Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam & Transfer to Nyerere Game Reserve (Selous)

Morning:

1. Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
2. Transfer to Nyerere Game Reserve (formerly Selous): After arrival, you will be met by your guide for a 5-6 hour road transfer or a short flight to the reserve (optional additional cost).

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Check-in at your lodge or tented camp, such as Selous Riverside Camp or Sand Rivers Camp, offering stunning views of the Rufiji River.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a welcome lunch at your accommodation.

Late Afternoon:

1. Boat Safari: Explore the Rufiji River on a boat safari, famous for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Evening:

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

Day 2: Full Day in Nyerere Game Reserve

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, head out for a game drive in Nyerere. The park is home to large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and wild dogs, offering excellent game viewing.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: Continue your exploration with an afternoon game drive. Depending on the season, you may also spot large herds of buffaloes and antelopes.

Evening:

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

Day 3: Nyerere to Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Breakfast & Transfer to Mikumi: After breakfast, you will depart for Mikumi National Park (5-6 hour drive). Enjoy scenic views of the countryside as you travel towards one of Tanzania's best wildlife parks.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive in Mikumi National Park and check-in at your lodge or camp, such as Mikumi Safari Lodge or Vuma Hills Tented Camp.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a lunch at your accommodation.

Late Afternoon:

1. First Game Drive in Mikumi: Mikumi is an excellent place for spotting wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, and giraffes. Head out on your first game drive in the park.

Evening:

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

Day 4: Full Day in Mikumi National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive. Mikumi is home to diverse wildlife and has an open savannah that is easy to explore. You may also spot predators such as lions and leopards.

Midday:

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

Afternoon:

1. Afternoon Game Drive: In the afternoon, take another game drive to explore further areas of Mikumi. The Mkata River area is known for its high density of elephants and buffalo herds, as well as abundant birdlife.

Evening:

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

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). This is a more remote park, known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

Afternoon:

1. Arrival & Check-in: Arrive in Ruaha and check into your lodge or tented camp, such as Ruaha River Lodge or Ikuka Safari Camp, both offering stunning views of the park.
2. Lunch at the Lodge: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge.

Late Afternoon:

1. First Game Drive in Ruaha: Head out for your first game drive in the park. Ruaha is known for its large elephant herds, predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and its breathtaking landscapes.

Evening:

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

Day 6: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive. Ruaha's landscapes are varied, ranging from riverine forests to wide-open savannahs. This park offers a high chance of predator sightings, especially lions and wild dogs.

Midday:

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

Afternoon:

1. Nature Walk or Game Drive: If available, enjoy a nature walk guided by an expert ranger (optional activity), or take another game drive to explore different areas of the park.

Evening:

1. Dinner & Overnight Stay: Enjoy a relaxed dinner and overnight stay at your lodge, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

Day 7: Full Day in Ruaha National Park

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, go out on a morning game drive to explore new areas of the park. You may encounter large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and some of the park’s elusive predators, such as leopards or cheetahs.

Midday:

1. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch.

Afternoon:

1. Game Drive or Optional Walking Safari: Take another game drive or enjoy a walking safari if available, to get closer to nature and learn more about the smaller wildlife, tracks, and plants.

Evening:

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

Day 8: Transfer Back to Dar es Salaam

Morning:

1. Early Morning Game Drive: Enjoy one last early game drive in Ruaha to catch any final wildlife sightings before you depart.

Midday:

1. Breakfast & Check-out: After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey back to Dar es Salaam (approximately 6-7 hours by road). Alternatively, you can arrange for a flight back to Dar es Salaam (optional additional cost).

Afternoon:

1. Arrival in Dar es Salaam: Depending on your flight schedule, you will either head straight to the airport or take some time to relax in Dar es Salaam before your international departure.

Safari Highlights:

1. Nyerere Game Reserve (Selous): Boat safaris on the Rufiji River, large elephant herds, lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
2. Mikumi National Park: Easy wildlife viewing with large herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and lions.
3. Ruaha National Park: Large elephant herds, predators (lions, leopards, cheetahs), and rugged landscapes.

What’s Included:

1. Accommodation: 7 nights in lodges or tented 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 nature walk in Ruaha (if available).
6. Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
7. National Park Entry Fees: Fees for Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha National Parks.

What’s Not Included:

1. Flights: International flights to and from Dar es Salaam.
2. Travel Insurance: Not included but highly 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.
6. Gratuities: Tipping for guides and staff.
7. Meals Outside Itinerary: Meals taken outside the provided package.
8. Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at lodges.