at camp in time for relaxation and sunset overlooking the Rufiji River system.
Accommodation: Nyerere Tented Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Full-day game drive
Rufiji River ecosystem exploration
Predator tracking
Bush picnic lunch
Nyerere is Africa’s largest protected wildlife area and is defined by the Rufiji River and its network of lakes and channels.
Today focuses on deep exploration of this river ecosystem. Wildlife concentrations here are exceptional due to permanent water access.
Expect sightings of
• Large elephant herds crossing sandy riverbanks
• African wild dogs moving in coordinated packs
• Lions resting beneath palms
• Buffalo congregating near lagoons
• Hippos and crocodiles along river channels
The park is also renowned for exceptional birdlife, especially fish eagles and kingfishers.
Accommodation: Nyerere Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Scenic transfer
Afternoon game drive
Floodplain exploration
Wildlife photography
After breakfast, depart for Mikumi National Park. The drive passes through rural communities and open countryside before entering Mikumi’s expansive savannah.
Mikumi’s Mkata Floodplain resembles a miniature Serengeti and offers excellent wildlife visibility.
Afternoon game drive focuses on open plains species and predators that thrive in this accessible terrain.
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full-day game drive
Predator observation
Floodplain wildlife tracking
Picnic lunch
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi’s diverse habitats including woodland, floodplains, and waterholes.
Wildlife frequently seen includes
• Lions resting on termite mounds
• Large herds of zebra and wildebeest
• Giraffes browsing acacias
• Buffalo and elephant herds
• Eland and hartebeest
The open nature of the park makes it excellent for family-friendly viewing and photography.
Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to airstrip
Scheduled bush flight
Afternoon Ruaha game drive
Baobab landscape exploration
After breakfast, transfer to Mikumi Airstrip for your bush flight to Ruaha.
Landing in Ruaha reveals a dramatically different ecosystem rugged hills, ancient baobab trees, rocky escarpments, and the Great Ruaha River cutting through the landscape.
Begin your first afternoon game drive exploring riverbanks and baobab valleys.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full-day extended game drive
Big cat tracking
River corridor exploration
Scenic photography
Ruaha is famous for its massive lion prides and strong predator density.
The Great Ruaha River attracts wildlife year-round, creating prime predator-prey interaction zones.
Expect encounters with
• Large lion prides sometimes exceeding 15 individuals
• Leopards in riverine forest
• Elephants digging in dry riverbeds
• Kudu and sable antelope
• Crocodiles basking on riverbanks
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full-day wilderness drive
Rare species tracking
Predator territory search
Sunset photography
Explore deeper sections of Ruaha where vehicle presence is minimal and wildlife behavior remains undisturbed.
Ruaha is one of the best parks in Africa to see
• African wild dogs
• Greater kudu
• Roan antelope
• Hyena clans
• Martial eagles
The remoteness enhances authenticity and wilderness immersion.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sunrise game drive
Big Five search
River wildlife viewing
Extended photography session
our final full safari day focuses on maximizing wildlife encounters and revisiting productive areas.
Early morning light across baobabs and riverbeds creates exceptional photographic conditions.
This is a day to absorb the scale, silence, and drama of Southern Tanzania’s most iconic wilderness.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to airstrip
Scheduled bush flight
Transfer to hotel or airport
After breakfast, transfer to Ruaha Airstrip for your scheduled bush flight back to Zanzibar City
Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort or connect to your international departure flight
Your Southern Tanzania wilderness safari concludes with unforgettable memories of one of Africa’s most exclusive and untouched regions
Accommodation:None/On request
Meals: Breakfast
