What animals can I expect to see on safari?

You can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests, African wild dogs, and over 400 bird species in Southern Tanzania.

Can the safari be customized?

Yes. All itineraries can be tailored to your preferences, including duration, accommodation type, route, and additional activities. Zanzibar beach extensions are also available.

10 Best Tanzania Safari Tours from Dar es Salaam 2026/2027/2028

What are the best Tanzania safari tours from Dar es Salaam?
The best safaris from Dar es Salaam include:

2 Days Mikumi Safari
3 Days Selous Safari
3 Days Mikumi Safari
4 Days Selous & Mikumi
5 Days Selous, Mikumi & Udzungwa
5 Days Ruaha
6 Days Southern Tanzania Safari
7 Days Ruaha & Nyerere
8 Days Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha
10 Days Southern Tanzania Safari

These tours offer big cats, elephants, river safaris, hot springs, walking safaris, and authentic wildlife encounters in Southern Tanzania.

Planning a Tanzania safari from Dar es Salaam in 2026, 2027, or 2028 is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in East Africa. Unlike the northern circuit—Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire—the Southern Tanzania safari circuit remains beautifully wild, uncrowded, and undiscovered. Starting your journey from Dar es Salaam gives you fast access to iconic destinations such as Selous (Nyerere National Park), Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha National Park and even remote wildlife hotspots like the Rufiji River system.

These Southern Tanzania safari routes offer a perfect blend of game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, hot springs, waterfalls, birdlife, and big game like elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and rare African wild dogs. The parks are also closer to Dar es Salaam—meaning shorter drives, more time in the wild, and lower costs compared to flying to the northern circuit.

These tours are designed for:
✔ Families
✔ Couples
✔ Solo travelers
✔ Group tours
✔ Photographers
✔ Wildlife enthusiasts
✔ Honeymooners seeking quiet wilderness

Our packages are fully customizable, depart daily, and include experienced safari guides, 4×4 Land Cruisers, park fees, accommodations, meals, and seamless pick-up from any hotel or airport in Dar es Salaam.

Explore more about Tanzania Safari Package & Combine East Africa Holiday packages. Learn more about the Tanzania Wildlife Authority conservation efforts in one smooth narrative ( TANAPA).

THE 10 BEST TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS FROM DAR ES SALAAM (2026–2028)

1. 2 Days Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam

A perfect 2-day Mikumi safari from Dar es Salaam with big cats, elephants, scenic plains, and comfortable lodges. Ideal for weekend travelers, families, and first-time safari lovers.

This short but rewarding safari is perfect for travelers seeking a quick wildlife escape from Dar es Salaam. Mikumi National Park is only 5–6 hours away, making it the most accessible big-game destination in Southern Tanzania. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalos, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and incredible landscapes resembling the Serengeti.
Ideal for business travelers, weekend getaways, or visitors with limited time.

2. 3 Days Selous (Nyerere National Park) Safari from Dar es Salaam

Explore Nyerere National Park with game drives, boat safaris, and walking adventures. See elephants, hippos, lions & crocodiles along the Rufiji River in this 3-day Selous safari.

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is Africa’s largest wildlife conservancy and arguably Tanzania’s wildest safari destination. This 3-day safari includes a boat safari on the Rufiji River—home to hippos and giant crocodiles—and a walking safari escorted by armed rangers.

3. 3 Days Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam

Experience the best of Mikumi National Park with full-day game drives, big cats, elephants, and savannah plains. A perfect 3-day safari from Dar es Salaam for families & groups.

This safari offers extended wildlife viewing time in Mikumi’s iconic Mkata Floodplain, known for its concentration of lions, elephants, and giraffes. With a dedicated full-day game drive, it’s ideal for photographers and wildlife lovers who want more time in the park without rushing the experience.
A great mix of scenery, wildlife density, and affordability.

4. 4 Days Selous & Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam

A perfect 4-day Selous & Mikumi safari from Dar es Salaam featuring boat safaris, game drives, walking safaris, elephants, lions, and breathtaking landscapes.

This combined safari is one of the best-selling Southern Tanzania tours. You begin in Nyerere National Park (Selous), where boating along the Rufiji River offers close sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and rare birdlife. The walking safari with armed rangers is a highlight, allowing you to follow wildlife tracks in the bush.
Continue to Mikumi for sweeping savannah plains, lion prides, huge herds of elephants, and stunning photographic scenes. This itinerary is ideal for travelers wanting both water-based and land-based safari experiences within a short time frame.

5. 5 Days Selous, Mikumi & Udzungwa Safari

Explore Selous, Mikumi, and Udzungwa in a 5-day safari combining wildlife, waterfalls, hiking, and river safaris. Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.

