SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARIS
PRIVATE SAFARIS BEYOND THE BUSIEST ROUTES
Discover Mikumi, Nyerere, Ruaha and Udzungwa with a private safari designed around your plans.
Southern Tanzania offers vast wilderness areas, varied landscapes and rewarding wildlife experiences away from the country’s busiest safari circuit. Travel by road, train or domestic flight and combine your safari with mountains, culture, history or the islands.
WHICH SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
There is no single best national park for every traveller.
Mikumi is the most practical choice for a short and affordable road safari. Nyerere combines game drives with boat safaris along the Rufiji River. Ruaha offers a more remote wilderness experience and is best explored over several days. Udzungwa adds rainforest hiking, waterfalls and primate viewing to a safari itinerary.
The right choice depends on your available time, starting point, budget and the type of experience you want.
SOUTHERN TANZANIA AT A GLANCE
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
BEST FOR
Boat safaris, varied landscapes, wild dogs and quieter game drives​
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RECOMMENDED STAY
3 to 4 days
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FROM DAR ES SALAAM
Approximately 4 to 5 hours by road, or by domestic flight​
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MAIN EXPERIENCES
Private game drives, boat safaris and walking experiences
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RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
BEST FOR
Remote wilderness, predators, baobab landscapes and experienced safari travellers
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RECOMMENDED STAY
At least 3 days when flying
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FROM DAR ES SALAAM
Domestic flight recommended for a short Ruaha safari, or an overland journey with stops
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MAIN EXPERIENCES
Private game drives, seasonal balloon safaris and selected walking safaris
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MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
BEST FOR
Short safaris, families, first-time safari travellers and good value​
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RECOMMENDED STAY
2 to 3 days
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FROM DAR ES SALAAM
Approximately 6 to 8 hours by road, or SGR train to Morogoro followed by approximately 2 hours by road
MAIN EXPERIENCES
Private game drives, open plains and relatively easy wildlife viewing
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MIKUMI, NYERERE OR RUAHA?
CHOOSE MIKUMI IF YOU WANT A SHORTER OR MORE AFFORDABLE SAFARI
Mikumi is one of the most accessible national parks from Dar es Salaam. Its open Mkata Floodplain provides good visibility, making elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and different antelopes relatively easy to observe.
A two-day safari is possible when your time is limited, although it includes considerable travel. Three days provides a more relaxed programme and a full-day of game driving.
Mikumi is also the easiest park to combine with the Udzungwa Mountains, Morogoro and the Uluguru Mountains.
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CHOOSE NYERERE IF YOU WANT VARIED SAFARI ACTIVITIES
Nyerere offers a different experience from parks where the programme focuses entirely on game drives.
The Rufiji River and its surrounding lakes and channels make boat safaris possible. From the water, you can search for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and animals visiting the riverbanks. Game drives explore woodland, wetlands, open areas and riverine landscapes.
Nyerere is a strong choice for travellers visiting from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and for anyone who wants to combine a traditional safari with time on the water.
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CHOOSE RUAHA IF YOU WANT A DEEPER WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Ruaha is farther from Dar es Salaam and receives fewer visitors than more accessible parks. It offers vast landscapes, ancient baobab trees, the Great Ruaha River and rewarding opportunities to search for elephants, lions and other predators.
Because of the size of the park, Ruaha is best suited to travellers who can spend several days on safari. Flying is recommended when Ruaha is your only mainland destination and you do not want overnight stops along the way.
Overland travel becomes more interesting when Ruaha forms part of a longer holiday through Mikumi, Udzungwa, Iringa or the Mufindi Highlands.
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ADD UDZUNGWA IF YOU WANT MORE THAN GAME DRIVES
Udzungwa is not a traditional game drive destination. The park is explored primarily on foot with an authorised guide.
The best known hike leads through the rainforest to the Sanje Waterfalls. Along the way, you can enjoy mountain scenery and search for monkeys, birds, plants and other forest wildlife.
