Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Your journey begins early in the morning from Dar es Salaam with a road or flight transfer toward Ruaha National Park. If traveling by road, you will pass through scenic countryside, local villages, and rolling landscapes of Southern Tanzania.

Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in Ruaha, exploring the vast wilderness along the Great Ruaha River. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and possibly lions or leopards as they become active in the cooler hours.

Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Ruaha National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive across different areas of Ruaha National Park. The park is known for its raw wilderness and high predator density, especially large prides of lions and elusive leopards.

You will explore diverse habitats including riverine forests, open plains, rocky hills, and baobab-dotted landscapes. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park, allowing you to maximize your time in the wild.

Continue your afternoon game drive focusing on wildlife near water sources, where animals gather in large numbers. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 3: Ruaha – Travel to Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a final short morning game drive in Ruaha before beginning your journey toward Mikumi National Park.

The drive offers beautiful scenery, passing through rural villages and open landscapes. Upon arrival in Mikumi, you will check into your lodge and relax after the long journey.

If time allows, you may enjoy a short evening game drive in Mikumi, where you can already spot giraffes, zebras, and elephants on the open plains.

Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Mikumi National Park

After breakfast, spend the entire day exploring Mikumi National Park. The park’s open Mkata floodplain offers excellent wildlife viewing, often compared to the Serengeti due to its wide savannah and abundant animals.

Expect to see large herds of buffalo, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes. Predators such as lions and hyenas are also frequently spotted. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed inside the park.

Continue your afternoon game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Return to Dar es Salaam

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Mikumi when wildlife is most active. This is your final opportunity to capture memorable sightings and photographs.

After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Dar es Salaam. You will arrive in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5-day Southern Tanzania safari adventure.

Cost of the Safari 5 Days Ruaha and Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam

The cost of this 5-day Ruaha and Mikumi safari depends on accommodation level, season, and group size. On a budget option, prices start from around US$1,100 to US$1,500 per person, which includes basic camps, park fees, meals, and guided game drives. A mid-range safari typically costs between US$1,600 and US$2,500 per person, offering comfortable lodges or tented camps with better services and private facilities. For a luxury safari experience, prices range from US$2,800 to US$4,500+ per person, including high-end lodges, premium services, private guides, and exclusive wildlife experiences. Costs may increase during peak season (June to October), while the green season often offers better deals and discounts.