5-Day Ruaha & Mikumi Safari (SGR Start

This 5-day Southern Tanzania safari combines Mikumi National Park and Ruaha National Park in one seamless itinerary. The journey begins with an early morning SGR train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, followed by safari in Mikumi for two nights. You then drive to Ruaha for two nights in Tanzania’s largest and wildest national park before flying out to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. This itinerary balances accessibility (Mikumi) with raw wilderness (Ruaha), making it ideal for travelers seeking diversity in landscapes and wildlife density without returning by road.

Tour Features

Luxury Tour

This luxury tour features high-end lodges or exclusive tented camps with premium services.

Private Tour

This tour is organized exclusively for you and will not be shared with other travelers.

Fully Customizable

This tour can be completely customized based on your preferences and travel dates.

Fly-In Option Available

This tour can be operated using domestic flights to reduce travel time.

SGR Train Option

This tour includes or can include Tanzania’s SGR train for selected routes.

Starts in Dar es Salaam

This tour starts from Dar es Salaam.

Accommodation & Meals

This tour is priced using Luxury accommodations. Budget and Mid Range options are available on request. Similar lodges or camps may be used depending on availability.

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Day 1&2

Vuma Hills Tented Lodge

Luxury

All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 3&4

Ruaha River Lodge

Mid Range Lodge

All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Activities & Transportation

Game Drives – Guided wildlife viewing in national parks and reserves.

Beach Extensions – Add Zanzibar, Mafia or Pemba for snorkeling and relaxation.

4×4 Safari Vehicle – Custom Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seats.

Private Safari Vehicle – Exclusive use of the car for your group.

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Solo (1 room)	2 people (1 room)	3 people (2 rooms)	4 people (2 rooms)	5 people (3 rooms)	6 people (3 rooms)	7+ people
High Season (June–Oct & Dec–Feb)	USD 3,650 /p.p	USD 2,450/ pp	USD 2,400/ pp	USD 2,350/ pp	USD 2,300/ pp	USD 2,250/ pp	Get Quote

Included

SGR train ticket (Dar → Morogoro)
4 nights accommodation (Full Board)
4 nights accommodation (Full Board)
Ruaha fly-out flight
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Private 4x4 safari vehicle
Drinking water during game drives

Excluded

International flights & visas
Tips & personal expenses
Travel insurance

Getting There

This tour starts in Dar es Salaam and ends in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Fly to/from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR – Check price)
Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged at extra cost.

Day 1

SGR Train to Morogoro – Transfer to Mikumi – Afternoon Game Drive

Early morning transfer to Dar es Salaam SGR station. Take the Standard Gauge Railway (approx. 1.5–2 hours) to Morogoro. Meet your safari guide upon arrival and drive to Mikumi National Park (approx. 1.5 hours). After park entry formalities, begin afternoon game drive. Mikumi is part of the greater Selous ecosystem and offers: Lions Elephants Buffalo Giraffes Zebra Hippos Large open savannah plains similar to Serengeti Dinner and overnight in or near Mikumi.

Main Destination: SGR Train to Morogoro – Transfer to Mikumi – Afternoon Game Drive

Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp

Luxury Accommodation

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch and Dinner

Day 2

Full-Day Mikumi Safari

Early breakfast followed by full-day exploration of Mikumi. Key areas include: Mkata Floodplain (excellent for predators) Hippo pools Open grasslands attracting large herbivore herds Wildlife focus: Lion prides often visible on termite mounds Elephants feeding in woodland Eland (largest antelope) Hyena and jackal Over 400 bird species Picnic lunch inside the park. Return to lodge before sunset.

Main Destination: Full-Day Mikumi Safari

Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp

Mid Range Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 3

Mikumi – Drive to Ruaha National Park

Early breakfast. Drive to Ruaha via scenic Southern Highlands (approx. 6–7 hours). Landscape changes dramatically: Rolling hills Baobab-dotted valleys River systems Arrive Ruaha in afternoon. Short introductory game drive if time allows. Dinner and overnight inside Ruaha ecosystem.

Main Destination: Mikumi – Drive to Ruaha National Park

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Luxury Accommodation

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 4

Full-Day Ruaha Safari (Predator Focus)

Full-day safari in Ruaha National Park. Ruaha is known for: Large lion prides (sometimes 15+ individuals) Strong leopard presence African wild dogs (seasonal) Massive elephant herds Rare antelope species (greater kudu, sable) Focus around: Great Ruaha River Mwagusi River system Rocky escarpments Less crowded than Northern parks, offering exclusive sightings. Dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Full-Day Ruaha Safari (Predator Focus)

Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Mid Range Lodge

Meals & Drinks:

All Meals Included

Day 5

Morning Safari – Fly Out

Early morning game drive. Return to lodge for breakfast. Transfer to Ruaha airstrip. Scheduled flight to: Dar es Salaam OR Zanzibar. Arrival early afternoon.

Main Destination: Morning Safari – Fly Out

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast