Best of Southern Tanzania

Morning game drive along the Rufiji river system actively tracking African wild dogs — the most endangered large predator in Africa, with Nyerere holding one of the world's most significant populations. The pack's movements are monitored daily by camp guides, making wild dog encounters here more reliable than almost anywhere else in Africa. Afternoon boat or walking safari through the Nyerere floodplains. Walking in Nyerere with an armed ranger offers an unparalleled perspective on the bush — following elephant tracks, identifying predator signs and observing the smaller creatures invisible from a vehicle. All meals and overnight at river camp.

Light aircraft flight from Nyerere to Ruaha National Park — Tanzania's largest national park and one of Africa's last great wilderness areas. Ruaha covers 20,226 km² of diverse terrain: the Great Ruaha River floodplain, ancient baobab-studded hillsides, dense miombo woodland and open savannah grassland. The park holds the largest elephant population in East Africa — family herds of 200+ are regularly seen — alongside the greatest density of lions in Tanzania, leopard, cheetah and one of Africa's largest wild dog populations. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Kwihala Camp or Jongomero Camp.

A full day exploring the raw, uncrowded wilderness of Ruaha with morning and afternoon game drives. The Great Ruaha River is the dry season magnet — all wildlife converges on its banks, creating spectacular and unpredictable encounters. Lion prides of up to 20 individuals are resident along the river; leopards are commonly seen in the leadwood trees; cheetah hunt the open grassland plains and wild dogs den in the rocky kopjes. Optional walking safari with an armed ranger in the afternoon — Ruaha's wildness and lack of other visitors makes it one of the finest walking safari experiences in Africa. All meals and overnight at Ruaha camp.

Morning game drive in Ruaha before flying or driving to Mikumi National Park — Tanzania's fourth-largest park and the most accessible of the southern safari circuit. The Mkata floodplain that forms Mikumi's heart is vast and open, reminiscent of the Serengeti in its wildlife density and scenery. Large elephant herds, buffalo, lion, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest are the signature species, while the Mikumi Hills and Udzungwa Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the game-viewing. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mikumi Wildlife Camp.

Dawn game drive in Mikumi — the morning light on the Mkata floodplain with elephants and lions active against the mountain backdrop is among Tanzania's most atmospheric wildlife scenes. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in Mikumi including the endemic Lilian's lovebird — one of Africa's rarest parrots, found only in this miombo woodland zone. Afternoon game drive concentrating on the waterhole and floodplain area where wildlife concentrations peak in the late afternoon. All meals and overnight at Mikumi Wildlife Camp.

After breakfast, drive into the Udzungwa Mountains National Park — part of the Eastern Arc Mountain chain, known as the Galapagos of Africa for its extraordinary concentration of endemic species. The ancient rainforest here has been isolated for millions of years, producing species found nowhere else on Earth. Trek through the forest to the spectacular Sanje Waterfalls — a 170-metre cascade plunging through the forest canopy into a pool below. The Sanje mangabey and Iringa red colobus monkey are both critically endangered primates found only in Udzungwa — keep watch in the canopy throughout the trek. Overnight at Udzungwa Mountain View Hotel.

After breakfast, drive or fly to Dar es Salaam for your international departure. This safari can be extended with a Zanzibar beach holiday, a Kilimanjaro climb, or any northern Tanzania wildlife circuit through Routes Kilimanjaro.