Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi And Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountain 10 Days

This comprehensive review covers a 10-day safari through some of Tanzania’s most stunning and lesser-explored parks. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, we’ve analyzed the detailed itinerary, traveler reviews, and expert insights to help you understand what makes this tour stand out—and whether it’s the right fit for your adventure.

What we love about this experience:
First, the chance to see rare wildlife populations like wild dogs and elephants in less crowded parks offers a more authentic safari experience. Second, the variety of activities—game drives, walking safaris, boat rides, and even a rainforest hike—brings a well-rounded adventure. Third, local village visits provide a glimpse into Tanzanian culture that many safaris miss.

A potential consideration is the long travel days, especially the approximately seven-hour drive between parks, which could be tiring for some. Still, the scenic routes and the anticipation of seeing wild animals make it worthwhile.

This tour suits travelers who crave a deep, authentic dive into Tanzania’s wilderness, enjoy active days, and value small-group or private safaris with personalized attention. If you’re after big five sightings, culture, and a sense of adventure in less-traveled areas, this could be your ideal trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Wilderness: Experience some of Tanzania’s less-visited parks with intimate wildlife encounters.
• Diverse Activities: Includes game drives, walking safaris, boat excursions, and a rainforest hike.
• Cultural Encounters: Visits to local villages add a human touch to the wilderness experience.
• Expertly Managed: The trip is well-organized, with knowledgeable guides who answer questions about flora, fauna, and local culture.
• Value for Price: At $4,200 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive 10-day experience with most amenities included.
• Impressive Wildlife: Expect large elephant populations, wild dogs, lions, giraffes, and more, especially in Ruaha and Selous.

Exploring the Itinerary in Depth

Day 1: From Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve

Starting in Dar es Salaam, a 5-hour drive transports you into an entirely different world—the untouched wilderness of Selous. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with the scenic countryside rolling past your window, revealing the local villages and farms. You’ll arrive in time to settle into your tented accommodation and then set off on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, which is a fantastic way to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. One reviewer raved about Suwandu Camp, praising the luxurious tents and friendly staff that tend to your every need amid the bush.

Days 3 and 4: Full Game Drives in Selous

The heart of the safari is the full-day game drives. You’ll head out early, with a packed lunch, to explore the park’s vast plains and dense woodlands. Selous boasts a large population of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and endangered wild dogs, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers mention the sense of being in a true wilderness, with shy animals that are less accustomed to humans but more rewarding to observe. One guest noted that the experience was “superb,” thanks to excellent guides who knew the best spots for sightings.

Day 4: Transition to Mikumi National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off for Mikumi (about a seven-hour drive). The drive itself is a highlight, offering a window into rural Tanzania life, with stops that allow you to take in the scenery and stretch your legs. Mikumi is smaller but offers a diverse landscape of hills, plains, and Miombo Woodlands, often compared to the Serengeti’s smaller cousin. Here, you’ll enjoy your first taste of the African plains, with a focus on native wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and buffalos.

Day 5: Rainforest Walk in Udzungwa Mountains

A short drive takes you into Udzungwa Mountain National Park, where the focus shifts from plains to forest. The highlight is a hike to the Sanje River Waterfall, a three to four-hour trek through dense rainforest. Along the way, you might see the endemic red colobus monkeys and African violets thriving in the spray zones. One guest appreciated this walk, mentioning the beautiful waterfalls and the chance to explore a lush, untouched rainforest terrain.

Days 6-8: The Big Game in Ruaha National Park

Driving to Ruaha (about an hour’s drive from Udzungwa), you enter Tanzania’s largest park, home to around 12,000 elephants and impressive lion prides. The drive is scenic, passing through Kitonga Hills and following the Great Ruaha River, which sustains the park’s rich biodiversity.

Over two full days, you’ll go on long game drives with packed lunches. According to a review, the guides are adept at spotting big cats, giraffes, and gazelles. The park’s hippos and crocodiles thrive in the river, and the birdlife here is diverse—racket-tailed rollers are frequently seen. Travelers mention the sensation of being in a true wilderness, with fewer visitors than Serengeti, adding to the feeling of discovery.

Day 9: Return to Mikumi

After soaking in Ruaha’s wildlife, you’ll make your way back to Mikumi for another night. You’ll likely reflect on the diverse ecosystems experienced—from wetlands and riverbanks to woodland plains—all within the same trip.

