Mikumi · Nyerere · Ruaha
The Southern Circuit Photography Expedition
11 Days Through Tanzania's Wild Heart
Duration
11 days
Difficulty
easy
Group size
Max 6 guests
Availability
6 places left
Deeper into Tanzania's Wild South
If one park isn't enough, this expedition takes you further.
Over eleven unforgettable days, you'll explore the complete Southern Circuit, combining the river ecosystems of Nyerere National Park, the immense wilderness of Ruaha National Park, and the open savannahs of Mikumi National Park.
Away from Tanzania's crowded northern parks, you'll discover places where wildlife still follows ancient rhythms, where safari vehicles are few, and every sighting feels genuinely wild.
From boat safaris on the Rufiji River to tracking lions beneath ancient baobabs in Ruaha, this is Tanzania at its most authentic.
Why Choose This Safari?
The Southern Circuit is Tanzania's best-kept secret.
While many visitors head north, these parks offer equally spectacular wildlife with a fraction of the crowds.
This itinerary has been designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Southern Tanzania, giving you the opportunity to experience three completely different ecosystems in one seamless journey.
You'll spend eleven days immersed in nature, guided by experienced local experts who know these parks inside out, staying in carefully selected camps that bring you closer to the wilderness without sacrificing comfort.
What Makes This Expedition Different?
Small Groups: Travelling in a small group allows for a more personal safari experience, with flexibility to spend more time at special sightings, adapt the pace to the moment and minimise our impact on the natural environment.
Authentic Wilderness: The Southern Circuit remains one of Tanzania's most untouched safari destinations. From the remote landscapes of Ruaha to the waterways of Nyerere and the open plains of Mikumi, you'll experience incredible wildlife without the crowds found in more popular safari regions.
Experienced Local Team: Our guides are deeply connected to these landscapes. Beyond finding iconic species, they reveal the hidden stories of each ecosystem—from animal behaviour and tracks in the sand to the plants, birds and smaller details that make the wilderness come alive.
All about Nature: This expedition is designed around experiencing nature, not rushing between sightings. We believe the most memorable safari moments often happen when you slow down: watching elephants interact, following predator behaviour or simply sitting quietly as the landscape unfolds around you.
Meaningful Impact: By working closely with local communities and supporting conservation-minded initiatives, your journey contributes to protecting these landscapes while creating opportunities for the people who call them home.
Respect for Wildlife and Wild Spaces: Our approach is built around patience, space and respect. We avoid unnecessary pressure on animals and prioritise responsible wildlife encounters where natural behaviour always comes first.
The Experience
Your adventure begins in Nyerere National Park, Africa's largest protected wildlife area. Here, game drives are complemented by an unforgettable boat safari along the Rufiji River, where elephants, crocodiles, hippos and countless bird species gather along the banks.
From there, you'll continue to Mikumi National Park, famous for its open floodplains that make wildlife viewing exceptionally rewarding. Often compared to the Serengeti, Mikumi offers outstanding opportunities to observe giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants and predators roaming the vast Mkata Plains.
The final chapter takes you west to Ruaha National Park, one of East Africa's most remarkable safari destinations. Massive baobab trees dominate the landscape, while the Great Ruaha River attracts enormous elephant herds, impressive lion prides and one of Africa's strongest populations of endangered African wild dogs.
The Right Journey for the Right Travellers
This expedition is ideal for travellers who seek authentic experiences beyond mass tourism, who appreciate the beauty of nature, photography and storytelling, and who want to discover a less explored side of Tanzania. It is for those who value local knowledge, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to experience the wilderness in a more personal and immersive way.
Adventure in Detail
Day 1
Arrival in Dar es Salaam: Gateway to Southern Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania.Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Tanzania's vibrant coastal capital. Take the time to relax, recover from your journey and enjoy your first taste of East Africa, with views of the Indian Ocean and the energy of one of Africa's fastest-growing cities.Overnight in Dar es Salaam.
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Day 2
Journey to Nyerere National Park & Sunset Boat Safari
Your Southern Tanzania adventure begins.After breakfast, we depart Dar es Salaam and travel south towards Nyerere National Park, one of Africa's largest protected wilderness areas.
Arriving in the early afternoon, you'll have time to settle into your lodge overlooking the legendary Rufiji River, the lifeline of this extraordinary ecosystem. As the sun begins to set, we'll jump on a magical boat safari along the Rufiji River—a unique experience that sets Nyerere apart from any other safari destination in Tanzania.
Glide past pods of hippos, crocodiles and elephants gathering along the riverbanks, while hundreds of birds create the perfect soundtrack to your first African sunset. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 3
Full-Day Safari in Nyerere National Park
After an early breakfast, prepare for a full day exploring the vast landscapes of Nyerere National Park. Travelling through diverse habitats of open plains, forests, lakes and river systems, you'll search for some of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, zebras and an incredible variety of bird species.
