8-Day Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028

What is the 8-Day Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi Safari Tour
A multi-park Southern Tanzania safari featuring Selous (boat + walking), Ruaha (big cats & elephants) and Mikumi (Serengeti-style plains), including guided 4×4 game drives, eco-lodges & expert naturalists.

Travel deep into Tanzania’s remote Southern Safari Circuit on this expertly curated 8-Day Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi Tour 2026/2027/2028, combining three of East Africa’s most underrated wilderness areas. Begin in the legendary Selous (Nyerere National Park)—a UNESCO-protected ecosystem (see: UNESCO) of palm-lined lakes, thriving buffalo herds, roaring lions, and world-class boating safaris along the Rufiji River. Continue to Ruaha National Park, known for spectacular predator densities, massive elephant populations, and classic off-road wilderness experiences. Round off the journey in Mikumi National Park, a sweeping savannah reminiscent of the Serengeti, but with fewer crowds and year-round wildlife sightings.

This itinerary blends boat safaris, walking experiences, and 4×4 game drives led by seasoned local naturalists who share deep knowledge of the land. You’ll stay in eco-friendly tented camps and rustic lodges committed to community & conservation. Your safari price includes an English-speaking professional guide, meals, game drives, park fees, and reliable support.

For travellers comparing options, this route is an immersive alternative to mainstream northern circuits—ideal for photographers, families, and travellers looking to explore less-crowded wild terrain. We recommend pairing this tour with a Zanzibar Beach Extension to unwind after your adventure.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam → Selous (Nyerere National Park)

On arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will board a short scheduled flight/road transfer into Selous Game Reserve. Enjoy a scenic drive through woodlands before reaching your intimate safari camp overlooking the Rufiji waterways. After a welcome briefing and lunch, join an afternoon game drive where elephant herds, giraffe, wildebeest and zebras appear against riverbank backdrops. As golden light fades, return to camp for dinner and stargazing. Overnight in Selous.

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Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive + Rufiji River Cruise

After early breakfast, venture deep into Selous’ rich landscapes—home to Africa’s largest populations of wild dogs, elephants and hippos. Track lion prides, admire raptors, search for kudu & hartebeest. After lunch, board a Rufiji River boat safari to spot crocodiles, hippos and wide bird colonies. Photography moments are exceptional as flocks take off at sunset. Return to camp for a warm meal, guided campfire storytelling, and restful night.

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Day 3: Walking Safari + Transfer to Ruaha National Park

After coffee, embark on a guided walking safari with trained armed ranger—learning animal tracks, bird calls and plant uses. Later, travel by flight/road into Ruaha National Park; a huge, semi-arid wilderness known for its high big-cat density and large elephant herds. Enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your camp, where rugged hills frame dramatic sunsets. Overnight in Ruaha.

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Day 4: Full-Day Ruaha Wildlife Safari

Spend today exploring Ruaha’s dramatic valleys, iconic baobab forests and rugged grasslands. Game drives reveal lions, cheetahs, leopards and vast elephant herds. The Great Ruaha River draws an array of antelope species, hippos and crocodiles—creating dynamic predator–prey interactions. After picnic lunch under baobabs, continue exploring until dusk; evenings bring breath-taking stargazing and traditional bush dinners at camp.

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Day 5: Ruaha Game Drives + Optional Night Drive

Enjoy another day discovering Ruaha’s remote tracks, where buffalo herds roam and wild dogs hunt. Watch for lesser kudu, sable & roan antelope—rare highlights of southern Tanzania. Optional night game drive offers unique glimpses of nocturnal wildlife such as civets, honey badgers and bat-eared foxes. Overnight under African skies.

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Day 6: Ruaha → Mikumi National Park

Depart after breakfast via road/flight to Mikumi National Park, popularly known as the “mini-Serengeti,” thanks to its open plains and rich wildlife. Settle at your lodge, surrounded by acacia woodlands before heading out for an evening game drive to look for elephants, zebras, and lions along the Mkata floodplains. Return to camp for dinner & overnight.

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Day 7: Full-Day Game Viewing — Mikumi

Mikumi offers scenic golden grasslands & easy wildlife viewing. Take a sunrise game drive to spot predators on the hunt, before visiting hippo pools teeming with activity. From giraffe towers to lion families resting in shade, this compact park keeps you engaged. Picnic lunch in wilderness; return for sunset photography and relaxation at your lodge.

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Day 8: Morning Game Drive → Dar es Salaam

Take a final morning game drive to photograph elephants, zebra herds and buffalo before returning to Dar es Salaam by road/flight. Tour ends — optional beach extension to Zanzibar available.

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 PRICE COMPARISON TABLE

Prices vary by season & availability

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UNIQUE POINTS

•  Remote, uncrowded safari circuit
• Selous: boat + walking + game drives
• Ruaha: Big cats & elephants
• Mikumi: Serengeti-style plains without crowds
•  Eco-friendly camps
• Expert local naturalists
• Perfect for photographers, couples & families
• Ideal Southern Tanzania alternative to Serengeti routes

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FAQ — 8-Day Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi Tour

 1) What makes this 8-Day Southern Tanzania safari unique?

