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 to Nyerere Game Reserve (formerly Selous). The journey takes about 5-6 hours by road or you can opt for a flight transfer (optional).

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Check into your accommodation in Nyerere Game Reserve, such as Selous Riverside Camp or Sand Rivers Camp. Enjoy the stunning views of the Rufiji River.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at your lodge and relax.

Late Afternoon:

1. Boat Safari: Nyerere is known for its boat safaris. Explore the Rufiji River, where you'll have a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Evening:

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

Day 2: Full Day in Nyerere Game Reserve

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, embark on an early game drive. Nyerere is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. It is also one of the best places to spot large herds of buffalo and antelopes.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to your lodge for lunch and a short break. Take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for a second game drive, where you can explore more areas of this expansive reserve. Look out for lions, cheetahs, and other predators as they begin their evening hunt.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Day 3: Nyerere Game Reserve to Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Mikumi: After breakfast, drive to Mikumi National Park (approximately 5-6 hours by road). Enjoy the scenic drive, passing through rural villages and lush landscapes.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive in Mikumi National Park and check into your accommodation (e.g., Mikumi Safari Lodge or Vuma Hills Tented Camp).
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a relaxing lunch and take some time to rest.

Late Afternoon:

1. First Game Drive in Mikumi: After lunch, embark on your first game drive in Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and lions. The open savannahs make it easy to spot wildlife.

Evening:

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

Day 4: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive. Mikumi is one of Tanzania’s more accessible parks, and you’ll have the chance to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, and a variety of antelope species.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch and relax for a while.

Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring Mikumi's diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and plains. This park also has an abundance of birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Reflect on the wildlife sightings of the day.

Day 5: Mikumi to Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Ruaha: After breakfast, drive to Ruaha National Park (approximately 4-5 hours by road). The journey will take you through the beautiful Tanzanian countryside, offering scenic views along the way.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive at your lodge or camp in Ruaha, such as Ruaha River Lodge or Ikuka Safari Camp. These accommodations offer incredible views and immersive safari experiences.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Have lunch at the lodge and relax before your afternoon safari.

Late Afternoon:

1. First Game Drive in Ruaha: After lunch, embark on your first game drive in Ruaha. Known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife, Ruaha is home to large herds of elephants, prides of lions, leopards, and endangered wild dogs.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, with the sounds of the African bush surrounding you.

Day 6: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, head out on a morning game drive in Ruaha. The park is one of Tanzania's largest, and its diverse habitats—ranging from savannah to riverine forests—make it an excellent place for spotting a variety of wildlife, including predators.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch and a break. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the park.

Afternoon:

1. Nature Walk or Game Drive: Depending on your preferences, you can either take a guided walking safari (optional and subject to availability) or head out on another game drive in the park. The walking safari offers a closer look at the park's smaller details, including tracks, plants, and insects.

Evening:

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

Day 7: Final Game Drive & Return to Dar es Salaam

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: On your final morning, enjoy an early game drive in Ruaha. The cooler morning hours are ideal for spotting animals as they are more active.

Midday:

1. Breakfast at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Late Morning:

1. Transfer to Dar es Salaam: After breakfast, begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam (approximately 6-7 hours). Alternatively, you can take a flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam (additional cost may apply).

Afternoon:

1. Arrival in Dar es Salaam: Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll arrive in Dar es Salaam by late afternoon or evening. If you have a late flight, you can relax in a day room or at a local hotel before your departure.

What’s Included:

1. Accommodation: 6 nights in lodges or camps with en-suite facilities.
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.
4. Boat Safari: Boat safari in Nyerere Game Reserve.
5. Nature Walk: Optional guided walking safari in Ruaha (if available).
6. Meals: Full board (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: Not included but recommended.
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: Tips for guides and staff.
7. Meals Outside the Itinerary: Meals taken outside the provided package.
8. Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at lodges.