Rufiji River boat safari • Nyerere wilderness • Mikumi wildlife • Udzungwa hiking • Ruaha elephants & predators • Zanzibar beaches

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS — GRAND SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI & ZANZIBAR

Go beyond the familiar safari routes and discover the wild soul of Southern Tanzania. From the waterways of Nyerere and the open plains of Mikumi to the rainforest mountains of Udzungwa and the vast wilderness of Ruaha, this is Tanzania at its more remote, adventurous and authentic. The journey finishes on Zanzibar, creating a natural transition from wilderness to the Indian Ocean. Southern Tanzania is especially suited to travellers seeking fewer crowds, varied landscapes and active experiences such as boat safaris, walking and hiking.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Extended/private boat safari on the Rufiji — quote on request
Walking safari with ranger where permitted — quote on request
Sanje Waterfall / Udzungwa hiking upgrade — quote on request
Private scenic flight between safari areas — quote on request
Zanzibar Stone Town & Spice Farm — quote on request
Mnemba/snorkelling — quote on request
Safari Blue — quote on request
Sunset dhow cruise — quote on request

Day 01 :

DAR ES SALAAM → NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

Begin your Southern Tanzania adventure with a road transfer from Dar es Salaam toward Nyerere National Park. Depending on timing, enjoy an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River, looking for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and abundant birdlife. Overnight: Nyerere National Park | Meals: Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Day 02 :

FULL-DAY NYERERE • RIVER & WILDERNESS

Spend a full day exploring Nyerere. Combine a game drive with a boat safari or guided walking experience where available. The park's rivers, lakes and floodplains create a completely different safari atmosphere from the Northern Circuit. Overnight: Nyerere National Park | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

NYERERE → MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

Leave Nyerere and travel toward Mikumi. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the open Mkata floodplain, watching for elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and lion. Overnight: Mikumi | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

MIKUMI → UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS

Enjoy a morning wildlife drive before continuing toward the Udzungwa Mountains. This is where the safari changes character: replace the 4x4 with a guided forest adventure through one of Tanzania's distinctive mountain ecosystems. Overnight: Udzungwa area | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

UDZUNGWA • SANJE WATERFALL / FOREST EXPERIENCE

Spend the day hiking in the Udzungwa Mountains. The Sanje Waterfall trail is the signature experience, with rainforest scenery, birdlife, primates and dramatic mountain views. The hike can be adjusted according to fitness and conditions. Overnight: Udzungwa / Iringa area | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

UDZUNGWA / IRINGA → RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Continue west into the Southern Highlands and onward to Ruaha. The landscape becomes drier and more rugged, with baobabs and wide open wilderness. Enjoy an afternoon game drive when arrival time permits. Overnight: Ruaha National Park | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07 :

FULL-DAY RUAHA

Explore Ruaha from morning to afternoon. The park is known for elephants, big cats, baobabs and a rugged wilderness character. Your guide will focus on the most productive areas according to season and recent sightings. Overnight: Ruaha National Park | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08 :

SECOND FULL DAY RUAHA

Enjoy another full day in Ruaha for deeper exploration and photography. The extra time gives you opportunities to visit different habitats and follow wildlife activity at a relaxed pace. Overnight: Ruaha National Park | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09 :

RUAHA → DAR ES SALAAM → ZANZIBAR

After a final morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for a scheduled or charter flight toward Dar es Salaam, then connect onward to Zanzibar according to the confirmed flight schedule. Arrive and settle into your beach hotel. Overnight: Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 :

ZANZIBAR • STONE TOWN & SPICE EXPERIENCE

Discover Zanzibar's Swahili heritage with an optional Stone Town and Spice Farm experience. Alternatively, enjoy the beach and resort facilities at leisure. Overnight: Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 :

ZANZIBAR • OCEAN EXPERIENCE

Choose a day on the water — snorkelling, a Safari Blue-style excursion, island visit or sunset dhow cruise — or simply relax beside the Indian Ocean. Overnight: Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 :

ZANZIBAR → DEPARTURE

Enjoy your final morning on the island before transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight. Overnight: — | Meals: Breakfast

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS — GRAND SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI & ZANZIBAR

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS — GRAND SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI & ZANZIBAR

Overview

Itinerary

Included

Map

Trip