Southern & Western Tanzania
10-Day Southern Tanzania Luxury Wilderness & Chimpanzee Safari
Rufiji river safaris, Ruaha's big cats, Udzungwa rainforest and the chimpanzees of Mahale.
What this journey holds.
A private safari through Tanzania's southern parks for travellers who want quiet wilderness and comfortable camps. River safaris on the Rufiji, predator-rich Ruaha, classic savannah in Mikumi, rainforest trails in Udzungwa, and chimpanzee trekking beside Lake Tanganyika.
- Group size
- Private departure, 2–6 guests
- Vehicle
- Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
- Guide
- Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Pace
- Moderate, early starts, unhurried sightings
- Fitness
- Easy; no walking required
- Start / end
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Three that we build the days around.
Nº 01
Chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains
Nº 02
White-sand beaches and clear water of Lake Tanganyika
Nº 03
Sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.
- 01Arrival · Dar es Salaam
Private transfer and a relaxed first day. Optional Slipway sunset, Mwenge Carvers Market or the National Museum. Overnight Golden Tulip.
- 02Fly to Nyerere & Rufiji boat safari
Hippos, crocodiles, elephants and fish eagles as the sunset turns the water gold. Overnight Beho Beho.
- 03Nyerere game drive & walking safari
Wild dogs, lion prides, sable and kudu; afternoon walk with an armed ranger.
- 04Fly to Ruaha
Baobab valleys and the Great Ruaha River; afternoon drive for elephants, lions, leopards and wild dogs. Overnight Ikuka Safari Camp.
- 05Full-day Ruaha
Unhurried photography at a luxury safari pace, sunrise predators, birding, and sunset over the baobabs.
- 06Drive to Mikumi
Rural Tanzania to the open Mkata floodplain beneath the Uluguru Mountains. Recommended stay Stanley's Kopje.
- 07Udzungwa rainforest & waterfalls
Endemic primates, butterflies, orchids and the 170 m Sanje Waterfall. Recommended stay Udzungwa Falls Lodge.
- 08Fly to Mahale Mountains
Forested mountains, white-sand beaches and clear lake water; kayaking and swimming. Overnight Mbali Mbali Mahale.
- 09Chimpanzee trekking
Early departure with expert trackers and rangers to observe habituated wild chimpanzees feeding, grooming and interacting.
- 10Return & departure
Fly back to Dar es Salaam for your onward international flight.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Private tailor-made safari with senior guide
- Luxury camps and lodges matched to your profile
- Domestic flights between all safari regions
- Boat safari, walking safari and chimpanzee trekking permits
- All park and conservation fees, full board
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Tanzania, month by month.
This journey runs jun – oct. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.
Calving season in Ndutu
Peak calving, predator action
Green season, fewer vehicles
Long rains, lush and quiet
Rains ease, low season value
Dry season opens, herds move north
River crossings begin
Peak crossings, prime game viewing
Dry, concentrated wildlife
Excellent predator sightings
Short rains, dramatic skies
Herds return south to Ndutu
Photos from this trip.
Luxury Lodge
Private, tailor-made itineraries staying in Tanzania's finest lodges and camps, from around US$300 per person per day.
Explore this styleOur luxury safaris pair the most sought-after lodges and camps in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire with the personal attention of a family-run operator. Every departure is private and shaped entirely around you.
- Premium lodges and luxury tented camps
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and fridge
- Senior driver-guide chosen for your interests
- Full board, wines and soft drinks at camp
- Optional balloon safari, fly-in legs and Zanzibar extension
- All park and conservation fees, 24/7 concierge support
“Traveling to Africa for the first time felt overwhelming, but Collin made the entire planning process seamless. Ilmaasai is a family-owned business, which made the experience even more special, Christian and Loth no longer felt like tour guides, they felt like family.”
Angel S. · TripAdvisor · February 2026
From first note to first game drive.
Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.
01
Tell us your dates
Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.
02
We shape the route
A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.
03
Confirm and prepare
A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.
04
Arrive and travel
Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.
Before you ask.
- How many people share a vehicle?
- Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
- Can this itinerary be customised?
- Yes, every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
- What does the price depend on?
- Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
- What is the payment schedule?
- A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
- Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
- Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
- What should I pack for photography?
- A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
