Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire › Ngorongoro highlands › Ngorongoro Crater › Arusha
From $1,450 mid-range$2,650 luxury
8-day safari · Southern circuit
Southern Tanzania: Mikumi and Ruaha
The quiet south: Mikumi’s floodplain, then four nights in Ruaha, Tanzania’s wildest big park, with a flight back to Dar es Salaam.
- Days
- 8
- From
- $4,250
- Best
- June to October, the dry season, when animals gather on the Great Ruaha River
The route
Where you go
- Mikumi2 nights · about 5 h from Dar es Salaam
- Iringa1 night · about 3 h 30
- Ruaha4 nights · about 3 h
- Dar es SalaamDay visit · flight, about 1 h 45
Day by day
- Day 1
Dar es Salaam to Mikumi
West on the highway to Mikumi and an afternoon drive on the Mkata floodplain: elephants, giraffe, buffalo and lion.
- Day 2
Mikumi
A full day in the park, with far fewer vehicles than the north.
- Day 3
To Iringa
Up into the highlands to Iringa, a relaxed town to break the journey.
- Days 4–7
Ruaha
Four nights in Ruaha: large lion prides, elephants along the Great Ruaha River, greater kudu and, with luck, wild dog. Walking safaris with a ranger.
- Day 8
Fly out
A last morning drive, then a light-aircraft flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam for your connection.
Included
- Private 4×4 and your own driver-guide
- All park fees
- 7 nights in lodges and camps, full board
- The flight from Ruaha to Dar es Salaam
- $25 to The Little Oasis Foundation
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Drinks at the lodges
Best time: June to October, the dry season, when animals gather on the Great Ruaha River.
Is the vehicle private?
Yes. Every Trailheads safari uses a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and your own driver-guide, for your party only. You never share with strangers.
What is the difference between mid-range and luxury?
The vehicle, guide and route are the same. Mid-range lodges and tented camps are comfortable, en-suite and full board. Luxury camps are smaller, closer to the wildlife and more personal, with better food and service. Where you stay explains both.
Are park fees included?
Yes. Every park, conservation area and crater fee on the itinerary is included in the price we quote.
Can you change the itinerary?
Every safari here is a starting point. We change the parks, the nights and the lodges around your dates and interests, and quote the version you choose.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates. We send the exact lodges, the day-by-day plan and a price. A real person replies within 2 hours.