Day 10: Return to Dar es Salaam

The journey concludes with a drive back to Dar es Salaam, stopping in Morogoro for lunch. This allows a final chance to enjoy local flavors before heading home or onwards.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Authentic and Less-Visited Parks

Unlike the crowded Serengeti or Ngorongoro, parks like Selous and Ruaha offer a chance to see wildlife without the crowds, making sightings more intimate and peaceful. Reviewer comments confirm that guides are familiar with the parks’ secret spots, ensuring you don’t miss key animals despite the large parks’ size.

Diverse Activities for a Fuller Experience

This tour balances game drives with walking safaris through rainforests, adding a physical and sensory element to your wildlife encounters. The boat safari in Selous is particularly memorable, offering a different perspective of the water-based ecosystem.

Cultural Encounters

Visiting local villages en route brings a human dimension, illustrating how local communities coexist with Africa’s wilderness. It’s an enriching addition that complements the wildlife sightings.

Expert Guide and Well-Organized Logistics

The reviews mention guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, answering questions about flora, fauna, and local culture. The tour’s well-planned itinerary maximizes your time in each park, with a good balance of activity and rest.

Value for Money

At $4,200 for 10 days, this package offers a comprehensive safari experience that covers most costs—accommodation, park fees, meals, and transfers. While it’s not the cheapest, the inclusion of many activities and destinations offers solid value.

Wildlife Highlights

Expect to spot large herds of elephants, prides of lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelope species. The large elephant populations in Ruaha are a standout feature, along with the chance to see endangered wild dogs in Selous—a rare find.

Deep Dive into Practical Details

Transportation & Comfort

The tour uses private transfers, ensuring comfort and flexibility. The drive times are significant—up to seven hours between parks—but this is typical for covering such vast landscapes in Tanzania. Travelers who enjoy scenic drives and don’t mind the occasional bumpy road will appreciate the adventure.

Accommodation & Meals

Stays are at basic yet comfortable lodges or tented camps, often praised for their location and luxury touches amidst the bush. Meals are included, prepared to suit local tastes, with bottled water provided throughout.

Tour Duration & Group Size

The tour is designed for private groups, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking personalized attention. The timing allows for both wildlife viewing and cultural experiences, without feeling rushed.

Cost & Value

While $4,200 may seem steep at first glance, consider it covers an extensive itinerary, park fees, most meals, and private transfers. It’s a good investment if your goal is to see a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes with expert guides.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This safari is best suited for travelers who love adventure, authentic wilderness encounters, and active exploration. Those who prefer a more exclusive experience, away from crowded parks, will find the quiet, less-visited locations particularly appealing. If you enjoy diverse landscapes—from rainforests to savannahs—and want to combine game viewing with cultural insights, this trip offers a rich and well-rounded adventure.

It’s also ideal for those who want value for money in a comprehensive itinerary that balances comfort, adventure, and wildlife. However, if you’re a traveler seeking luxury lodges or shorter, more relaxed schedules, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
It includes accommodation, national park fees, bottled water, meals as per itinerary, hotel pickup and drop-off, and round-trip private transfers.

Are airport transfers included?
The tour starts with hotel pickup in Dar es Salaam, but airport transfers aren’t explicitly mentioned. You may arrange additional transportation if needed.

How many nights are spent in each location?
You’ll spend 1 night in Selous, 1 in Mikumi, 2 in Ruaha, and 1 in Mikumi again before returning to Dar es Salaam.

What activities are part of this tour?
Expect game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris in rainforests, and village visits, with opportunities to see wildlife from different angles.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, Tanzania’s dry seasons (June–October) usually offer the best wildlife sightings.

How physically demanding is the rainforest hike?
The hike to Sanje Waterfall lasts three to four hours through dense forest, so good footwear and moderate fitness are recommended.

Can I see the Big Five on this tour?
While wildlife varies, Ruaha’s large lion prides and elephant populations increase your chances to see some of the Big Five, along with other iconic animals.

What should I pack?
Lightweight clothing, binoculars, camera, sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes for hikes.

Final Words

This 10-day journey through Tanzania’s lesser-known parks offers a genuine chance to experience Africa’s wild beauty away from overcrowded tourist spots. It combines adventure, wildlife, and cultural discovery into a thoughtfully curated itinerary suited for active, curious travelers.

If you’re after intimate encounters with nature, diverse landscapes, and the thrill of spotting elusive animals in a more authentic setting, this safari might just be your perfect escape. Just be prepared for some long drives and the occasional bumpy road, because that’s part of the adventure in Tanzania’s remote wilderness.