Day 1: Arrival at Nyerere Game Reserve (Selous)

Morning:

1. Arrival at Dar es Salaam: Fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
2. Transfer to Nyerere Game Reserve: You'll be met by your guide and transferred by road (approximately 5-6 hours) or by a flight (optional) to Nyerere Game Reserve.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp (e.g., Selous Riverside Camp or Sand Rivers Camp), situated along the Rufiji River.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch at your accommodation.

Late Afternoon:

1. Boat Safari: Nyerere is known for its boat safaris on the Rufiji River. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species as you cruise the river.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to the lodge for a leisurely dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Full Day in Nyerere Game Reserve

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, go on a morning game drive to explore the vast and wild landscapes of Nyerere Game Reserve. The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and a wide range of antelopes.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to your lodge for lunch and a break. Take in the stunning views of the river or surrounding bush.

Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for another game drive, or if available, enjoy a walking safari (accompanied by a guide and armed ranger) to experience the wilderness on foot.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Mikumi: After breakfast, depart Nyerere for Mikumi National Park (approximately 5-6 hours by road). Enjoy the scenic drive, which will pass through villages and lush landscapes.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive in Mikumi and check-in at your lodge or camp (e.g., Mikumi Safari Lodge or Vuma Hills Tented Camp).
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a relaxing lunch and get ready for your first game drive in Mikumi.

Late Afternoon:

1. Game Drive in Mikumi: Head out on an afternoon game drive. Mikumi is a great park for spotting elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and various species of antelopes. The park also has a large lion population.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Mikumi. The park’s open plains make it ideal for spotting wildlife, and you may have the chance to see lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch and a short break.

Afternoon:

1. More Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy an afternoon game drive, exploring different sections of the park. The Mkata River area is great for bird watching, and you might see large herds of elephants and buffaloes grazing near the river.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night.

Day 5: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Ruaha: After breakfast, leave Mikumi for the scenic drive to Ruaha National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). Ruaha is a more remote and rugged park, known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Ruaha (e.g., Ruaha River Lodge or Ikuka Safari Camp), known for its stunning views and excellent safari experiences.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy lunch at your accommodation and take a moment to rest.

Late Afternoon:

1. First Game Drive in Ruaha: After lunch, head out on an afternoon game drive. Ruaha is famous for its large elephant herds, prides of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the endangered wild dog.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: Begin your final full day with an early game drive. Ruaha's diverse landscapes — from savannahs to riverine woodlands — make it a fantastic park for spotting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxing break.

Afternoon:

1. Nature Walk: If available, you can enjoy a guided walking safari in the park. Walking safaris offer an opportunity to learn about the smaller aspects of the environment, such as plants, tracks, and insects, and are a unique way to connect with nature.
2. Afternoon Game Drive: Alternatively, you can enjoy a final game drive around Ruaha to spot any animals you may have missed.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for a farewell dinner. Reflect on the amazing safari experiences you've had across the three parks.

Safari Highlights:

1. Nyerere Game Reserve: Known for boat safaris along the Rufiji River, large populations of elephants, lions, and rare wild dogs.
2. Mikumi National Park: Great for accessible wildlife sightings, including lions, elephants, and buffaloes.
3. Ruaha National Park: A remote, rugged park with large herds of elephants, predators, and diverse landscapes.

What’s Included:

1. Accommodation: 5 nights in lodges or tented camps with en-suite facilities (or equivalent).
2. Transport: Private vehicle with an experienced driver-guide for all transfers and game drives.
3. Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks.
4. Boat Safari: Boat safari in Nyerere Game Reserve.
5. Nature Walk: Walking safari (optional, if available in Ruaha).
6. Meals: Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
7. National Park Entry Fees: Park entry fees for Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha.

What’s Not Included:

1. Flights: International flights to and from Dar es Salaam.
2. Travel Insurance: Recommended but not included.
3. Visas: Visa fees (if applicable).
4. Personal Expenses: Drinks, laundry, souvenirs, and tips.
5. Optional Activities: Additional safaris, walking safaris, or night drives (not included).
6. Gratuities: Tipping for guides and staff.
7. Meals Outside the Itinerary: Meals taken outside the provided package.
8. Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at lodges.