Highlights
- Go on safari in two Tanzanian national parks to see big cats, elephants, and more
- Spot hippos, crocs, and more on a real-life "jungle cruise" on the Rufiji River
- Enjoy a champagne toast after soaring above the savanna in a hot-air balloon
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mikumi National Park, Afternoon Game Drive | Mikumi National Park |
| Day 2 | Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Nyerere National Park | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 3 | Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Nyerere National Park | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Rufiji River Boat Safari | Nyerere National Park |
| Day 5 | Morning Balloon Safari, Transfer to Dar es Salaam, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mikumi National Park, Afternoon Game Drive
Welcome to Tanzania! With dozens of national parks and reserves, this East African nation is a wildlife lover's dream. You'll make the most of just a few days by hitting some highlights along the southern safari circuit. It begins in the hub of Dar es Salaam, from which you'll transfer by private car for 3.5 hours to Mikumi National Park. The drive is long but scenic as you pass sprawling savanna grasslands where elephants and giraffes roam free. The route also offers glimpses into rural Tanzanian life while showcasing the natural splendor of the southern highlands.
Eventually, you'll arrive in Mikumi. This protected area covers 1,250 square miles (3,230 sq km) of grassland and forest habitats. They're home to various wildlife species, including zebras, wildebeests, and predators like lions and cheetahs. Upon arrival, you'll check into your comfortable guest cottage at Camp Bastian Mikumi, an authentic family-run lodge located just outside the park gates.
Later, hop in an open-topped safari vehicle to witness the park's majestic creatures, including colorful birds like the African fish-eagle and lilac-breasted roller, in their natural environment on a late afternoon game drive. After this half-day safari, you'll return to the lodge in time for dinner.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Nyerere National Park
Rise and shine! You've got a full day of fun in store as you set off at dawn in an open-topped 4WD vehicle for your first morning safari in Africa. The early hour allows you to capitalize on the fact the animals are more active during these cooler hours. While not as famous as some other national parks in the country, Mikumi is home to the legendary Big Five game animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. You'll likely spot some (if not all) of these creatures enjoying their morning drink at watering holes.
After lunch at the lodge, you'll say goodbye to Mikumi and meet your driver for the roughly 4.5-hour transfer south to Nyerere National Park. Tanzania's largest protected national park—covering 11,917 square miles (30,893 sq km)—Nyerere is filled with various habitats, ecosystems, and waterways. The most prominent is the mighty Rufiji River, the largest river in the country and the park's lifeline. You'll stay right on the river's edge at the secluded Selous River Camp, where you can refresh with a swim in the pool and then catch the sunset from the riverfront dining area.
Day 3: Dawn & Afternoon Game Drives in Nyerere National Park
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Make the most of your time in Nyerere with a double bill of game drives. The first is a morning safari that starts around 6:15 am, just as the first light of day breaks. At this time, many of the most iconic animals, like elephants and giraffes, are just beginning their day, while certain predators, like lions and predators, are returning after their nightly hunt. The drive will last until around 10 am and will likely take you to watering holes and rivers like the Rufiji.
After returning to the lodge for lunch, you'll set out for a 3.5-hour game drive later in the afternoon. These safaris typically start around 3:30 pm, when the animals make the most of the last few daylight hours. And though big cats like lions are more lethargic at this time, it also means you can get closer without spooking them. The drive concludes with another spectacular African sunset over the plains and rivers.
Day 4: Full-Day Rufiji River Boat Safari
The highlights of this park are the animals you'll see in and around its riverine ecosystems. This morning, board a boat for a full-day river safari. As you motor at a leisurely pace down the Rufiji, you'll observe various wildlife in their natural habitats, particularly aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles.
Also, over 400 bird species have been recorded here, including water birds like kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, and more. There will be a stop for a picnic lunch on the riverbanks, followed by more wildlife viewing until the end of the day. Dinner will be served back at the lodge amid river views.
Day 5: Morning Balloon Safari, Transfer to Dar es Salaam, Depart
What better end to the safari adventure of a lifetime than a dawn ride over the African savanna in a hot-air balloon? Leave the lodge early and transfer to the takeoff site on the plains, where you'll meet your group and pilot and hop in the basket. Then, as the sun begins to paint the sky with the first light of dawn, you'll ascend into the sky and enjoy bird's-eye views of the African bush below. As you soar through the air, you'll see herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope grazing on the open plain—a sight unrivaled by any vantage point on the ground.
After touching down on earth, you'll toast the experience with a champagne breakfast. Then, meet your driver for the five-hour transfer back to Dar es Salaam, where you'll catch your departing flight or continue your African adventures. Safe travels!
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