13 Days Southern Tanzania Express
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Prepare to be amazed!
Every day we make a plan for our safari, safe in the knowledge that Southern Tanzania's wildlife will interrupt it. Our animals don't work to a precise schedule, but our expert driver guides know their routines better than anyone where and when they like to hunt. Every day, every hour you will see something new, something extraordinary.
13 days of travel, safari, adventure and relax. An unconventional and unique itinerary to discover a timeless Africa. The Indian Ocean and the tropical shores of Dar es Salaam, Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP, The Sanje Mangabey walkabout in the deep forest of Udzungwa Mountains NP.
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DAY 1: Arrival Day
Welcome to Southern Tanzania
Whatever your arrival time at Julius Nyerere International Airport, your Africa Uncovered Safaris driver guide will be waiting for you with a warm welcoming smile. Kick back and relax in your comfortable vehicle as he takes you to your hotel. On your drive off to hotel, you will get a brief impression of this large, bustling commercial capital city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have your pre-safari briefing today; if not, it will take place early tomorrow morning.
Meal Plan: Dinner at your hotel
Accommodation: Mediterraneo Hotel
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DAY 2: Dar Es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
Tour Briefing
Unless your arrival time yesterday allowed time for your safari briefing, then this will take place after breakfast. We will provide you with all the essential information, before we set off to the wilderness
and on our way, on paved road, to our first safari destination, Mikumi National Park. We will stop for lunch in the bustling town of Morogoro, at the base of the Uluguru Mountains, and we will arrive in Mikumi in the afternoon.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Bastian or similar lodge
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DAY 3: Mikumi National Park
Departure at sunrise for Mikumi National Park. We will leave the main road and head to the Mkata flood plains, in the north-west section of the park, where wildlife (buffaloes, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and more) is abundant and easy to enjoy. Another
area of interest is the Hippo Pools area, where we will able to observe these huge animals at close range. Full day dedicated to the exploration of the park, wildlife viewing and photography.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Bastian or similar Lodge
DAY 4: Mikumi NP - Iringa - Little Ruaha
Today we will transfer to Iringa following the windy road snaking at the base of the Rubeho
Mountains. We will cross an interesting area where giant baobabs are found, along the Little Ruaha river. We will arrive in Iringa and we will visit the colorful local market to buy our supplies for the next days. The city, capital of the region, is situated on a vast plateau (about 1,600 meters above sea level) where agriculture is widespread, especially the cultivation of corn.
Accommodation: Overnight at Riverside Camp, a beautiful camp
on the banks of Little Ruaha river
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DAY 5: Ruaha National Park
An impressive 130km of red dirt track, in the middle of nowhere, will lead us right into the marvels of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second biggest park. This park is a vast un spoilt ecosystem that is home to the largest elephant population of the whole Tanzania (about 12,000). Large prides of wonderful lions also claim Ruaha as their home, and are normally observed with great ease. The park is also populated by large herds of buffalo, kudu, gazelles, antelopes, ostriches, cheetahs and many species of birds.
We will be accommodated outside the park in an amazing location, totally undeveloped and surrounded by abundant wildlife Given the location, fully open and immersed in the nature of the park, at night, many animals can wander undisturbed among our tents. Be ready for a thrilling and unforgettable experience!
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mabata Makali Lodge
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DAY 6: Ruaha National Park
Full day dedicated to the exploration of the park, wildlife viewing and photography. Morning game drive, return to camp for lunch and late afternoon game drive.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 7: Ruaha National Park
Full day dedicated to the exploration of the park, wildlife viewing and photography. The park is crossed by several sandy rivers, mostly dry during the dry season. The river beds are used by animals as “roads” to reach the remaining water supplies. The little water available plays an important role in concentrating large numbers of animals such as buffaloes, zebras, elephants and, consequently, different species of predators: lions, leopards and hyenas. Morning game drive, return to camp for lunch and late afternoon game drive.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 8: Ruaha NP - Iringa
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After the morning game drive, we will head back to Iringa. We will stop at the market to replenish our supplies and we will spend the afternoon in the quiet of River valley Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: River valley Camp
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DAY 9: Udzungwa Mountains National Park
We will leave Iringa heading towards the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. From Kidatu on, the road becomes an ungraded, bumpy, gravel road that will force us to proceed in low gear and at low speed. A condition we can exploit to enjoy the beautiful panorama! In the afternoon we will relax on the beautiful green of our camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hondo-Hondo Camp
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DAY 10: Udzungwa Mountains NP - Sanje Falls Trail
Today we explore the rest of the park following a trail that will lead us to numerous waterfalls of fresh spring water which sustains the abundant park wildlife and the agricultural activities of the region.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hondo-Hondo Camp
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DAY 11: Udzungwa Mountains NP - Dar es Salaam
Today we will head back to Dar es Salaam, crossing Mikumi National Park one last time. An enjoyable return to the resort where our journey began and a nice way to relax after the safari excitement.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mediterraneo Hotel, or similar
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DAY 12: Dar es Salaam
A full day of complete relax, sunbathing and swimming. It is possible to organize an optional boat trip to the islands in front of the coast and to do some interesting snorkeling on the coral reef.
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mediterraneo Hotel, or similar
DAY 13: Tour Terminates
Breakfast and transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport to catch your departure flight home.
Africa Uncovered Safaris staff reserve the right to modify the proposed itinerary, before or during the tour, due to unforeseeable conditions like weather change, time constrains, road blocks, safety concerns or logistic problems. Such decisions will be final and indisputable and will not entitle participants to any type of reimbursement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Accommodations: Campsites (developed or undeveloped) inside and outside the parks. Mid-budget hotels. Road Conditions: Mostly paved roads or good grade gravel roads, with the exception of the tracks inside the parks. Meal and Personal Care: Local restaurants and meals prepared by the Africa Uncovered Safaris staff, when out in the wilderness.
Showers will be available every day, but in some campground cold water might be the only option available.
What's Included:
- Accommodation as stipulated in tented lodges and lodges
- Guide (English-speaking)
- Meals as per itinerary. This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and kosher food options on request. Simply let our customer support team know the food option that you prefer
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
- All transfers and activities as mentioned above, park fees, conservation fees and community development fees.
- Transport 4x4 safari pop up roof
- Bottled water, winery, local beer, soda
Price per person sharing the safari USD$2,785
