14-Day Coast to Savannah Southern Tanzania Safari

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be greeted by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Take time to rest, recover from travel, and prepare for the days ahead. As evening falls, a brief introduction will guide you through the Southern Circuit, a journey defined not by crowds, but by vast landscapes, silence, and true wilderness.

After breakfast, you depart north for Saadani, East Africa’s only national park that touches the Indian Ocean. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive, where elephants and giraffes roam against a backdrop of rolling surf. Sunset here is unlike any other safari, golden light over water, where bush and beach meet in perfect silence. It’s a coastal beginning to a journey that will soon lead deep into the interior.

The day begins with an early game drive along Saadani’s sandy tracks, where lions, kudu and warthog emerge from coastal thickets. Later, board a boat along the Wami River, gliding past hippos and crocodiles as fish eagles sweep overhead. The blend of marine air and bushland wildlife makes this one of Tanzania’s rarest safari experiences, a gentle contrast to the rugged interior that awaits.

Head inland via Chalinze and the Uluguru foothills to Mikumi. By late afternoon, roll onto the Mkata Plains “Serengeti of the South” for a golden-hour drive among zebra herds and statuesque giraffes. Wide horizons and easy sightings make Mikumi a guest favourite from the start, perfect for building momentum. Every mile travelled brings a shift from coastal charm to classic savannah drama, setting the tone for true safari immersion.

A full day on the plains: elephants, lion prides, wildebeest lines, and raptors riding thermals. Picnic in the bush maximises time on productive loops while your guide reads fresh tracks for predators. Optional Maasai cultural time adds portraits, beadwork, and fireside stories that enrich the narrative of your journey. With vast open landscapes and effortless wildlife viewing, Mikumi delivers the iconic safari rhythm guests dream of.

Short drive to Udzungwa’s emerald rainforest. Hike to Sanje Waterfalls for sweeping valley views and natural pools, a cooling reward after the climb. Look for red colobus and endemic birds; this biodiverse interlude adds lush texture and contrast to the savannah chapters on either side. Udzungwa introduces a softer, more mystical chapter where jungle mist replaces dust and the soundtrack shifts to birdsong. Later on, enjoy a short drive to Mikumi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Travel west via Iringa into Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest and most remote park. Enter at golden hour for an introductory drive among ancient baobabs and river sandbanks. Your lodge, a retreat, overlooks the wild country, with elephant silhouettes at dusk and the distant call of hyenas after dark; a three-night stay ensures an unhurried, in-depth exploration. This is the moment the journey turns wild, where remoteness becomes a classic and silence becomes an integral part of the experience.

Work the Great Ruaha River and rocky kopjes: lions on granite, elephants threading baobab groves, kudu and sable in thick bush. With fewer vehicles, sightings feel intimate and cinematic, exactly why seasoned travellers call Ruaha “Africa, undiluted.” Flexible routing allows you to chase the best light and behaviour. Each drive feels like a private documentary, unfolding in real time with no crowds, no rush, just raw Africa.

Return to prime areas at first and last light, or add a guided bush walk (seasonal) to read tracks and scents at ground level. With three nights, you follow stories of coalitions, cubs, crossings instead of chasing checklists, sundowners above the river, and close a perfect Ruaha trilogy. This depth of time is a privilege, allowing space for observation, patience, and truly unforgettable wildlife encounters.

After a hearty breakfast, you will retrace your route east to Morogoro for a relaxing overnight stay. This pace stop is designed to keep the journey comfortable and prepare you for a smooth run into Selous tomorrow. Enjoy the picturesque views of Uluguru Mountains and a leisurely dinner; our team will handle luggage and prepare for an early start. This gentle pause ensures a seamless and refreshing transition from the highland plateau to the river wilderness, allowing you to unwind and fully enjoy the journey.

Drive the scenic route into Nyerere, Africa’s largest protected ecosystem. Settle in and take a serene Rufiji River boat safari, hippos yawning, crocs basking, kingfishers flashing over lily pads. A mirrored sunset over broad water signals you’ve arrived in big-sky river country. Selous greets you not with roar, but with silence and water inviting you deeper into its secret rhythm.

At first light, you will walk with an armed ranger to learn the bush’s quiet language-tracks, browse lines, alarm calls. Later, go on a game drive to spot wild dogs, elephants, and lions across lakes and miombo woodland. Evenings bring campfire conversations, star-filled skies, and the thrill of being far from the modern world. Nothing compares to walking here; each footprint is a reminder that this is one of Africa’s last great true wildernesses, offering an authentic, deeply connected experience.

Enjoy a full-day safari exploring the diverse landscapes of Lake Manze, Siwandu, and the surrounding floodplains, with a relaxed picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness. Your professional guide carefully reads the wind, light, and animal movement to position you for meaningful, unhurried wildlife encounters. The day is designed for extended game viewing, quiet tracking, and exceptional photographic opportunities, allowing you to fully absorb the rhythm of the bush and experience some of the most rewarding moments Nyerere National Park has to offer.

After a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, it is time to bid farewell to the wilderness. You will be transferred to the airstrip or driven onward to Dar es Salaam, with the option to continue to Zanzibar for your onward journey or beach extension. As your safari comes to an end, depart with lasting memories of Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife, and unforgettable moments. Our team will assist with smooth transfers and onward travel arrangements to ensure a seamless conclusion to your journey.