A bush lunch will be served inside the park, allowing you to enjoy the wilderness without leaving the heart of nature.After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation overlooking the Rufiji River. Full board accommodation.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 4
Journey to Mikumi National Park
Today we continue deeper into Southern Tanzania.
After breakfast, enjoy a final safari experience in Nyerere National Park before beginning your journey towards Mikumi National Park. The road takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, local villages and changing ecosystems, offering a glimpse into everyday Tanzanian life beyond the safari tracks.
Arriving at Angalia Tented Camp in the late afternoon, settle into your authentic bush accommodation surrounded by nature. Dinner and overnight stay on a full-board basis.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 5 & Day 6
Exploring Mikumi National Park: Tanzania's Hidden Gem
Spend two unforgettable days discovering Mikumi National Park, often known as the "Little Serengeti" of Southern Tanzania.
The park's open plains make wildlife viewing exceptional, with large herds of buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes moving across the landscape.During your game drives, keep your eyes open for predators including lions and, with luck, elusive leopards resting among the acacia trees.
With the dramatic Uluguru Mountains as a backdrop, Mikumi offers incredible safari experiences away from the crowds.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 7
From Mikumi to Ruaha National Park: Into Tanzania's Wild Heart
After breakfast, we continue our expedition towards Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park and one of East Africa's most spectacular wilderness areas.
After arrival, enjoy your first afternoon safari exploring Ruaha's extraordinary landscapes of ancient baobabs, rocky hills and the Great Ruaha River.
Known for its large elephant populations, powerful lion prides and rare African wild dogs, Ruaha offers some of the most authentic wildlife encounters in Tanzania. Dinner and overnight near Ruaha National Park.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 8 & Day 9
Deep Exploration of Ruaha National Park
These two days are dedicated to discovering the remote beauty of Ruaha National Park.After breakfast, set out on full-day 4x4 safari adventures, travelling beyond the usual routes into quieter corners of this immense wilderness.
Ruaha is famous for its untouched landscapes, exceptional predator sightings and incredible biodiversity. Here, every drive feels like a true expedition—where the journey itself is as rewarding as the wildlife encounters.
Expect dramatic scenery, enormous elephant herds, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and some of Tanzania's rarest species.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 10
Isimila Stone Age Site & Return to Mikumi
After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Mikumi.Along the way, we stop at the remarkable Isimila Stone Age Site, one of East Africa's most important archaeological locations.
Explore ancient landscapes shaped by erosion, where towering sandstone pillars create a spectacular natural setting and reveal traces of human history dating back thousands of years.After this unique cultural and geological experience, continue towards Mikumi National Park for your final evening in Southern Tanzania. Dinner and overnight at Angalia Tented Camp.＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Day 11
Final Safari & Farewell Tanzania
Your final morning begins with breakfast at the camp.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy one last early morning game drive in Mikumi National Park, taking the opportunity for a final wildlife encounter before leaving the African wilderness behind.
Afterwards, we transfer back to Dar es Salaam for your onward journey or international flight.As your Southern Tanzania expedition comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories of wild landscapes, incredible wildlife and a deeper connection with one of Africa's most authentic safari regions.
Safari njema!＋ Tap to expand− Tap to collapse
Your Home in the Wild
During the expedition, guests stay in carefully selected accommodation located in buffer zones areas surrounding Mikumi, Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks.
These properties are not inside the park gates, but in the buffer zones between the park boundaries and nearby settlements—offering a quieter, more grounded safari experience while still keeping you extremely close to the action. In most cases, the park entrances are just a short 20-minute drive away.
Each property is chosen for its comfort, character and proximity to nature, offering a peaceful place to relax after each day in the bush while maintaining the authentic atmosphere of a true safari experience.
a peak's into our accommodation selection
Start planning your expedition.
Request Expedition DetailsWhat's Included
Included
Airport Transfers
All accommodation
All meals
Private 4×4 safari vehicle & fuel
Professional English-speaking guide
Boat safari in Nyerere National Park
Park entrance fees
Drinking water during game drives
Not included
International flights
Visa Fees
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic & Soft Drinks
Personal Expenses
Tips & Gratuities
Nature is unpredictable
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as animals move freely within their natural environment. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, road conditions, wildlife movements and park regulations. Our priority is always to create the best possible experience while respecting the environment and the animals we encounter.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, cancellation, baggage and safari activities.
Additional Information
Each expedition is carefully designed around a specific vision, combining thoughtful route planning, meaningful locations, and a philosophy centred on authentic encounters with nature. To ensure every detail runs smoothly, all practical arrangements — including accommodation, transport, permits, bookings, and local services — are managed through trusted, licensed local partners who share our commitment to responsible and meaningful travel.
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