6 Days Mikumi and Nyerere Safari – Tanzania’s Wild South Adventure
Experience one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari combinations with this 6 Days Mikumi and Nyerere Safari, a journey into the country’s vast southern wilderness. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic wildlife experiences away from the crowds of the northern parks, this itinerary combines the open plains of Mikumi National Park with the river-fed ecosystems of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve).
From game drives among lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants in Mikumi to boat safaris on the Rufiji River in Nyerere, this 6-day adventure offers diversity, scenery, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
Why Choose a 6 Days Mikumi and Nyerere Safari?
Southern Tanzania is ideal for travelers who want a more remote and immersive safari. While Serengeti and Ngorongoro are famous, Mikumi and Nyerere offer:
- Fewer tourist vehicles
- Huge wilderness landscapes
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Boat safaris and walking safaris
- Authentic safari lodges and camps
- Great value compared to northern circuit safaris
This safari is excellent for couples, families, photographers, and second-time safari travelers looking for something different.
Safari Highlights
- Full-day game drives in Mikumi National Park
- Explore Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected ecosystem
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- Chance to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and more
- Scenic landscapes from floodplains to baobab woodlands
- Comfortable lodges or tented camps
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
Detailed 6 Days Mikumi and Nyerere Safari Itinerary
Day 1 – Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up in Dar es Salaam. Drive west toward Mikumi National Park through scenic Tanzanian countryside, passing villages, farms, and mountain landscapes.
Arrival in Mikumi in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive across the famous Mkata Floodplain, often compared to the Serengeti due to its open grasslands.
Possible sightings:
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Giraffes
- Lions
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Mikumi
Day 2 – Full Day Safari in Mikumi National Park
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park. This park is known for easy wildlife viewing because animals gather in open plains.
Look for:
- Lions resting under acacia trees
- Elephants crossing the plains
- Hippos in pools
- Elands and antelopes
- Baboons and monkeys
- Over 400 bird species
Picnic lunch inside the park, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mikumi lodge/camp
Day 3 – Mikumi to Nyerere National Park
After breakfast, depart for Nyerere National Park. The drive passes through beautiful southern Tanzania landscapes.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge or riverside camp. Later enjoy sunset views over the Rufiji River area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Nyerere
Day 4 – Full Day Game Drive in Nyerere National Park
Spend the day exploring one of Africa’s wildest safari areas. Nyerere offers diverse habitats including woodland, grassland, lakes, and river channels.
Wildlife may include:
- Elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- African wild dogs
- Buffalo
- Crocodiles
- Hippos
- Greater kudu
Because of the park’s size, every drive feels adventurous and exclusive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nyerere lodge/camp
Day 5 – Boat Safari + Bush Experience
Today enjoy one of Tanzania’s most unique safari activities: a boat safari on the Rufiji River.
Drift quietly past:
- Hippos in the water
- Nile crocodiles on sandbanks
- Fish eagles overhead
- Drinking elephants on shore
- Beautiful sunset scenes
Boat safaris offer a different perspective than vehicle game drives and are a highlight of Nyerere.
Optional walking safari may be arranged depending on lodge and guide availability.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Nyerere lodge/camp
Day 6 – Return to Dar es Salaam
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Dar es Salaam or transfer to the airstrip for a domestic flight (optional extra).
Arrive with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s untouched southern wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation Options
Budget Safari
- Simple lodges
- Shared facilities possible
- Best for backpackers and budget travelers
Mid-Range Safari
- Ensuite rooms
- Comfortable safari camps
- Great balance of comfort and value
Luxury Safari
- Premium tented camps
- Riverside lodges
- Fine dining and personalized service
Safari Price Guide (Per Person)
| Category | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,350+ | $1,150+ | $990+ |
| Mid-Range | $1,950+ | $1,690+ | $1,450+ |
| Luxury | $3,200+ | $2,850+ | $2,550+ |
Prices vary by season and lodge choice.
Best Time for Mikumi and Nyerere Safari
June to October (Dry Season)
Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather near water.
November to March
Green scenery, birdwatching, and fewer visitors.
April to May
Rainy season; some roads may be challenging.
Wildlife You May See
- Lions
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Buffalo
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Leopard
- Wild dogs
- Antelope species
- Hundreds of birds
What’s Included
- 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional driver-guide
- Park fees
- Accommodation
- Meals as listed
- Bottled water
- Boat safari in Nyerere
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional domestic flight
Why Book With Us?
- Local Tanzania safari specialists
- Custom itineraries available
- Fair pricing with no hidden fees
- Experienced guides
- Fast communication
- Reliable service from Arusha to Dar es Salaam
Combine With Zanzibar
After this safari, many travelers continue to Zanzibar for beaches and relaxation. Ask us about 6 Days Safari + Zanzibar packages.
Book Your 6 Days Mikumi and Nyerere Safari
Looking for Tanzania beyond the crowds? This 6 Days Mikumi and Nyerere Safari offers rivers, plains, predators, elephants, and true wilderness.
Contact us today for a personalized quote and travel dates.