This tour combines three of Southern Tanzania’s most diverse ecosystems. Start with a river safari in Selous, then head to Mikumi for classic game drives with big cats and elephants. The final experience takes you to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, home to forests, waterfalls, red colobus monkeys, and refreshing mountain trails.
Hike to the stunning Sanje Waterfalls, swim in natural pools, and enjoy scenic forest views. A must-choose itinerary for travelers who enjoy a mix of safari and soft adventure.

6. 5 Days Ruaha Safari from Dar es Salaam

A wild 5-day Ruaha safari from Dar es Salaam featuring lions, elephants, leopards, rare wild dogs, baobab forests, and dramatic landscapes.

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s best-kept safari secret. Known for its dramatic baobab forests, high predator density, and authentic wilderness, Ruaha delivers an unmatched safari experience far from crowds.
This 5-day safari includes full-day game drives in lion territory, leopard habitats, and vast open plains home to buffalos, kudus, and antelopes. It’s one of the top choices for photographers, honeymooners, and serious wildlife enthusiasts.

7. 6 Days Southern Tanzania Safari (Selous + Mikumi + Ruaha)

Experience Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha in a 6-day Southern Tanzania safari with game drives, boat safaris, walking tours, and incredible wildlife variety.

This combined safari is one of the most complete Southern Tanzania tours you can take from Dar es Salaam. You’ll explore three unique ecosystems:

Selous (wetlands & river systems)
Mikumi (wide open plains)
Ruaha (prime predator territory)

Expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, giraffes, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. This tour suits travelers who want a full Southern Tanzania experience without rushing.

8. 7 Days Ruaha & Nyerere Safari from Dar es Salaam

A 7-day safari from Dar es Salaam exploring Ruaha and Nyerere National Park. Big cats, river safaris, walking safaris, and wild landscapes await.

This immersive safari combines Tanzania’s two largest national parks—Ruaha and Nyerere. You’ll enjoy game drives across Ruaha’s baobab valleys, where lions rule the plains, followed by water-based explorations along the Rufiji River in Nyerere.
This safari is perfect for travelers seeking a week-long wildlife expedition with diverse activities: boat safaris, full-day game drives, and walking safaris.

9. 8 Days Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha Safari

Enjoy 8 days of adventure across Selous, Mikumi & Ruaha with boat safaris, game drives, walking tours, lions, elephants, wild dogs & waterfalls.

This perfectly paced itinerary delivers everything Southern Tanzania is famous for:
✔ Big game sightings in Mikumi
✔ Vast savannah plains
✔ Boat safaris through Selous’ Rufiji River
✔ Predator action in Ruaha
✔ Rare wild dogs
✔ Bird-watching paradise

Spending 2–3 nights in each park ensures you explore each ecosystem deeply. Excellent for photographers, wildlife lovers, and multi-day safari seekers.

10. 10 Days Best Southern Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam

The ultimate 10-day Southern Tanzania safari from Dar es Salaam. Explore Selous, Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha with game drives, waterfalls & river safaris.

This is the most comprehensive safari tour in Southern Tanzania. From river safaris in Selous to sweeping Mikumi grasslands, to the mountain forests of Udzungwa, and the predator-rich valleys of Ruaha—this itinerary covers it all.
Guests enjoy a mix of wildlife, nature, culture, waterfalls, hiking, and peaceful wilderness. A top choice for travelers who want a once-in-a-lifetime, deeply immersive safari experience.

ECO-GREEN & SUSTAINABLE SAFARI APPROACH

Paradise Africa Safari is committed to eco-friendly tourism practices that protect wildlife and support local communities. All our Southern Tanzania safaris include:

Low-impact travel routes
Responsible waste management
Local guides from Tanzanian communities
Use of eco-friendly lodges and camps where possible
Conservation fees supporting TANAPA & TAWA
Encouragement of plastic-free travel
Cultural respect & community support

This helps preserve Tanzania’s pristine wilderness for future generations.

WHY CHOOSE PARADISE AFRICA SAFARI FOR TANZANIA SAFARIS?

✔ Local Expertise

Your safari is designed and guided by East African professionals with years of on-ground experience.

✔ Customizable Daily Departures

All tours can start any day from Dar es Salaam.

✔ Affordable, Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Clear cost breakdowns, all-inclusive options, and flexible upgrades.

✔ Safety First

Experienced guides, 4×4 Land Cruisers, and well-planned travel routes.

✔ Eco-Friendly & Community-Focused

Your travel directly supports conservation and local livelihoods.

