Tanzania Budget Safari

5-Day Nyerere & Mikumi Safari

5 Days / 4 NightsMikumi, Nyerere (Selous)moderate
$910pp
5 days / 4 nights1–12 pax4.5
Solo Traveller $1,1832 People $9104-6 People $774
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Overview

Explore Tanzania's southern wilderness — 5-day budget safari combining Mikumi's open plains with the vast Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) for boat safaris and game drives from $910.

This 5-day southern circuit safari pairs two contrasting parks for a diverse wildlife experience. Mikumi's open floodplains deliver classic savanna game drives with lion, elephant, and giraffe, while the vast Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) offers a wilder, more remote adventure. Africa's largest protected area, Nyerere features boat safaris on the Rufiji River — Tanzania's largest river — where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds are guaranteed. Walking safaris and game drives add variety to your days. The southern circuit is far less crowded than the northern parks, offering a truly exclusive bush experience on a budget.
Destinations:MikumiNyerere (Selous)

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Safari Highlights

Mikumi open-plains game drives
Nyerere (Selous) — Africa's largest protected area
Rufiji River boat safari with hippos and crocodiles
Walking safari option in Nyerere
Far fewer tourists than northern parks
Diverse ecosystems — plains, rivers, and woodland

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park (approximately 5 hours). Enter the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive on the Mkata floodplain. Watch for lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, and buffalo. Camp at a public campsite near the park.

Budget camping — Mikumi public campsiteLunch (packed), Dinner
Transfer to MikumiAfternoon game driveMkata floodplain wildlife
2

Mikumi to Nyerere National Park

Morning game drive in Mikumi, then transfer to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Arrive at camp on the banks of the Rufiji River. Afternoon boat safari along the Rufiji — spot hippo pods, massive Nile crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds including fish eagles, kingfishers, and storks.

Budget camping — Nyerere riverside campsiteBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Morning Mikumi driveTransfer to NyerereAfternoon Rufiji River boat safari
3

Full Day Nyerere Game Drives

Full day of game driving in Nyerere. This massive park covers over 30,000 km² and supports one of the largest concentrations of wild dog in Africa. Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and the rare Lichtenstein's hartebeest. The remote wilderness feel is unmatched.

Budget camping — Nyerere riverside campsiteBreakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Dawn game driveWild dog searchPredator trackingAfternoon woodland drive
4

Nyerere — Walking Safari & Game Drive

Optional morning walking safari with an armed ranger — experience the bush on foot and learn about tracking, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed from a vehicle. Afternoon game drive exploring different areas of the park. Final evening by the campfire listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Budget camping — Nyerere riverside campsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking safari (optional)Afternoon game driveCampfire evening
5

Nyerere & Return to Dar es Salaam

Early morning game drive for final wildlife sightings. Depart Nyerere and drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving by late afternoon.

End of tour — Dar es Salaam drop-offBreakfast, Lunch (packed)
Morning game driveReturn transfer to Dar es Salaam

Tour Route

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Mikumi to Nyerere National Park

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Full Day Nyerere Game Drives

Included

  • Dar es Salaam return transfers
  • All park entry fees
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Boat safari on Rufiji River
  • Full-board meals
  • Camping accommodation
  • Drinking water

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Walking safari fee (optional extra)
  • Personal expenses

Where to Stay

Handpicked lodges & camps for this safari

from $35/night

Kudu Lodge & Camp

Arusha

A welcoming budget lodge on the outskirts of Arusha offering comfortable rooms, a lush garden setting, and easy access to all northern safari circuit departures.

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from $90/night

Marera Valley Lodge

Karatu

A mid-range lodge in the green hills of Karatu offering excellent value with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and stunning views over the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

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from $30/night

Simba Campsite

Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Tanzania's most iconic public campsite perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering an unbeatable combination of world-class views and rock-bottom prices.

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