Combining Mikumi and Udzungwa gives you wildlife, hiking and waterfalls within one relatively compact itinerary.
HOW TO REACH SOUTHERN TANZANIA’S NATIONAL PARKS
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BY ROAD
Travelling by road offers the most flexibility and is generally the most affordable option for couples, families and small groups sharing the vehicle costs.
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Our driver can collect you from your hotel, home, airport, ferry terminal or another agreed location. The same private vehicle can remain with you throughout a longer overland itinerary.
Road travel works especially well for Mikumi and Nyerere. Ruaha is better included in a longer route with stops rather than reached from Dar es Salaam in one continuous journey.
BY SGR TRAIN AND ROAD
The SGR train can shorten part of the journey between Dar es Salaam and inland Southern Tanzania.
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For Mikumi, you can travel from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro by train in less than two hours. Our driver collects you at Morogoro SGR station and continues to Mikumi by private vehicle. This final drive normally takes approximately two hours.
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The SGR train can also form the first part of an overland journey towards Ruaha. After travelling to Morogoro, the drive to Iringa takes approximately seven hours. We recommend staying overnight in Iringa before continuing to the Ruaha area the following morning, which takes approximately two to two and a half hours.
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The train does not travel directly to Mikumi or Ruaha National Park. We can arrange the tickets, station transfers and onward private transport.
BY DOMESTIC FLIGHT
Flying saves time and is the recommended option for a short Ruaha safari.
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Domestic flights may also connect Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar with Mikumi and Nyerere. Schedules, stops, fares and available routes depend on the date and airline.
Flying is normally more expensive than travelling by road, especially for larger groups. We compare the available options and explain the difference in travel time and price before preparing your itinerary.
STARTING YOUR SAFARI FROM DAR ES SALAAM
Dar es Salaam is the main starting point for most of our road safaris.
We can collect you from anywhere in the city, including your hotel, home, the airport or the Zanzibar ferry terminal. An overnight stay or private city tour can be added before or after the safari.
From Dar es Salaam:
Mikumi can be reached by road or by SGR train combined with a private transfer.
Nyerere can be reached by private road transport or domestic flight.
Ruaha is best reached by domestic flight for a short safari or as part of a longer overland itinerary.
Your safari can return to Dar es Salaam or continue towards another destination.
STARTING YOUR SAFARI FROM ZANZIBAR
A Southern Tanzania safari can easily be combined with a holiday in Zanzibar.
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You can travel by ferry or domestic flight to Dar es Salaam and continue by road. For Mikumi, it is also possible to connect through Dar es Salaam and take the SGR train to Morogoro.
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Direct flights between Zanzibar and selected safari destinations may be available. This is the fastest option but is usually considerably more expensive than travelling through Dar es Salaam.
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We can collect you from your hotel anywhere on Zanzibar and arrange the ferry, domestic flight and required transfers. These transport costs are added to the safari price because they depend on your location, travel dates and chosen route.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED?
2 DAYS
A two-day Mikumi safari is the shortest road safari we normally recommend.
It is a compact programme with considerable travel, but it works when you only have two days available.
3 DAYS
Three days allows you to include a full-day of game driving.
You can choose Mikumi for open landscapes and easy wildlife viewing or Nyerere for a combination of game drives and a sunset boat safari.
4 DAYS
Four days provides several attractive possibilities.
You can enjoy a more relaxed Nyerere safari, combine Mikumi with hiking in the Udzungwa Mountains or fly to Ruaha for several days of game driving.
5 TO 7 DAYS
With more time, you can combine multiple destinations without making the itinerary feel rushed.
Possible routes include Mikumi and Udzungwa, Nyerere and Kilwa, or Mikumi, Iringa and Ruaha.
10 DAYS OR MORE
A longer holiday allows you to experience more than safari alone.
We can combine national parks with the Uluguru or Udzungwa Mountains, Dar es Salaam, historic Kilwa, Iringa, the Mufindi Highlands and time on Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia Island.
