5-Day Mikumi & Ruaha Safari: Tanzania Wildlife Lodge Adventure

Summary

Tanzania Safari Itinerary: Mikumi & Ruaha National Parks

If you want real wildlife moments—lions close enough to count their whiskers or elephants crossing your path—this 5-day Mikumi & Ruaha safari is it. You’ll travel with guides who know every shortcut and secret spot, stay in comfy lodges each night, and get plenty of chances to see Tanzania’s wild side up close.

What’s the experience like?

The sun was barely up when we left Dar es Salaam, coffee still warming my hands as the city faded behind us. The drive to Mikumi National Park took a few hours—enough time to spot roadside fruit sellers and kids waving at our jeep. Once inside the park, it didn’t take long before we saw giraffes poking their heads above the acacias and a herd of zebras crossing right in front of us. Our guide, Joseph, had this knack for spotting animals before anyone else—he pointed out a pack of wild dogs lounging in the shade, which he said isn’t something you see every day here. By late afternoon, dust clung to my shoes and I could still hear the distant calls of buffalo as we settled in at Camp Bastian for dinner.

The next morning after breakfast, we packed up and headed toward Ruaha National Park. We stopped for lunch in Iringa Town—a quick bite at a local café where the chapati was warm and flaky. The road into Ruaha felt quieter somehow; even the air seemed drier. Arriving in the afternoon, we had time for a short game drive or just to relax at Ruaha Hill Top Lodge. That evening, I sat outside listening to cicadas and watching the sky turn orange over the hills.

Day three was all about exploring Ruaha’s wild side. We set out early with Joseph again—he knew exactly where to look for sable antelope and pointed out hippos wallowing near the riverbank. At one point, we watched a group of elephants drinking while a pair of lions waited nearby; it was tense but fascinating. Birdlife surprised me too—some Eurasian migrants were around (Joseph said they visit twice a year). After a long day bumping along dusty tracks, dinner back at camp tasted especially good.

On our fourth morning, we joined an experienced guide for a walking safari—honestly, nothing quite prepares you for hearing your own footsteps alongside animal tracks in that quiet bush air. Lunch was back at camp before one last game drive as we made our way toward Iringa Town for the night. The hotel there had hot showers (a small luxury after days on safari) and views over the valley.

Before heading back to Dar es Salaam on day five, we squeezed in a visit to Ismila Stone Age Site—not far from Iringa. The rock formations are odd and beautiful; standing among them felt like stepping into another time entirely. We reached Dar late that evening—tired but with memory cards full of photos and dust still clinging to our bags.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Park

• Drive to Mikumi National Park and game drives
• Dinner and overnight at Camp Bastian

Day 2 — Travel to Ruaha National Park

• Drive to Ruaha via Iringa Town with lunch
• Evening game drive or leisure
• Dinner and overnight at Ruaha Hill Top Lodge

Day 3 — Full Day Ruaha Game Viewing

• Full day game drives in Ruaha National Park
• Dinner and overnight at Ruaha Hill Top Lodge

Day 4 — Walking Safari and Iringa

• Morning walking safari with guide
• Lunch at camp/lodge
• Afternoon game drive and transfer to Iringa Town
• Dinner and overnight at Iringa Sunset Lodge

Day 5 — Ismila Site and Return

• Morning tour to Ismila Stone Age Site
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam, drop off at hotel or airport

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can join—the vehicles fit prams or strollers, infant seats are available if needed, and guides are used to families.

Are meals included during the tour?

Meals are provided at each lodge or camp along the route—expect local dishes plus some familiar options.

Can I join if I use a wheelchair?

No problem—the transport is wheelchair accessible and so are most areas at camps and lodges.

What animals might I see on this trip?

You’ll likely spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes—and sometimes wild dogs or rare antelopes like sable or roan.

How much driving is involved each day?

You’ll spend several hours on game drives most days; transfers between parks can be longer but there are stops along the way.

What’s included

Your private transport throughout the safari is included—no crowded buses here! All accommodations (lodges/camps), guided game drives with expert local guides, walking safari experience in Ruaha, plus accessibility options for wheelchairs or infants are part of your package.