11 Day Southern Tanzania Self-Drive Safari

Durations

11 days / 10 nights

Group Size

1-10 travelers

Price

$ 3,250.00

11-Day Southern Tanzania Self-Drive Safari: Remote Parks & Rainforests

Discover the untamed beauty of Southern Tanzania on this 11-day self-drive safari designed for adventurous, independent travelers. This off-the-beaten-path route takes you deep into lesser-known national parks—Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa Mountains. It’s the ideal safari for those seeking solitude, raw wilderness, and authentic cultural encounters.
Drive your own 4×4 through remote landscapes, camp under the stars, or stay in cozy lodges. With wildlife-rich plains, tropical rainforests, and ancient archaeological sites, this Southern Tanzania self-drive safari offers a truly unique experience.

Fully-equipped 4×4 Land Cruiser with rooftop tent

Offline GPS routes & printed roadbook

24/7 satellite phone support

Pre-booked park permits & campsites

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival day

Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Meet & greet and transfer to your hotel. Relax after your flight and receive your safari briefing.

Lodge Serena Hotel

Day 2Nyerere National Park

Pick up your fully-equipped 4×4 and begin your journey to Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Africa Safari Selous Lodge

Day 3Nyerere National Park

Full day to explore Nyerere on game drives. Optional boat safari on the Rufiji River offers views of crocodiles, hippos, and birds.

Camping Lema Eco Camp

Lodge Africa Selous Lodge

Day 4Mikumi National Park

Drive through the scenic Morogoro region and Uluguru Mountains to Mikumi National Park. Afternoon game drive.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Karatu Tented Lodge

Day 5Mikumi National Park

Explore Mikumi’s savannahs with giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, and wildebeest.

Camping Camp Bastian campsite

Lodge Vuma Hills Lodge

Day 6Ruaha National Park

Drive through Iringa and across the Great Rift Valley into the heart of Ruaha.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Day 7Ruaha National Park

Full-day game drive in one of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife havens, home to lions, wild dogs, kudu, and vast elephant herds.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Day 8Ruaha National Park

Another day for deep exploration of Ruaha’s rugged terrain and abundant wildlife.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Day 9 Udzungwa Mountains

Drive to Iringa with a stop at the fascinating Isimila Stone Age archaeological site. Continue to Udzungwa Mountains for an overnight stay.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Udzungwa Falls Lodge

Day 10 Dar es Salaam

After a morning hike in the rainforest to Sanje Waterfalls, return to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Mediterraneo Hotel

Day 11Last day

Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward journey or extend your stay with a Zanzibar beach add-on.

Camping Public campsite

Lodge Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat.

Faqs

How experienced do I need to be to drive this route?

This itinerary is best suited for confident drivers with prior off-road or overland experience. The southern parks are remote with limited infrastructure, but our GPS system, backup support, and thorough briefing make it manageable for capable self-drivers.

Can I do this itinerary without camping?

Yes. All nights can be upgraded to comfortable mid-range or luxury lodges. We offer both full camping and mixed lodge-camping options depending on your comfort and budget.

What kind of vehicle will I get?

You’ll drive a Toyota Land Cruiser with either a rooftop tent or a pop-up roof for game viewing. Each vehicle is equipped with recovery gear, fridge, dual battery system, and Tracks4Africa navigation.

Is it safe to self-drive in Southern Tanzania?

Yes, with preparation. Roads are often in fair to rough condition, but security is not a concern in the national parks. We provide 24/7 support and route briefings to ensure your safety.

What is the best time to do this trip?

The dry season (June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing and road conditions. The green season (November to March) has fewer tourists, lush scenery, and excellent birding.

Can I extend the trip to Zanzibar?

Absolutely. After returning to Dar es Salaam, we can assist with ferry or flight arrangements to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach extension.

Stories from Our Africa RoadTrip Adventure

two week self drive trip to Tanzania and Kenya with Safari Masters

Nausherwan Ahmed

We were a group of four individuals and completed a fantastic two week self drive trip to Tanzania and Kenya with Safari Masters in early March 2023. Everything from the vehicle to the accomodation and support throughout our trip was top

Self-drive safari Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro, Serengeti, and Mara River

Felix Drinkall

We had such a great experience with Safari Masters. We self-drove through the Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro, Serengeti, and up to the Mara River to see the Great Migration. The car was powerful, very reliable and well-stocked. We also had great support from Felix who helped us work out where we should stay on our journey

4x4 with a rooftop tent and pop-up roof from Safari Masters

Tidjane Mangane

Unforgettable self-drive safari thanks to Safari Masters! My wife and I rented a 4×4 with a rooftop tent and pop-up roof from Safari Masters in Arusha for a 5-day self-drive through Ngorongoro and the Serengeti — and it was the adventure of a lifetime.

Ready to take the wheel?

Limited departures each season. Reserve your 4×4 and start planning your route.