OUR SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARIS
These itineraries are based on safaris we have organised for previous guests. Use them as inspiration for your own holiday.
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Every itinerary can be adapted to your dates, group size, interests, accommodation preferences and preferred pace.
MORE THAN A SAFARI
Our work is not limited to national parks.
We can organise your complete holiday within Tanzania, including private road transport, domestic flights, ferry and train tickets, accommodation, hiking, cultural activities, city tours and time on the islands.
Possible combinations include:
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Safari and beach time in Zanzibar
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Nyerere and historic Kilwa
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Mikumi and the Udzungwa Mountains
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Mikumi, Iringa and Ruaha
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The Uluguru Mountains and Mikumi
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Ruaha and the Mufindi Highlands
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Ruaha, Katavi and the Mahale Mountains
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Dar es Salaam, safari and the islands
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The best route depends on the distances involved and the pace you prefer. We will tell you honestly when a combination requires more time or when flying would make the itinerary more enjoyable.
PRIVATE AND PERSONALISED
All Kasaka Tours game drives are private for your booking group.
You travel with your own safari vehicle and driver-guide rather than joining travellers from another booking. This gives you more control over the pace, stops and daily programme.
Scheduled trains, ferries, domestic flights and certain lodge activities are shared with other passengers.
We do not sell one fixed safari to every traveller. The itineraries and prices on our website are examples. We prepare every final programme according to your travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences and wider plans in Tanzania.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which is the most affordable safari from Dar es Salaam?
Mikumi is normally the most affordable option because it is relatively accessible and offers a wide selection of accommodation. The final price still depends on your group size, room configuration, travel dates and chosen lodge.
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Is Mikumi or Nyerere better for a first safari?
Both are suitable for a first safari. Mikumi has open plains and is a practical choice for a short, affordable trip. Nyerere offers more varied landscapes and allows you to combine a game drive with a boat safari. We can compare both according to your priorities.
Which safari is best from Zanzibar?
Mikumi and Nyerere are both practical options from Zanzibar. You can travel through Dar es Salaam or choose a direct domestic flight when available. Ruaha is farther away and is best reached by air when it is your only safari destination.
Are your safaris private?
Yes. Your safari vehicle and driver-guide are private for your booking group. Scheduled flights, ferries, trains and certain activities arranged by lodges may be shared.
Can I travel to the national parks by train?
The SGR train can be used for part of the journey to Mikumi or as the beginning of a longer overland route towards Ruaha. The train does not travel directly into either national park. Private road transfers are required after leaving the train.
Can I combine several national parks?
Yes. Mikumi, Nyerere and Ruaha can be combined, but the distances must be considered carefully. Longer routes may include stops in Morogoro, Udzungwa or Iringa, or combine road transport with a domestic flight.
Can I combine safari with Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia?
Yes. We can arrange a safari before or after your stay on one of the islands. Domestic flights, ferry tickets and required transfers can be included in your personalised itinerary.
Are safaris suitable for children?
Yes. Private safaris work well for families because the programme can be adapted to the children’s ages and normal routine. Minimum ages may apply to walking safaris, balloon safaris and certain accommodations. Send us the ages of all children so we can advise you correctly.
When is the best time for safari in Southern Tanzania?
June to October is the most popular period because conditions are generally dry and wildlife gathers around remaining water sources. November to February offers greener landscapes, birdlife and occasional rainfall. March to May is the main rainy period, when certain roads and camps can become inaccessible.
Conditions vary between destinations, so we check park access, accommodation availability and transport options before confirming your safari.
Can the example itineraries be changed?
Yes. Every itinerary can be adapted. We can change the duration, park, accommodation, transport, activities and starting or finishing point according to your plans.
How much does a private safari cost?
The price depends on the number of travellers, travel dates, national park, transport, accommodation level and room configuration. Sharing the private vehicle costs between several travellers usually lowers the price per person. Send us your details and we will prepare a personalised quotation.
