9-Day Wild Southern Tanzania Safari
Nyerere’s rivers, Mikumi’s plains and two nights in remote Ruaha, travelling through the Baobab Valley and the Southern Highlands, and finishing by train from Morogoro.
- Length
- 9 days, 8 nights
- Starts
- Dar es Salaam
- Ends
- Dar es Salaam (hotel or Julius Nyerere International Airport), by SGR train from Morogoro
- Travel style
- Private safari: your own vehicle and guide
- Transport
- Private 4×4; SGR train on the last day
- Accommodation
- Lodges and camps, Iringa Sunset Hotel and Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
- Group size
- From 2 travellers
- Best months
- We advise when you enquire
From
US$5,043
per person
Starting price per person.
Prefer a different standard? We can swap any lodge for something simpler or more luxurious and requote.
Prices are a guide. Lodge rates, park fees and availability change, so we always confirm your exact price in a personal quote before you book. Your price depends on the lodges you choose, your travel dates and your group size. Request a quote at any time, with no obligation to book. Simpler budget options are available on special request.
Includes park fees, private 4×4, guide, lodges and full board during the safari. A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 30 days before you travel.
Overview
Three of the south’s great parks in one journey. Nyerere gives you the river and the chance of wild dogs, Mikumi the open plains, and Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, a rugged, remote landscape of baobabs and rocky hills. Ruaha is one of East Africa’s most important strongholds for lions and elephants. On the way you cross the Baobab Valley and spend a night in Iringa in the Southern Highlands.
Highlights
- A boat safari on the Rufiji River and a walking safari with an armed ranger
- A full day in Mikumi and a visit to the local community
- The Baobab Valley and a night in Iringa
- Two nights in Ruaha, known for big prides, elephants, leopards and greater kudu
- A last night in Morogoro and the SGR train back
Route
Dar es Salaam → Nyerere (2 nights) → Morogoro → Mikumi (2 nights) → Baobab Valley → Iringa → Ruaha (2 nights) → Morogoro → (SGR train) Dar es Salaam
Day by day
To Nyerere and the Rufiji River
A drive of about six hours from Dar es Salaam, through coastal villages, to Nyerere. Late afternoon, a boat safari on the Rufiji River at sunset.
A full day in Nyerere
A full-day game drive through grassland, woodland and riverine forest, tracking elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo and African wild dog, with a picnic lunch in the bush.
A walk, then on to Mikumi
An early walk with an armed ranger, then a drive of about five hours to Mikumi via Morogoro, with views of the Uluguru Mountains.
A full day in Mikumi
Game drives for lion, giraffe, buffalo, elephant and antelope, with a picnic lunch in the park. In the evening, a visit to the local community.
Through the Baobab Valley to Iringa
A drive of about three hours through the Baobab Valley and up into the Southern Highlands. Afternoon in Iringa’s markets and craft shops.
Into Ruaha
A drive of about 2½ hours west into Ruaha’s rugged country of baobabs and rocky outcrops. Settle into camp, with a first game drive if time allows.
A full day in Ruaha
A full day in Tanzania’s largest national park, looking for lion, leopard, elephant and greater kudu, with a picnic lunch. In the late afternoon, a visit to a nearby village or community project.
Ruaha to Morogoro
A drive of about five hours through the countryside to Morogoro for the night.
By train to Dar es Salaam
The SGR train from Morogoro to Dar es Salaam, about 2 hours, then a transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Where you stay
| Night | Area | Lodge or camp |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Nyerere National Park | Confirmed in your personal itinerary |
| 3–4 | Mikumi National Park | Confirmed in your personal itinerary |
| 5 | Iringa | Iringa Sunset Hotel |
| 6–7 | Ruaha | Ruaha Hilltop Lodge |
| 8 | Morogoro | Edelwyss Inn |
Included
- SGR train ticket, Morogoro to Dar es Salaam
- Park and conservation fees
- All accommodation
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional driver-guide
- Full board during the safari
- All transfers
- Reservation costs
- Support from our team, 24 hours a day, during your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation cover
- Tips (guideline US$20 per person per day)
- Drinks and personal items
- Anything not listed in the itinerary
Make it yours
Add a day in the Uvidunda Mountains
Add Zanzibar
An extra night in Ruaha
“Best safari experience ever! Our guides and drivers were great.” Jessi Venter, Tarangire · Google review, October 2026
Request a quote for this safari
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel. We will confirm availability and an exact price for your group. No obligation to book.
We reply within 24 hours.
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Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
★ 5.0 on Google, from 2 reviews
Tourism licence No. 035908
Insured with Sanlam Allianz