4-Day Mikumi & Ruaha National Park
True Wilderness: Land Directly Into Tanzania's Largest Park Territory
Tour Overview
Leave the crowds behind and venture deep into the untamed heart of Tanzania's Southern Circuit. This premium 4-day Mikumi and Ruaha National Park safari transports you from the vast, open savannas of Mikumi into the rugged, prehistoric landscapes of Ruaha—Tanzania's largest national park. This package is meticulously designed for true wildlife enthusiasts seeking raw, unfiltered nature.
Ruaha is renowned for hosting 10% of the world’s remaining lion population, meaning you will be tracking massive lion prides, elusive cheetahs, and endangered African wild dogs. The scenery here is dramatic, characterized by rolling hills, the meandering Great Ruaha River, and striking silhouettes of ancient Baobab forests.
Massive Lion Prides
Baobab Forest Landscape
Cheetah Tracking
Itinerary
The Route
Deep Safari Expedition
- Arrival You'll be collected from the airport.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.m.
Your journey begins with a prompt morning pick-up in Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a scenic overland drive toward Mikumi National Park, transitioning from the bustling coast to the expansive African bush. Arrive in time for a hot lunch at your lodge, followed immediately by an afternoon game drive. Mikumi's open horizons are perfect for spotting large herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala, and the powerful elephants that roam the Mkata floodplains. Watch a breathtaking sunset over the savanna before returning to your camp for dinner under the stars.
Accommodation:
Mid-Range Safari Lodge / Luxury Tented Camp (e.g., Camp Bastian Mikumi or similar)
Meals & Drinks:
- Lunch & Dinner included
- Purified drinking water provided during game drives
You will be picked up from the hotel at 6:30 am. After breakfast, you will drive to Ruaha National Park, which will take approximately five hours. Lunch will be provided upon your arrival. You will begin your game drive in the afternoon, which will continue into the evening. The Great Ruaha River, the park's namesake, is essential for supporting its diverse wildlife. Although Ruaha is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania and boasts a rich variety of animals, it is also one of the least crowded destinations, making your safari experience feel remote and exclusive.
Accommodation:
Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Tanapa Ruaha bandas.
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
On this day, you will leave early at 6:30 am for a sunrise game drive, enjoying breakfast in the bush. After the breakfast break, the game drive will continue as you search for wildlife in various locations throughout the park. Be on the lookout for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and large packs of wild dogs, along with numerous other animals, until lunch break.
You will have a picnic lunch in the park, where you can take some time to rest. After lunch, the game drive will resume until the evening. As you drive along the Great Ruaha River, you can expect to see a variety of animals, including buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, impalas, warthogs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, greater and lesser kudu, sable and roan antelopes, as well as different species of birds, plants, and reptiles.
After a full day of exploration, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
After a full day of exploration, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner included
Wake up at dawn for a final, spectacular sunrise game drive. The early morning light offers the best photography opportunities as predators finish their nocturnal hunts. After breakfast back at the lodge, you will begin your journey back. Depending on your pre-arranged package, you will either take a scenic flight from the Ruaha airstrip directly to Dar es Salaam (highly recommended) or commence the overland drive back to the city, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation:
End of Tour
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & Lunch included
End of Southern Wilderness Expedition
- Drop-off at your designated hotel or airport terminal.
- Ask your safari consultant about adding a Zanzibar beach extension!
Package Details
Includes
- Private 4x4 Safari Cruiser with Popup Roof for 360° Viewing
- All National Park Entry and Concession Fees for Mikumi & Ruaha
- 3 Nights Accommodation at Handpicked Remote Lodges/Camps
- Full Board Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Unlimited Game Drives as per itinerary
- Dedicated Professional English-Speaking Safari Guide
Excludes
- Domestic bush flights (Available as a premium upgrade)
- Tips and gratuities for safari guides and camp staff
- Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and personal items
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees