8 Days Mikumi,Ruaha, and Udzungwa Safari
8 Days Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Safari Overview
This Safari Adventure takes you into less-crowded parks full of raw wilderness, diverse landscapes, and rich wildlife.
This safari combines game drives in two of Tanzania’s largest national parks: Mikumi and Ruaha, with a nature-filled hike through the lush rainforest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, home to rare primates and breathtaking waterfalls. It’s a perfect balance of wildlife adventure and active exploration.
Highlights of this Safari Adventure
Over 8 days, you’ll explore three different ecosystems, each offering its own flavor of adventure, wildlife, and wonder.
Mikumi Safari – The Southern Serengeti Feel Without the Crowds
Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 species of wildlife and extensive populations of large mammals, making game viewing incredibly rewarding. On a Mikumi Safari, it’s common to encounter:
- Elephants moving in herds across the open plains
- Lions lounging under acacia trees or stalking prey
- Giraffes nibbling leaves high in the treetops
- Zebras and wildebeests grazing together in perfect harmony
- Hippos and crocodiles in waterholes
- Baboons and vervet monkeys playing around
- Numerous antelopes, including elands, impalas, and greater kudus
The park is particularly famous for its lion sightings, as they are known to lounge right on the dirt roads.
Ruaha Safari – Tanzania’s Largest and Wildest National Park
- Venture deep into the untamed wilderness of Ruaha National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania and one of the wildest.
- This Ruaha Safari takes you far from the crowds and into a rugged landscape filled with dramatic baobab trees and red-sand rivers.
- Discover huge herds of elephants, impressive lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dog.
- Ruaha is a birdwatcher’s paradise too, with over 570 bird species recorded—perfect for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.
Udzungwa Safari – Hiking into the Rainforest Paradise
- Swap game drives for hiking boots as you explore the lush rainforest of Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
- Unlike traditional safaris, this Udzungwa Safari focuses on nature walks and waterfall hikes, making it perfect for active travelers and nature lovers.
- Trek through ancient forests to discover rare monkey species like the Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey—species you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
- The highlight? Reaching the breathtaking Sanje Waterfalls, which drops 170 meters into a misty pool below.
- Destinations: Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Starting Point: Dar es Salaam
- Ending Point: Dar es Salaam
- Tour Type: Private Safari (customizable)
- Accommodations: Mid-range lodges or luxury options available
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
Day 1: Transfer to Mikumi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
Your driver-guide will meet you in Dar es Salaam and begin the scenic journey to Mikumi. Arrive in time for an evening game drive. Overnight at a lodge near the park.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
Spend a full day exploring the open plains of Mikumi. Keep your camera ready for sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park (Approx. 6-7 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Ruaha via Iringa town. The drive takes you through changing landscapes and local communities. Arrive in Ruaha in the late afternoon. Overnight at a lodge near the park.
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park
Explore Tanzania’s largest and most untouched park. Look out for predators, large elephant herds, and beautiful baobab trees. Picnic lunch inside the park. Overnight at your lodge.
Day 5: Another Day in Ruaha – Game Drive or Optional Walking Safari
Another full day to discover Ruaha’s wild secrets. You can do a classic game drive or request a guided walking safari to experience the bush up close. Overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Ruaha to Udzungwa Mountains (Approx. 5-6 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Udzungwa. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your eco-lodge surrounded by forest sounds.
Day 7: Udzungwa Mountains National Park Hike
After breakfast, hike to Sanje Waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Tanzania. Along the way, spot monkeys, birds, butterflies, and unique flora. Return to the lodge for your last night in the wild.
Day 8: Drive Back to Dar es Salaam (Approx. 6 hours)
After breakfast, enjoy the scenic return to Dar es Salaam. Arrival in the late afternoon or early evening
What’s Included
Park entrance fees
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
English-speaking professional guide
Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled drinking water during safari
Guided hike in Udzungwa
Government taxes and levies
Not Included
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Best Time for Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Safari
The best time to visit Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources. These months also offer pleasant weather and stunning, clear skies for photography.
The green season (November to May) brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching, perfect for travelers who enjoy a quieter, more scenic safari.
What to Pack for this Safari
• Light, neutral-colored clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Insect repellent
• Camera with extra batteries or power bank
• Personal medication
Why Book Your Safari with Kili Highlands?
- Locally owned & operated by Tanzanian experts
- Customized, private safaris tailored to your travel goals
- Experienced guides who know where to find the action
- Comfortable accommodations to suit every budget
- Commitment to sustainable tourism and community support
Start Planning Your Safari
Ready to explore Tanzania’s top wildlife parks and see a lot of animals up close?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about Udzungwa Mountains National Park?
It’s a tropical paradise with rare primates, spectacular waterfalls, and hiking trails through lush rainforests.
Is this safari suitable for young children?
Due to long travel times and walking/hiking in Udzungwa, it’s best for children aged 8 and above. Families with younger kids may choose a shorter Mikumi-focused trip.
How physically demanding is this safari?
Game drives in Mikumi and Ruaha are comfortable for most travelers, but Udzungwa involves moderate hiking with some uphill trails, best suited for travelers with a reasonable fitness level.
How do I travel between Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa?
You can travel overland by safari vehicle from Dar es Salaam, or take a domestic flight to Mikumi or Ruaha and continue by road between parks.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Mikumi offers elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and hippos; Ruaha boasts huge elephant herds, rare wild dogs, and many big cats; Udzungwa is home to rare monkeys, tropical birds, and waterfalls.
Why is Ruaha National Park famous?
Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest park, known for its high concentration of elephants, big cats, and its untouched, wild landscapes.
Is the safari private or shared?
All safaris with Kili Highlands are private unless you request to join a small group.
What kind of accommodation is available?
Choices range from budget lodges to mid-range tented camps and luxury safari lodges, depending on your preferences.
What should I pack for this safari?
Bring light clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good camera for unforgettable moments.
Are there malaria risks in these areas?
Yes, all three parks are in malaria zones, so travelers should take preventive medication and use mosquito protection, especially in the evenings.