This itinerary combines three of Southern Tanzania’s most pristine reserves — Selous (Nyerere), Ruaha & Mikumi — covering boat safaris, walking, and open-vehicle game drives. It offers lower visitor density, exceptional predator encounters, eco-friendly lodges and deep immersion with professional safari naturalists.

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 2) What wildlife can I see in Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi?

Expect elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, zebras and more than 440 bird species. Ruaha is known for its big-cat density; Selous features river ecosystems; Mikumi offers Serengeti-style plains.

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 3) Is this 8-day safari suitable for families & honeymooners?

Yes — this tour suits couples, families with older children (7+), photographers and small groups. Private departures & romantic upgrades are available.

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 4) When is the best time to travel?

The best months are June–October (dry season), when wildlife gathers around permanent water. November–March provides lush landscapes, migratory birds and fewer crowds.

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 5) What style of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in well-selected eco-lodges or tented camps inside/near each park — offering ensuite rooms, quality meals and solar electricity. Luxury upgrades are available.

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 6) Are walking & boat safaris included?

Yes. Selous offers guided walking & Rufiji River boat safaris — rare experiences not widely available in many East African parks.

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 7) How do I access these parks?

Fly or drive from Dar es Salaam. Short bush flights link Selous → Ruaha → Mikumi. Return to Dar/Zanzibar easily.

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 8) Can I extend to Serengeti or Zanzibar?

Yes — many guests add Serengeti, Ruaha or Zanzibar Beach packages. We offer seamless trip extensions with flights included.

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 9) What should I pack?

Neutral safari clothing, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, walking shoes, light fleece for early mornings, and reusable water bottle.

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 10) Are park fees included?

Yes — park fees & conservation fees for Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi are included.

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Traveller Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A wilderness dream — Southern Tanzania is unreal!”
— Alice & Ben • UK • July 2024

“Selous boat safari was one of the best wildlife experiences we’ve had! Ruaha was wild and quiet — we saw lions every day and massive elephant herds. The camps were eco-friendly, comfortable, and food was excellent. Highly recommended.”

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Very well organized — ideal for photographers.”
— Matteo, Italy • Oct 2023

“The walking safari in Selous was a unique highlight. Ruaha had endless wildlife and we captured beautiful lion & leopard shots. Mikumi was peaceful and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Will definitely return.”

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Low crowds, high wildlife density — perfect combination!”
— Trevor & Emily, USA • Feb 2024

“We loved how uncrowded these parks were. Our guide spotted wild dogs, elephants, buffalo and multiple lion prides. Rufiji River was gorgeous at sunset. Great value for an 8-day safari.”

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Excellent service and smooth logistics.”
— Amara, India • Aug 2023

“Every transfer, meal and game drive was perfectly planned. Our guide was professional, fun and deeply passionate. Southern Tanzania is underrated — a must-do!”

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INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Tour Inclusions

This safari includes:

•  7 nights accommodation (Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi)

•  Full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

•  All park entrance & conservation fees

•  Professional English-speaking safari guide

•  Exclusive use of pop-up roof 4×4 Land Cruiser

•  Boat safari in Selous (Rufiji River)

•  Guided walking safari (with armed ranger) in Selous

•  Full-day game drives in all parks

•  All ground transfers + airport/airstrip pickup

•  Bottled drinking water during safaris

•  Medical evacuation insurance (AMREF/Flying Doctors)

•  Government VAT & taxes

•  24/7 on-ground customer support

•  Carbon-conscious eco-tour practices

Explore other Tanzania Safari Packages 2026/2027/2028

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Tour Exclusions

Not included unless otherwise arranged:

•  International flights

•  Tanzania tourist visa

•  Travel insurance

•  Premium alcoholic beverages / sodas

•  Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone, etc.)

•  Tips for driver/guide & camp staff

•  Balloon safari (optional add-on)

•  Extra hotel nights before/after safari

•  Single-room supplement

Add a Zanzibar Beach Extension after safari

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 Optional Upgrades

•  Luxury lodge upgrade (4–5★)

•  Private vehicle + personal guide

•  Night game drive (where permitted)

•  Photography specialist guide

•  Serengeti West & Ngorongoro extension

•  Flight transfers (Selous → Ruaha → Mikumi → Zanzibar)

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 Begin Your Southern Tanzania Adventure

Discover the pristine beauty of Selous, Ruaha & Mikumi — the wild, uncrowded Southern Circuit where breathtaking wildlife awaits.
Limited departures available for 2026/2027/2028 — secure your space early.

 Small-group & private safari options
 Best price guarantee
 Flexible travel dates

Plan your dream safari today — let our experts craft your perfect journey!

 GET STARTED

→ Request Free Quote
→ Check Availability
→ Speak to a Safari Expert (WhatsApp): +254 728 567 308
→ Customise My Trip (Add Zanzibar / Serengeti)

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