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Romantic
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Southern Tanzania tour

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From the metropolis of Dar es Salaam to the untamed wilderness of Tanzania’s National Parks

There are many reasons to travel through Tanzania. This is a country of extraordinary beauty, breathtaking landscapes, fascinating attractions and a remarkable variety of unforgettable experiences. From the bustling city of Dar es Salaam to the wild natural environments of Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks.

7 days exploring Southern Tanzania

To discover the richness of this remarkable country, we offer a 7 day journey through southern Tanzania. The itinerary begins in Dar es Salaam. During the nineteenth century, it was a small fishing village; today it is a cosmopolitan metropolis and one of the most important ports on Africa’s eastern coastline. The urban landscape and its mix of architectural styles tell the story of the many cultures that have met and influenced one another here over the centuries.

The tour then continues inland to Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks, ideal destinations for discovering Tanzania’s most authentic and unspoilt wilderness.

Mikumi National Park is often compared to the Serengeti, with its vast floodplain surrounded by mountains and dotted with baobabs, acacias and borassus palms. During both daytime and night game drives, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes and numerous antelope species, including greater kudu and sable antelope. The park is also home to a rich variety of birdlife, from the distinctive bateleur eagle and marabou stork to migratory species such as fish eagles and cattle egrets.

Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania. Its landscapes range from rocky hills and open savannahs to extensive miombo woodlands, creating spectacular scenery and providing habitat for an impressive diversity of wildlife. During safaris, you may encounter rare antelope species such as eland and roan antelope, as well as predators including lions, cheetahs and leopards. Ruaha is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 570 recorded bird species, including distinctive hornbills and the sooty falcon.

This Tanzania tour includes travel by domestic flights. During your stay in Dar es Salaam, accommodation is provided in a hotel offering rooms and suites, while in the national parks we select comfortable and exclusive camps and lodges.

Should you wish to extend your journey, we can also arrange additional days on Zanzibar.

Travel Area

Included activities

Additional information

Things to know

Entry requirements

To enter Tanzania, you will need a passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum of six months’ validity remaining. In addition, two documents are required: a visa and an International Health Insurance Certificate.

As entry requirements may change over time, we recommend consulting official travel advice before departure.

Food and drinks

Local cuisine

Tanzanian cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultural influences, blending Indian, Arab and European flavours. Staple foods include Ugali (maize porridge), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), Pilau (spiced rice) and Chapati. Traditional dishes such as Mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and Samosas are popular street foods. Be sure to sample Swahili cuisine, particularly its rich and flavourful seafood dishes.

Hygiene and safety

The accommodation and restaurants we select maintain high standards of hygiene. For additional peace of mind, we recommend:

  • Drinking water and beverages only from sealed containers or those supplied by your lodge.
  • Using bottled or lodge-supplied water when brushing your teeth.
  • Avoiding ice in drinks.
  • Avoiding uncooked vegetables and seafood.

Currency and payments

Tanzania

Currency: Tanzania Shillings

Electronic payments and cash withdrawal facilities may be limited in remote and rural areas. For further information, please consult our travel preparation guide.

Health information

Vaccination requirements vary according to nationality and country of origin. For up-to-date health information and malaria prevention advice, we recommend consulting official travel health resources before departure.

What to bring

Luggage

We recommend travelling light and limiting luggage to approximately 16–18 kg.

Soft bags are strongly preferred over hard-shell or semi-rigid suitcases.

Clothing

Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended, with lightweight garments for daytime temperatures and layers for cooler evenings or higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes, ideally hiking shoes, are recommended, together with sandals for relaxing at your accommodation.

Essential equipment 

We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and binoculars. Remember to carry all travel documents required for entry into Malawi and Mozambique, as well as a photocopy of your passport.

Medication

Pharmacies are generally only available in larger towns, so we recommend bringing a small supply of any medication you may require.

A detailed packing list, including clothing, equipment and medical recommendations, is available in our travel preparation guide.

Price information

Price includes

  • Domestic flights
  • All transfers, including airport transfers and road taxes
  • National park entry fees
  • All safaris and excursions as specified in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as specified, based on double occupancy
  • Full-board accommodation throughout the itinerary
  • 1% Community Levy
  • Applicable taxes

Price excludes

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance (medical, cancellation and baggage cover)
  • The first night in Dar es Salaam
  • Single room supplement
  • Optional and recommended activities
  • Private game drive
  • Day excursion to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Any item not expressly listed under “Price Includes”

Pricing information

Park fees and local levies may be subject to change without notice.

Please note that this itinerary is intended as a starting point and can be fully tailored to your preferences.

The final price will therefore be recalculated at the time of booking, taking into account any modifications to the itinerary, alternative accommodation choices and any supplier price updates.

Interested in this itinerary?

Complete the form with your enquiry and we will contact you as soon as possible to help plan your next journey.