Day 1: Arrival & Safari in Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport (or your point of entry in Tanzania).
2. Transfer to Mikumi National Park. It’s about a 4-5 hour drive from Dar es Salaam (approximately 300 km).
3. Check-in to your accommodation (options range from lodges to tented camps inside or near the park).
4. Briefing on the park and your safari experience ahead.

Afternoon:

1. Lunch at your lodge or camp.
2. Afternoon Game Drive in Mikumi National Park.
3. Mikumi is known for its large populations of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. It’s also home to predators like lions and wild dogs, as well as a variety of bird species.
4. Explore the Mkata Floodplain, which is a great place to spot wildlife, especially during the dry season.
5. Enjoy game viewing as the park comes alive in the late afternoon.

Evening:

1. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a night under the stars.
2. Optionally, enjoy a sundowner drink or relax at the lodge.

Day 2: Mikumi to Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

Early Morning:

1. Breakfast at the lodge, then check out.
2. Depart early for a morning game drive in Mikumi National Park to catch a glimpse of the wildlife during the cooler morning hours.
3. This is a great time to spot big cats such as lions or leopards, as well as the park’s many herbivores.

Late Morning:

1. Drive to Nyerere National Park (about 2-3 hours, depending on where you are located in Mikumi).
2. Nyerere National Park is the largest park in Tanzania, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, and is renowned for its remote beauty and diverse wildlife.

Afternoon:

1. Lunch at your lodge or camp within Nyerere National Park.
2. Afternoon Game Drive in Nyerere.
3. Visit the Rufiji River area, which is a key part of the park. The river attracts large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and many species of birds.
4. The park is also home to a large population of elephants, lions, and African wild dogs. The diverse landscapes, including savannah, wetlands, and woodlands, provide excellent game viewing opportunities.

Evening:

1. Return to your accommodation for dinner.
2. If your lodge or camp offers, you might enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species at close range.

Day 3: Nyerere National Park to Ruaha National Park

Early Morning:

1. Breakfast and depart early for a final game drive in Nyerere National Park.
2. The park is vast, so there’s plenty to explore. You might have a chance to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and the park's many bird species.
3. Focus on the wetlands and areas near the Rufiji River, which are great for birdwatching.

Late Morning:

1. Drive to Ruaha National Park (roughly 4-5 hours from Nyerere).
2. Lunch on the way or at your accommodation in Ruaha National Park.

Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive in Ruaha National Park.
2. Ruaha is one of the most remote and pristine parks in Tanzania, known for its impressive landscapes and large predator populations, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The park is also rich in antelope species and boasts over 570 bird species.
3. The Great Ruaha River is a major feature of the park, and many animals congregate around it, offering excellent viewing opportunities.

Evening:

1. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
2. Relax and enjoy a peaceful evening at your lodge or camp, with the possibility of stargazing in the absence of city lights.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive in Ruaha & Departure

Early Morning:

1. Early Game Drive to explore Ruaha at sunrise. The morning light provides beautiful photography opportunities, and you might be lucky to see predators in action.
2. Focus on the central areas near the Ruaha River, where elephants and buffaloes are frequently seen, as well as predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs.

Late Morning:

1. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.
2. Drive to your departure point (usually a domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam or onward to your next destination).

Optional Extensions (if you have more time):

1. Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park (if you want to extend your safari).
2. Zanzibar or Pemba Island for a relaxing beach holiday after the safari.
3. Visit other parks in the southern circuit like Katavi or Mahale Mountains if you are looking for more adventure.

Accommodation Suggestions:

1. Mikumi National Park: Mikumi Safari Lodge, Vuma Hills Tented Camp
2. Nyerere National Park (Selous): Selous Serena Camp, Sand River Selous, Siwandu Camp
3. Ruaha National Park: Ruaha River Lodge, Jongomero Camp, Mdonya Old River Camp

Included :

. Scheduled game drives.

1. Walking safaris (if offered).
2. Boat safaris (if offered, e.g., in Nyerere).
3. Park fees and conservation fees.
4. Transfers (airport and lodge transfers, if arranged by the lodge).
5. Non-premium drinks (water, tea, coffee, soft drinks).
6. Wi-Fi (depending on the lodge).

Excluded:

1. Premium drinks (alcoholic beverages, imported wines, premium spirits).
2. Gratuities and tips.
3. Flights (international and internal flights).
4. Optional activities (hot air balloon rides, private safaris, cultural visits).
5. Travel insurance.
6. Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra purchases).
7. Visa fees.
8. accommodation
9. meals