- Safari packages
- Beach holidays
- City escapes
- South African holidays
- Tours & excursions
- Activities & experiences
Mikumi & Ruaha: A Week on Safari in Southern Tanzania
FromR56 565per person sharingSeasonal rates
Enquire now- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Destination
- Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
- Meals
- Full Board
- Getting there
- Fly-in (internal flights included)
- Travel
- 1 Jun 2026 to 31 May 2027
Overview
Two great parks of Southern Tanzania
Southern Tanzania sees a fraction of the visitors that crowd the north, and that is a large part of its appeal. This week-long safari pairs Mikumi, where open plains run up to mountain backdrops, with Ruaha, one of the largest and wildest parks in East Africa.
How the week unfolds
After a night in Dar es Salaam you fly into Mikumi for three nights, then hop across to Ruaha for three more. Light aircraft do the long distances, so the time you would spend on the road goes into game drives instead, and the drive from each airstrip to camp doubles as your first look at the park.
Ruaha and its river
The Great Ruaha River is the park's lifeline. Elephant, buffalo, antelope and predators gather along it, and the birdlife is remarkable. Choose between half-day drives and full days out with a picnic lunch.
Highlights
- Mikumi National ParkOpen plains and woodland below the mountains.
- Ruaha National ParkOne of East Africa’s great wildernesses.
- Fly-in, not drive-inLight aircraft link the parks, so more time goes into game viewing.
- Park fees includedAlong with meals during the safari, transfers and laundry.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
- 1night
CBD Hotel or similar
Dar es Salaam
- 3nights
Stanley's Kopje or Vuma Hills
Mikumi National Park
- 3nights
Ruaha River Lodge
Ruaha National Park
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1Arrival in Dar es Salaam
You are met at Dar es Salaam Airport and taken to your hotel, with help at check-in. The rest of the day is free to rest before the safari begins.
OvernightCBD Hotel or similar, Dar es Salaam
Day 2Fly to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast you are collected and taken to the airport for a light-aircraft flight to Mikumi. Your lodge guide meets you at the airstrip, and the safari starts straight away with a game drive and a picnic lunch on the way to the lodge. Head out again in the afternoon.
OvernightStanley's Kopje or Vuma Hills, Mikumi National Park
Days 3 & 4Mikumi National Park
Two full days in Mikumi, a park of open plains, woodland and mountain views with a wide variety of wildlife. Depending on the day, choose from:
- Early morning shared game drives
- Morning shared game drives
- Afternoon shared game drives
- Full-day game drives with a picnic lunch
OvernightStanley's Kopje or Vuma Hills, Mikumi National Park
Day 5Mikumi to Ruaha National Park
A final game drive through Mikumi takes you to the airstrip for the flight to Ruaha. Your guide meets you on arrival and you game view on the way to Ruaha River Lodge, then head out again in the afternoon and catch your first Ruaha sunset.
OvernightRuaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park
Days 6 & 7Ruaha National Park
Two full days to explore Ruaha, on shared half-day drives or full days out with a picnic lunch. Private game drives can be arranged at extra cost.
OvernightRuaha River Lodge, Ruaha National Park
Day 8Ruaha to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, one last game drive on the way to the airstrip and a flight back to Dar es Salaam, where you are met and helped with your onward flight or hotel.
What’s included
Everything in one price
- 8 days / 7 nights
- MealsFull Board
- Game drives & safari activities
- Park & conservation fees
- Internal flights & transfers
- Airport transfers
The full list
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as set out in the safari programme
- Two shared game drives a night in an open vehicle with a guide
- Internal light-aircraft flights
- Airport and airstrip transfers
- Airport taxes
- Park fees
- Concession fees
- Tea and coffee
- Laundry
- Internal transport as set out in the itinerary
- Meet-and-assist in Dar es Salaam
Rates
Rates by season
| Season | Per person sharing |
|---|---|
| High season1 Jul to 31 Oct 2026; 24 Dec 2026 to 4 Jan 2027 | R60 530 |
| Low season1 Nov to 23 Dec 2026; 5 Jan to 31 May 2027 | R56 565 |
Rates are in rand, per person sharing, for travel that starts within each season.
Not available for travel
- 1 April 2027 to 31 May 2027: The scheduled safari flights do not operate
Extras
Little things that add up
Optional upgrades
Ask us to add these
- Private game drives with your own vehicle and guide (extra cost)
- A three-night beach extension at Lazy Lagoon Island Lodge (priced on request)
- A day trip to Udzungwa Mountains National Park (priced on request)
Travelling with children
Child rates
Reduced child rates are available. Ask us when you enquire.
Good to know
The small print, in plain English
What’s not included
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Optional or private activities not part of the standard safari programme
- Personal expenses
- Anything not listed as included
Important notes
High season: 1 July to 31 October and 24 December to 4 January. Low season: all other dates.
Prices are per person sharing with at least one other adult. Minimum passenger numbers may apply.
Light-aircraft schedules can change for operational reasons, so flight times are confirmed closer to travel.
The itinerary can be adjusted: more or fewer nights, or different camps.
Rates and availability are confirmed when you book.
Rates and booking terms
Prices shown are per person sharing and are a guide: availability and the final price are confirmed in your quote.
This trip is priced in US dollars and shown here in rand, so the final amount depends on the exchange rate when you book.
Our Terms & Conditions apply to every booking.
Let’s shape it around you
Add a beach stay, change the camps or travel privately. Tell us your dates and we will quote.
Tell us what you have in mind and a travel consultant will come back to you with options and a clear price.
Dar es Salaam, Nyerere National Park and moreNyerere & Ruaha: A Week Between Two RiversFrom R65 875 pp sharingExplore Nyerere & Ruaha 
Dar es Salaam, Nyerere National Park and moreNyerere, Mufindi & Ruaha: Safari and HighlandsFrom R76 375 pp sharingExplore the journey 
Dar es Salaam, Katavi National Park and moreRuaha & Katavi: A Remote Tanzania Fly-in SafariFrom R78 140 pp sharingExplore Ruaha & Katavi 
