Embark on the “Southern Tanzania Safari Adventure” with Bakia Africa Safaris

Experience the untamed beauty and diverse wildlife of southern Tanzania with Bakia Africa Safaris’ exclusive 10-day itinerary. This journey seamlessly combines the rugged landscapes of Mikumi National Park, the lush rainforests of Udzungwa Mountains National Park, the vast savannahs of Ruaha National Park, and the serene waterways of Selous Game Reserve, culminating in a comprehensive safari experience.

Itinerary Overview:

• Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam; transfer to Mikumi National Park.
• Day 2-3: Game drives in Mikumi National Park.
• Day 4: Transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park; evening at leisure.
• Day 5: Hike to Sanje Waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains.
• Day 6: Transfer to Ruaha National Park; evening at leisure.
• Day 7-8: Game drives in Ruaha National Park.
• Day 9: Flight to Selous Game Reserve; boat safari.
• Day 10: Game drive in Selous; return to Dar es Salaam for departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Mikumi National Park

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, a Bakia Africa Safaris representative will assist you with your transfer to Mikumi National Park. The journey offers scenic views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your chosen accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Camp Bastian
• Midrange: Vuma Hills Tented Camp by Foxes Safari Camps
• Luxury: Stanley’s Kopje Camp by Foxes Safari Camps

Day 2-3: Game Drives in Mikumi National Park

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Over the next two days, embark on guided game drives within Mikumi National Park. Known for its diverse ecosystems, the park is home to herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes. The park’s varied landscapes, from savannahs to acacia woodlands, provide a rich habitat for wildlife. Mikumi is also renowned for its high chances of witnessing lions climbing trees, a behavior less commonly observed in other parks.

Optional Activities:

• Bird Watching: Explore the park’s diverse birdlife, including the endangered vulture species.
• Cultural Visit: Engage with local communities to learn about their traditions and lifestyles.

Day 4: Transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final morning activity in Mikumi, transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The journey offers panoramic views of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your chosen accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps with a sundowner overlooking the mountains.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Hondo Hondo Udzungwa Forest Tented Camp
• Midrange: Udzungwa Falls Lodge
• Luxury: Udzungwa Falls Lodge

Day 5: Hike to Sanje Waterfalls in Udzungwa Mountains

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a guided hike to the Sanje Waterfalls, a highlight of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The trail winds through lush rainforests, offering opportunities to spot endemic species such as the red Iringa colobus monkey and the Sanje crested mangabey. The hike culminates at the base of the impressive Sanje Waterfalls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools.

Optional Activities:

• Botanical Tours: Explore the park’s rich flora, including medicinal plants used by local communities.
• Cultural Experience: Visit nearby villages to learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the indigenous people.

Day 6: Transfer to Ruaha National Park

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final morning activity in Udzungwa, transfer to Ruaha National Park. The journey offers scenic views of the Great Ruaha River and the park’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your chosen accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Ruaha River Lodge
• Midrange: Mdonya Old River Camp
• Luxury: Jongomero Camp

Day 7-8: Game Drives in Ruaha National Park

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Over the next two days, embark on guided game drives within Ruaha National Park. As Tanzania’s second-largest park, Ruaha is home to a significant population of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The park’s varied landscapes, including savannahs, miombo woodlands, and riverine forests, provide a rich habitat for wildlife.

Optional Activities:

• Walking Safari: Accompanied by an armed ranger, explore the park on foot to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem.
• Cultural Visit: Engage with local communities to learn about their traditions and lifestyles.

Day 9: Flight to Selous Game Reserve – Boat Safari

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly from Ruaha to Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest faunal reserves in the world. Upon arrival, enjoy a half-day boat safari on the Rufiji River, observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. The riverine environment offers a unique perspective on the reserve’s diverse ecosystems.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Selous River Camp
• Midrange: Selous Impala Camp
• Luxury: Siwandu Camp

Day 10: Game Drive in Selous – Return to Dar es Salaam for Departure

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive in Selous Game Reserve, known for its varied wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the endangered African wild dog. You may also spot large herds of buffalo, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope species. Afterward, enjoy lunch and transfer back to Dar es Salaam for your return flight, concluding your amazing Tanzanian safari experience. You can opt for an additional night in Dar es Salaam or explore some cultural and historical sites in the city before your departure.

Inclusions:

• All park entrance fees and game drives
• Accommodation as per the selected option (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury)
• All meals as per the meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• All internal transfers and flights
• Professional English / Spanish / French / German / Italian – speaking guide
• 24/7 support from Bakia Africa Safaris

Exclusions:

• International flights
• Optional activities and excursions
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips, laundry)
• Travel insurance