✔ 24/7 Client Support

Direct WhatsApp access to your consultant: +254 728 567 308

Previous Travellers’ Reviews — Rated 4/5

Our Tanzania safaris from Dar es Salaam continue to receive consistently positive feedback from guests around the world. With an overall traveller rating of 4/5, visitors highlight our expert guides, smooth logistics, and unforgettable wildlife encounters across Selous, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha.

★★★★★ 4/5 — Marta & Paulo (Spain)

“Our 6-day Selous–Mikumi–Ruaha safari was truly memorable. The boat ride on the Rufiji River was the highlight — we saw hippos from just a few meters away. Excellent guiding and very professional service throughout.”

★★★★★ 4/5 — Amina (UAE)

“Great communication from start to finish. I booked the 3-day Selous safari and everything was perfectly arranged. Loved the walking safari and the friendly ranger. The lodge was comfortable and the food was better than expected.”

★★★★★ 4/5 — Sean & Claire (USA)

“We did the 5-day Ruaha safari and were blown away by the scenery and the wildlife — especially the lions! The road was long but worth it. John Peter made the planning stress-free. Would book again.”

★★★★★ 4/5 — Brandon (Canada)

“Smooth experience from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi. Lots of elephants and giraffes, and our guide had deep knowledge about the animals. Highly recommended for anyone looking for real wilderness without crowds.”

★★★★★ 4/5 — Lorena (Colombia)

“Our family loved the 4-day Selous & Mikumi safari. The kids enjoyed the boat safari and seeing crocodiles for the first time. The pace of the trip was perfect for us.”

★★★★★ 4/5 — Demount (UK)

“I chose the 3-day Mikumi safari during my business trip — great choice! Fast communication, reliable transfers, and amazing game viewing. Elephants everywhere!”

These reviews reflect the real experiences of travellers who booked Southern Tanzania safaris with us and highlight the professionalism, safety, wildlife encounters, and client care that Paradise Africa Safari is known for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best Tanzania safari from Dar es Salaam?

The most popular safaris from Dar es Salaam include Selous (Nyerere) National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains. Top choices are the 3-Day Selous Safari, 4-Day Selous & Mikumi Safari, and the 6-Day Southern Tanzania Safari.

2. How far is Mikumi National Park from Dar es Salaam?

Mikumi National Park is approximately 5–6 hours by road from Dar es Salaam, depending on traffic and road conditions. It is the closest major safari park to Dar, making it ideal for 2–3 day safaris.

3. What is the best time to visit Selous, Mikumi, and Ruaha?

The best time to visit Southern Tanzania parks is during the Dry Season (June to October). However, safaris run year-round, and the Green Season (November to May) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent bird-watching.

4. Are Southern Tanzania safaris suitable for children and families?

Yes. Parks like Mikumi and Selous are family-friendly, offering gentle game drives, safe lodges, and short travel distances. Boat safaris in Selous are especially exciting for children.

5. What animals can I expect to see?

Southern Tanzania is home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, wildebeests, wild dogs, antelopes, and over 400 bird species. Ruaha is famous for large lion prides and African wild dogs.

6. Are walking safaris available from Dar es Salaam?

Yes. Nyerere (Selous) offers guided walking safaris led by armed rangers. These walks allow visitors to track wildlife footprints and experience the bush up close.

7. Can I start the safari from my hotel or the airport in Dar es Salaam?

Absolutely. All our Tanzania safaris include pick-up and drop-off from any hotel, lodge, residence, or Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR).

8. Do the tours include meals, park fees, and accommodation?

Yes. All packages include:

Park entry fees
Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Professional guide
4×4 Land Cruiser
All game drives
Bottled drinking water

Upgrades (luxury lodges, flights, balloons) are available upon request.

9. How much does a Tanzania safari from Dar es Salaam cost?

Typical prices are:

$350–$590 for short 2–3 day safaris
$900–$1,500 for 4–5 day safaris
$1,600–$3,500+ for week-long luxury safaris

Prices depend on group size, accommodation level, and season.

10. Can the safari be customised?

Yes. All itineraries can be fully customised—duration, accommodation type, activities, and route. You may also add Zanzibar extensions.

Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam?

Your dream wildlife adventure is just one message away. Whether you want a short weekend escape to Mikumi or a full Southern Tanzania expedition covering Selous, Udzungwa & Ruaha, we are here to help you design the perfect tailor-made safari.

✔ Daily Departures
✔ Flexible Budget, Mid-Range & Luxury Options
✔ Private or Group Safaris
✔ Safe, Comfortable 4×4 Safari Vehicles
✔ Expert Local Guides
✔ Fast WhatsApp Support

Chat directly with your personal safari expert, John Peter:
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308

Or request a personalised quote by email:
info@paradiseafricasafari.com

Plan Early. Travel Smarter. Experience More.