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5-Day Mikumi & Selous NP for Game Drive Amazing Boat and Boating

5-Day Mikumi & Selous NP for Game Drive Amazing Boat and Boating

Safari Overview

Tanzania's southern safari circuit — centered on Mikumi National Park and Nyerere National Park (Africa's largest protected area) — offers an extraordinary wildlife experience that feels entirely different from the famous northern parks. Fewer visitors, wilder landscapes, and a program that includes activities unavailable in the north: boat safaris on the legendary Rufiji River, walking safaris in the miombo woodland, and the possibility of encountering Africa's most endangered large predator — the wild dog — in one of its last strongholds. Beginning and ending in Dar es Salaam, this five-day itinerary covers Mikumi National Park — three hours from the city — where open grasslands support lions, elephants, giraffe, and hippos in densities that surprise first-time visitors, then moves into the heart of Nyerere for the full Rufiji River boat safari experience and extended game drives in the southern wilderness. Accommodation varies between comfortable camp tents and riverside lodges depending on the package tier selected. All transport from Dar es Salaam, park fees, guide fees, and activities are included. This safari is ideal for Dar-based travelers, business visitors on short breaks, southern Tanzania explorers, and families seeking a less-crowded alternative to the northern circuit. Best time: June to October. Contact Shammah Wonders Safaris for a full southern circuit quote.
5-Day Mikumi & Selous NP for Game Drive Amazing Boat and Boating Route

Day to day description

Arrival Safari Description

Explore Mikumi & Nyerere National Parks with Shammah Wonders Safaris

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the untouched Southern Circuit of Tanzania with Shammah Wonders Safaris. This exclusive tour begins and ends in Dar es Salaam, taking you deep into the heart of the Greater Selous Ecosystem. Discover the raw beauty and authentic wilderness of Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks—some of the few remaining pristine areas in Tanzania. This is more than just a safari—it's a rare chance to connect with the true spirit of Africa. Trust us, this experience is time well spent, and one you’ll never forget.

Safari Description photo 1

Day 1 Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Game Drive Adventure

Depart Dar es Salaam at 6:00am for the 3-hour drive west towards Mikumi. The road passes through the Uluguru Mountains foothills and arrives at Mikumi's main gate by mid-morning. The park's northern entrance corridor — along the Mkata River floodplain — is immediately productive: elephants cross the road in family groups, lions rest in the shade of baobab trees, and hippos wallow in the shallow river bends visible from the road. Full-day game driving covers the park's most productive wildlife circuits before overnight at a lodge or camp

Approximately driving time: 5 hours from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Accommodation: Mikumi Park Cottages

Meals included: Picnic lunch, dinner

Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Game Drive Adventure photo 1

Day 2 Morning Game Drive in Mikumi and then Drive to Udzungwa for Hiking

Before sunrise, you’ll head out for an early morning game drive in Mikumi National Park—an ideal time to witness predators in action during their morning hunt. Your guide will enrich the experience by sharing fascinating insights into the park’s ecology, secrets of survival in the wild, and why Mikumi remains one of Tanzania’s most captivating destinations.

After the game drive, return to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Soon after, you'll depart for Udzungwa Mountains National Park, known for its lush rainforest, endemic species, and scenic hiking trails. You’ll enjoy lunch upon arrival, then begin a guided hike through the forest trails leading to the majestic waterfalls.

At the falls, you’ll have a chance to cool off in a refreshing natural pool formed by the cascading waters—perfect for a relaxing swim and memorable photos.

After your hike and swim, you’ll drive to Camp Bastian Mikumi for dinner and an overnight stay, wrapping up another day of adventure and discovery.

Approximately driving time: 1.5 hours from Mikumi NP to Udzungwa mountains

Accommodation: Bastian Mikumi Camp

Meals included: Picnic lunch, dinner

Morning Game Drive in Mikumi and then Drive to Udzungwa for Hiking photo 1

Day 3 Transfer to Nyerere National Park & Sunset Boat Safari

After breakfast at Camp Bastian Mikumi, you’ll begin your journey to Nyerere National Park, part of the vast Selous ecosystem and one of Africa’s most remote and pristine wildlife areas. Upon arrival, you'll check in and prepare for a thrilling sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River.

As one of Tanzania’s largest rivers, the Rufiji is teeming with life. While cruising its waters, you'll spot numerous hippos and crocodiles, along with a stunning variety of bird species. The experience of drifting along the riverbanks, surrounded by untamed nature and a fiery African sunset, is truly unforgettable.

Combining the river’s beauty with the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park, this day offers a chance to encounter elephants, buffalo, and the elusive African wild dog. Other animals commonly seen include lions, bushbucks, giraffes, zebras, impalas, baboons, elands, and kudus.

Your day concludes with dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at Selous Safari Lodge.

Approximately driving time: 6 hours from Udzungwa mountains to Nyerere Np

Accommodation:  Selous Safari Lodge.

Meals included: Picnic lunch, dinner

Day 4 Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park

After having the delicious breakfast, you will now be starting the full-day game drives in the park. Nyerere National Park is home to a large population of elephants, a large number of buffalos, and wild dogs. Other species commonly seen are lions, bushbucks, impalas, giraffes, elands, baboons, zebras, kudus, and crocodiles. Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve) is a protected area in southern Tanzania. It covers a total area of 50,000 km² and has additional buffer zones. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its wildlife diversity and undisturbed nature. In the afternoon, you will enjoy the packed lunch box. After the delicious lunch in the park, you will proceed with a lovely game drive up to evening where you will start heading back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Shammah Wonders Safaris team are always on track to make sure that you are given the best service you deserve.

Approximately driving time: 30 minutes from Selous Safari Lodge to Nyerere Np

Accommodation:  Selous Safari Lodge.

Meals included: Picnic lunch, dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park photo 1

Day 5 Day 5: Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam

Start your final day with an early walking safari guided by a local bushman near Nyerere National Park. This immersive experience allows you to connect with nature on foot—learning about the area’s natural history, traditional uses of local trees, and the ecosystem's delicate balance. Please note that this walk takes place near the park boundaries and is not accompanied by an armed ranger.

After returning from the walk, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Then, you’ll begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam, where our team will drop you off at your hotel.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Southern Tanzania safari adventure with Shammah Wonders Safaris. We thank you for choosing us and hope to see you again on your next African journey!

Day 5: Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam photo 1
Day 5: Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam photo 2
- from US$ 1,200 per person
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Private and Comfortable Safari Experience

Includes

Meals & accommodation

- Snacks & soft drinks

- Transfer fee

4x4 Land cruiser with pop up roof

Government taxes & VAT

All National Park conservation, park entry, camping, activity or concession fees as applicable 

Experienced English-speaking safari guide.

1 first aid kit per vehicle - In vehicle sanitizer, charging ports (Type G socket)

Excludes

International flights

Alcohol

Laundry & shopping expenses

Optional activities expenses

Extra excursion not listed in itinerary