Here’s a carefully crafted 4-Day “Africa’s Eden” Safari Itinerary, focusing on Southern Tanzania, where wildlife is wild, crowds are minimal, and landscapes are untouched.
This itinerary includes Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park — often referred to as “Africa’s Eden” because of their incredible biodiversity and scenery.
Best time: Year-round — but best during dry season (June–October) or calving season (Jan–March)
| Day | Activity | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive to Mikumi + afternoon game drive | Wildlife + savanna scenery |
| 2 | Full-day safari in Mikumi | Lions, elephants, hippos |
| 3 | Hike in Udzungwa | Waterfalls, rainforest, monkeys |
| 4 | Return to Dar es Salaam | Optional walk + cultural views |
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Travel time: ~5–6 hours by road
Early morning departure from Dar (approx. 6 AM)
Scenic drive through the Uluguru Mountains and rural villages
Arrive in Mikumi around midday for a game drive
Wildlife sightings: elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, lions, hippos
Sunset over the Mkata floodplains
Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp inside/near Mikumi
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Early morning and late afternoon game drives for best wildlife activity
Explore the Mkata plains (Tanzania’s “mini-Serengeti”)
Visit hippo pools, acacia woodlands, and baobab valleys
High chance of predator sightings: lions, leopards, hyenas
Birdwatching: over 400 species including bateleurs, ground hornbills, and fish eagles
Overnight: Same lodge/camp in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive time: ~1.5 hours to Udzungwa gate
Morning drive to Udzungwa, a rainforest national park with no roads inside
Begin the Sanje Waterfalls Hike:
3–6 hours round-trip depending on pace
Stunning 170m-high waterfall and epic valley views
Swim in crystal-clear pools beneath the falls
Wildlife Highlights (on foot):
Endemic monkeys: Sanje mangabey, Udzungwa red colobus
Unique birds, butterflies, and plants
No big predators – safe for guided walking
Overnight: Udzungwa Forest Camp (Hondo Hondo) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional short nature walk in the morning or birdwatching
Breakfast and drive back to Dar es Salaam (~6 hours)
Drop-off at hotel or airport in late afternoon/early evening
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Optional: Connect to Zanzibar or international flight
