Southern Tanzania
8-Day Southern Tanzania Wilderness Safari
Nyerere · Ruaha · Mikumi · Udzungwa, the least-crowded wilderness in East Africa.
What this journey holds.
Tanzania's exclusive Southern Circuit: river safaris on the Rufiji, walking adventures with expert rangers, legendary big-cat country, rare wild dogs, baobab valleys, open floodplains, and the ancient rainforests of Udzungwa.
- 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
Rufiji River boat safari at golden hour
Nº 02
Walking safari with an armed ranger in Nyerere
Nº 03
Sanje Waterfall dropping 170 metres through the rainforest
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
Personal welcome and transfer to your beachfront hotel. Optional National Museum, Mwenge Carvers Market or the Slipway at sunset. Overnight Golden Tulip.
- 02Nyerere & Rufiji River safari
Into one of Africa's great protected landscapes; afternoon boat safari among hippo pods, crocodiles and fish eagles. Overnight Nyerere Tented Camp.
- 03Nyerere game drive & walking safari
Wild dogs, large lion prides, elephants in palm-fringed wetlands; afternoon walk with an armed ranger.
- 04Fly to Ruaha
Baobab valleys, rocky escarpments and dry riverbeds; afternoon drive for elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs. Overnight Ruaha Hilltop Lodge.
- 05Full-day Ruaha
Sunrise predators, picnic lunch, over 570 bird species, leopards in the kopjes and sunset over the baobab plains.
- 06Drive to Mikumi
Rural villages and miombo woodland to Mikumi's open floodplains beneath the Uluguru Mountains. Overnight Camp Bastian Mikumi.
- 07Udzungwa rainforest
Guided trek among red colobus and Sanje mangabey, orchids and forest birds, to the Sanje Waterfall and natural pools. Overnight Udzungwa Forest Camp.
- 08Return to Dar es Salaam
Scenic mountain drive back to your hotel or the airport.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Airport meet-and-greet in Dar es Salaam
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional guide
- Luxury hotels, lodges and tented camps
- Park entry fees and scheduled safari activities
- Domestic flights or road transfers as quoted
- 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.
Budget Camping
Tented camping safaris across the northern parks, from around US$150 per person per day.
Explore this styleTravellers choose a budget camping safari in Tanzania for different reasons. Some want to feel closer to nature, falling asleep to the sound of hyena on the plains and waking with the first light on the tent canvas. Others simply want more days in the parks for less than a lodge safari costs.
- Dome tents, mattresses and full camping equipment
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Safari cook and all meals in the bush
- All park and camping fees, airport pick-up and drop-off
- 24/7 support from our Arusha office
“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.
