8 Days Safari Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha

Stepping onto the soil of Dar Es Salaam airport, you'll be greeted by your dedicated guide. Your gateway to extraordinary experiences, this guide will accompany you to your hotel, giving you the rest of the day to relax and immerse yourself in the captivating African ambiance. Your personal and experienced guide not only holds profound insights into Tanzanian culture but also unveils the wonders of the country's majestic national parks and scenic vistas. Feel free to engage your guide with questions – their knowledge is your treasure trove. This journey is not just a safari; it's a bespoke expedition. Embrace the liberty to set your morning departure and evening return timings. Spend as much time as you wish observing a specific animal or herd during your safari, without the constraints of time. Your guide will offer sage advice, transforming your safari into an indelible memory.

After a hearty breakfast, your guide collects you from the hotel. The road stretches towards Mikumi National Park, a 4-hour drive away. As you arrive, your very first game drive in this captivating park beckons.

Mikumi is renowned for its boundless horizons and thriving wildlife, often compared to the famed Serengeti Plains. Within its expanse reside the enchanting 'Big Five' – cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. And here, the sight of lions ascending trees is more frequent than in any other park.

Today, a full day is dedicated to discovering the marvels of Mikumi National Park on an extensive game drive. Roaring lions survey the grassy expanse from termite mounds, as zebras, wildebeest, impalas, and buffaloes migrate across the Mkata Foodplain. Amidst the embrace of the Mkata River, elegant giraffes thrive in the shade of isolated acacia stands, sharing their retreat with the magnificent elephants of Mikumi. The Mkata Foodplain is a haven for the majestic eland, the world's largest antelope, and is enlivened by the presence of greater kudu and sable antelopes in the foothills of the bordering mountains.

Discover the hidden mud pools just 5 km north of the main entrance, where hippos thrive, surrounded by a changing ensemble of water birds.

Post-breakfast, a brief 1.5-hour drive transports you to Udzungwa National Park, a sanctuary of diverse habitats, including tropical rainforests and mountains. Home to over 400 bird species and six monkey species, including the rare Iringa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey, Udzungwa beckons.

Udzungwa's allure extends to hikers, with a network of forest trails leading to the celebrated Sanje Waterfall, cascading 170 meters into a mystical wooded valley. The hike uncovers the elusive grey-faced sengi and offers glimpses of the extraordinary Abbott's duiker and Kipunji. Elephants gracefully roam the southern forest.

On day 5, a thrilling journey takes you to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's second-largest sanctuary. With an abundance of African elephants, Ruaha is a haven for large elephant herds, perhaps more than any other East African park!

Roam amidst kudu, sable, and roan antelopes, rarely found elsewhere. Encounter leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes amidst the zebras, elands, and impalas that call Ruaha home. With luck, catch a glimpse of the endangered wild dogs that grace Ruaha's landscapes.

Another dawn invites a final game drive, perfectly aligned with your accommodation and flight schedule. Your journey draws to a close as you're transferred to the airstrip, winging your way back to Dar Es Salaam. Day 8 marks your return home, enriched by the extraordinary.