Day 1: Arrival at Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Arrival at Dar es Salaam: Fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
2. Transfer to Mikumi: Meet your safari guide and embark on a 4-5 hour drive to Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania's most accessible parks.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your accommodation in Mikumi, such as Mikumi Safari Lodge or Vuma Hills Tented Camp. Enjoy a warm welcome and settle in.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch and relax before your first safari adventure.

Late Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: Head out on your first game drive in Mikumi. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and lions. Enjoy your first encounter with Africa’s wildlife in this beautiful savannah landscape.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Relax under the stars with the sounds of the African bush around you.

Day 2: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After a delicious breakfast, head out on an early morning game drive. The cool early hours are great for spotting wildlife as the animals are most active.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. Mikumi is known for its accessible wildlife, and you can often spot animals right near the lodge as you relax.

Late Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, embark on a second game drive to explore more of the park. Mikumi's diversity of habitats makes it an exciting place to witness animal behavior in different settings, from wetlands to open plains.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for a leisurely dinner and an overnight stay, sharing stories of the day's wildlife encounters.

Day 3: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Ruaha: After breakfast, depart Mikumi for the 4-5 hour drive to Ruaha National Park. The scenic journey through rural Tanzania offers glimpses of villages, local life, and a variety of landscapes.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your accommodation in Ruaha, such as Ruaha River Lodge or Ikuka Safari Camp. These lodges provide excellent views and immersive experiences in the wild.
2. Lunch & Relax: Enjoy a relaxing lunch and take in the atmosphere of the park.

Late Afternoon:

1. First Game Drive in Ruaha: Head out on an afternoon game drive in Ruaha. Known for its rugged beauty and abundance of wildlife, Ruaha is home to large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and the endangered wild dog. The park is less crowded, offering a more intimate safari experience.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. The remote setting of Ruaha offers an incredibly peaceful evening in nature.

Day 4: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, set off for a morning game drive in Ruaha. The park’s wide range of ecosystems, including savannahs, woodlands, and riverbanks, create a perfect setting for spotting predators, elephants, and other wildlife.

Midday:

1. Nature Walk: Consider adding a walking safari in Ruaha (if available). Guided by an armed ranger, a walking safari is a unique way to experience the smaller aspects of the park, such as tracks, plants, and insects.

Afternoon:

1. Lunch & Relaxation: Return to your lodge for lunch and a brief rest. Ruaha’s remote setting means you’ll likely encounter few other vehicles, offering a truly private safari experience.

Late Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: Head out on another game drive in the late afternoon. As dusk falls, the wildlife is more active, and you might witness predators like lions and hyenas coming out to hunt.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.

Day 5: Ruaha to Nyerere (Selous) Game Reserve

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Nyerere: After breakfast, depart Ruaha for Nyerere Game Reserve (formerly Selous). The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the route, offering scenic views of the countryside.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Nyerere. Selous Riverside Camp or Sand Rivers Camp offer exceptional accommodation right along the Rufiji River, with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
2. Lunch & Rest: After check-in and lunch, enjoy some downtime at the lodge. This is a great opportunity to relax and take in the natural surroundings.

Late Afternoon:

1. Boat Safari: Nyerere is famous for its boat safaris along the Rufiji River. This is a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species up close. The setting is serene and provides a different perspective on the park’s wildlife.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: After the boat safari, return to your lodge for dinner. Relax by the campfire or enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the reserve before retiring for the night.

Safari Highlights:

1. Mikumi: Close to Dar es Salaam, great for spotting a variety of wildlife with easy access to the park’s best areas.
2. Ruaha: Known for its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rare wild dogs.
3. Nyerere Game Reserve: A vast and remote reserve offering boat safaris, game drives, and an intimate wilderness experience along the Rufiji River.

Additional Notes:

1. Accommodation: Lodges and camps are carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. You can choose based on your budget and desired experience.
2. Safari Style: The itinerary focuses on a mix of game drives, boat safaris, and optional walking safaris, giving you diverse ways to explore the parks.
3. Transport: The safari is typically done by road, with private guides and vehicles provided throughout the trip. You can also inquire about fly-in safaris for faster travel between parks.

What’s Included:

. MEAL AND ACCOMMODATION.

1. Transport: Private vehicle with driver-guide.
2. Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in Mikumi, Ruaha, and Nyerere.
3. Boat Safari: Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere
4. National Park Entry Fees: Fees for Mikumi, Ruaha, and Nyerere.
5. Guided Walking Safari (if available in Ruaha).

What’s Not Included:

1. Flights: International flights to/from Dar es Salaam.
2. Travel Insurance: Not provided.
3. Visas: Visa fees (if applicable).
4. Personal Expenses: Drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips.
5. Optional Activities: Additional safaris, walking safaris, or night drives.
6. Gratuities: Tips for guides and staff.
7. Meals Outside Itinerary: Meals taken outside the package.
8. Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at lodges.
9. Flights to/from Parks: Internal flights not included.
10. Personal Safari Equipment: Binoculars, cameras, etc.