Highlights
- See rare exotic primates, like colobus monkeys, in the Udzungwa Mountains
- Walk in the footsteps of ancient history at Iringa's archaeological sites
- Marvel at Big Five game animals on a dawn safari in Ruaha National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dar es Salaam, Free Afternoon to Relax & Explore | Dar es Salaam |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Morogoro, Half-Day Udzungwa Mountains National Park Tour | Morogoro |
| Day 3 | Full-Day Guided Udzungwa Nature & Waterfall Hike | Morogoro |
| Day 4 | Half-Day Udzungwa Rare Primate Safari & Hike, Transfer to Iringa | Iringa |
| Day 5 | Iringa Culture Tour, Visit Ismila Stone Age Site, Transfer to Ruaha | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 6 | Ruaha Dawn Game Drive, Fly to Dar es Salaam | Ruaha National Park |
| Day 7 | Self-Guided City Tour of Dar es Salaam, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam, Free Afternoon to Relax & Explore
Welcome to Tanzania! One of the world's most popular safari destinations, it features dozens of national parks and reserves with various ecosystems and habitats, from savanna plains and dense woodlands to tropical forests and wetlands. As a relatively small country, many of these parks are located within a day's drive of one another, making Tanzania a great destination for a week of safaris.
You'll arrive on the east coast in Dar es Salaam, the country's largest city and main port. At the terminal, your driver will meet you to transfer to your city hotel. After checking in, you can venture out to experience some of this dynamic port city's cultural offerings or sit down for dinner at one of its fine seafood restaurants overlooking the water.
Day 2: Transfer to Morogoro, Half-Day Udzungwa Mountains National Park Tour
Your safari adventure in Tanzania begins early with the 4.5-hour transfer by private vehicle inland to the Morogoro region. This area is home to Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania's lesser-known gems that protects rare species like sable antelopes and African hunting dogs. You'll be staying just outside the park's gates at Camp Bastian Mikumi, an authentic family-run lodge with comfortable guest cottages.
Get settled in, then meet your guide for a journey into the adjacent Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The park's 796 square miles (1,990 sq km) of rainforest-covered mountains are part of the Eastern Arc range, a biodiversity hotspot home to over 400 bird species and rare primates. On this half-day driving tour, you'll explore Udzungwa's unspoiled wilderness, stopping at viewpoints to admire its misty peaks and cascading waterfalls.
Day 3: Full-Day Guided Udzungwa Nature & Waterfall Hike
Udzungwa was made for nature hikes, and this morning, you'll set off on a full-day exploration of the park's highlights. After meeting your guide and gathering your gear, you'll trek to Udzungwa's premier landmark, Sanje Falls. This spectacular waterfall cascades 557 feet (170 m) over a series of rocky ledges, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of lush rainforest. Once there, you'll have time to hike around the falls and snap plenty of photos.
The rest of the day will be spent on trails beneath the verdant forest canopy. The habitats and ecosystems here support a rich tapestry of wildlife, and the area is particularly famous for its rare primate species. Spotting one or more of these charismatic monkeys in their natural habitat is a highlight of any African safari adventure. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel.
Day 4: Half-Day Udzungwa Rare Primate Safari & Hike, Transfer to Iringa
Depart early with your guide and return to the park to view more exotic primates. You'll hike through the forest from a trailhead to specific areas and habitats where the endemic monkeys reside. Not only will you be able to witness entire families of colobus monkeys and mangabeys, but you'll also spend time observing their behavior. It's a great way to learn about the social structure and hierarchy these primates create in the forest. Don't worry—you'll observe the animals from a safe distance to ensure you don't upset their habitat. At the end of this half-day hike, you'll return to the lodge.
Then, you'll meet your driver and leave the misty mountains of Udzungwa on a four-hour trip to Iringa. Nestled amid the rolling hills of Tanzania's southern highlands, this city is another firm fixture on the safari circuit and will be your base for excursions to more natural wonders. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have the evening free. If you like, venture out on a self-guided tour to discover the town's German/British colonial history.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Iringa Culture Tour, Visit Ismila Stone Age Site, Transfer to Ruaha
Start the day with a visit to the Iringa Boma Regional Museum and Cultural Centre. Housed in a historic German fort, here, you'll find that echoes of the past meet the pulse of the present. The museum portion preserves the history of the Iringa region through cultural artifacts, archaeological finds, and exhibits detailing colonial history. Additionally, there are educational programs and tours aimed at promoting cultural awareness and community engagement.
After a couple of hours at the museum, you'll continue walking in the footsteps of history at the Isimila Stone Age Site. Located just outside the city, this 1.2 square mile (3 sq km) archaeological site is estimated to be over 60,000 years old, dating to the Middle Stone Age. During a walk around the ruins of sandstone pillars, you'll see its famous collection of ancient stone tools, artifacts, and fossilized remains, which offer a window into the lives and behavior of early human inhabitants of the region.
Later, you'll meet your driver for the two-hour ride west to Ruaha National Park. Covering 7,809 square miles (20,225 sq km), this is one of the largest national parks in East Africa. Needless to say, there's a vast and diverse wilderness to explore, one home to large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, buffalo, and various antelope. Upon arrival, you'll check into your riverfront Ruaha River Lodge, where you can relax after your journey and spot big game from the comfort of your veranda.
Day 6: Ruaha Dawn Game Drive, Fly to Dar es Salaam
Strike out into the savanna on a morning safari to see Ruaha's residents as they awaken from their nightly slumber. This half-day game drive begins at dawn as you venture deeper into the park and traverse its vast grasslands and rugged miombo forests in search of Big Five animals like lions and elephants as they congregate at water sources. Birding enthusiasts should know that Ruaha is a birder's paradise with over 570 species on record—ranging from raptors and waterfowl to hornbills and secretary birds.
After a morning in the company of Tanzania's wildlife, you'll transfer to the airport and board a charter plane for the two-hour flight back to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your city hotel, where you'll overnight.
Day 7: Self-Guided City Tour of Dar es Salaam, Depart
Make the most of every last moment in Tanzania by taking the morning to see the sights around Dar es Salaam. For fun in the sun, head to Coco Beach. It's a great place to mingle with locals, sample street food, and enjoy live music.
For more local flavor, browse city markets like the Mwenge, which sells artisanal wood carvings and sculptures. The National Museum is another local highlight showcasing Tanzania's history and development. Later, at the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your onward flight. Safe travels!
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