Exclusive AfricaSafaris
Tanzania · Mikumi, Nyerere (Selous)

5-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari

5 Days / 4 Nights·Gosheni SafarisVerified Operator

Overview

Explore Tanzania's southern wilderness — 5-day budget safari combining Mikumi's open plains with the vast Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) for boat safaris and game drives from $700.

This 5-day southern circuit safari pairs two contrasting parks for a diverse wildlife experience. Mikumi's open floodplains deliver classic savanna game drives with lion, elephant, and giraffe, while the vast Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) offers a wilder, more remote adventure. Africa's largest protected area, Nyerere features boat safaris on the Rufiji River — Tanzania's largest river — where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds are guaranteed. Walking safaris and game drives add variety to your days. The southern circuit is far less crowded than the northern parks, offering a truly exclusive bush experience on a budget.

Safari Highlights

  • Mikumi open-plains game drives
  • Nyerere (Selous) — Africa's largest protected area
  • Rufiji River boat safari with hippos and crocodiles
  • Walking safari option in Nyerere
  • Far fewer tourists than northern parks
  • Diverse ecosystems — plains, rivers, and woodland

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park (approximately 5 hours). Enter the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive on the Mkata floodplain. Watch for lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, and buffalo. Camp at a public campsite near the park.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Mikumi public campsite

Meals: Lunch (packed), Dinner

Transfer to MikumiAfternoon game driveMkata floodplain wildlife
2

Mikumi to Nyerere National Park

Morning game drive in Mikumi, then transfer to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Arrive at camp on the banks of the Rufiji River. Afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji — spot hippo pods, massive Nile crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds including fish eagles, kingfishers, and storks.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Nyerere riverside campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Morning Mikumi driveTransfer to NyerereAfternoon Rufiji River boat safari
3

Full Day Nyerere Game Drives

Full day of game driving in Nyerere. This massive park covers over 30,000 km² and supports one of the largest concentrations of wild dog in Africa. Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and the rare Lichtenstein's hartebeest. The remote wilderness feel is unmatched.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Nyerere riverside campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Dawn game driveWild dog searchPredator trackingAfternoon woodland drive
4

Nyerere — Walking Safari & Game Drive

Optional morning walking safari with an armed ranger — experience the bush on foot and learn about tracking, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed from a vehicle. Afternoon game drive exploring different areas of the park. Final evening by the campfire listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Nyerere riverside campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walking safari (optional)Afternoon game driveCampfire evening
5

Nyerere & Return to Dar es Salaam

Early morning game drive for final wildlife sightings. Depart Nyerere and drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving by late afternoon.

Accommodation: End of tour — Dar es Salaam drop-off

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

Morning game driveReturn transfer to Dar es Salaam

What's Included

  • Dar es Salaam return transfers
  • All park entry fees
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Boat safari on Rufiji River
  • Full-board meals
  • Camping accommodation
  • Drinking water

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Walking safari fee (optional extra)
  • Personal expenses
From

$700

per person sharing

Duration5 Days
CountryTanzania
DestinationMikumi, Nyerere (Selous)
Difficultymoderate
Group Size1–12

Group Pricing

Solo Traveller$910
2 People$700
4-6 People$595
Book This Safari

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Tour Operator

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Verified Operator

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5-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari | Exclusive Africa Safaris