24 DAYS SELF -DRIVE SAFARI: SOUTHERN, NORTHERN & WESTERN TANZANIA
Set off on the ultimate self-drive safari journey through the breathtaking southern and western circuits of Tanzania, culminating in the legendary Serengeti. For seasoned and daring tourists who wish to see Tanzania outside of the conventional northern itinerary, this 24-day self-drive safari in southern and northern Tanzania is ideal. You’ll travel through expansive wilderness regions, come across isolated national parks, camp outside or unwind in thoughtfully chosen resorts, and finish your adventure amidst the famous Serengeti grasslands.
For those looking for seclusion, abundant wildlife, and a close relationship with Tanzania’s untamed landscapes, this path is perfect. With more than two decades of tourist experience, we guarantee a memorable, safe, and well-supported trip.
The route Map
Parks to Visit
Nyerere National Park
Large savannahs, rivers, and a variety of species can be found in Africa’s largest national park. Elephants, lions, and hippos can be found here, and boat safaris on the Rufiji River are available.
Mikumi National Park
renowned for its wide-open grasslands and profusion of lions, giraffes, and zebras. Because of its abundant biodiversity, it is frequently referred to as a “mini-Serengeti.”
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
a hotspot for biodiversity that includes endemic species, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. A great place to hike and see unusual monkeys like the Sanje mangabey.
Ruaha National Park
The largest national park in Tanzania, with untamed scenery and a high concentration of predators. includes the Great Ruaha River and plains dotted with baobabs.
Kitulo National Park
This park, known as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” is home to a variety of plants and colorful alpine meadows. A sanctuary for environment lovers and botanists.
Katavi National Park
One of Tanzania’s most isolated parks, with vast herds of buffalo and pristine nature. A great place to see wildlife in abundance and tranquility.
Serengeti National Park
famous for the Great Migration, which sees millions of zebras and wildebeests cross the plains. provides traditional safari experiences with a wide variety of environments and plenty of predators.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This enormous volcanic crater, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a wide variety of species. renowned for its breathtaking scenery and Big Five viewing possibilities.
Tarangire National Park
distinguished for its massive herds of elephants and recognizable baobab trees. offers a more tranquil safari experience than other parks and great birdlife.
Summary itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park
Day 3: Nyerere National Park
Day 4: Nyerere – Mikumi National Park
Day 5: Mikumi National Park
Day 6: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Day 7: Udzungwa to Ruaha National Park
Day 8: Safari in Ruaha National Park
Day 9: Extra Day in Ruaha National Park
Day 10: Ruaha to Kitulo National Park
Day 11: Rest Day in Mbeya
Day 12: Kitulo to Lake Tanganyika
Day 13: Lake Tanganyika
Day 14: Lake Tanganyika to Katavi National Park
Day 15: Safari in Katavi National Park
Day 16: Katavi to Kigoma
Day 17: Gombe Stream National Park
Day 18: Kigoma to Mwanza
Day 19: Mwanza to Serengeti National Park
Day 20: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Day 21: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 22: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Drive to Tarangire
Day 23: Safari in Tarangire National Park
Day 24: Tarangire to Arusha
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Dar es salaam
Reach the airport at Julius Nyerere International. After your flight, take some time to recuperate and enjoy a leisurely evening. This is your chance to get ready before picking up your 4×4 and venturing into the wilderness.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Serena Hotel
Day 2: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Take your fully equipped 4×4 car and go to Tanzania’s largest protected region, Nyerere National Park (previously Selous).
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Africa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Explore Nyerere’s expansive river channels and miombo woods for the entire day. You might see hippos, lions, elephants, and wild dogs. An excellent optional activity to witness crocodiles, birds, and animals coming to drink is a boat safari on the Rufiji River.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge : Lema Eco Camp campsite or lodge
Day 4: Nyerere – Mikumi National Park
After leaving Nyerere, go through the picturesque Uluguru Mountains to the northwest, where you will find Mikumi. Enjoy a quick game drive in Mikumi’s vast plains, where giraffes and elephants are frequently sighted, after arriving in the afternoon.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Vuma Hills Lodge
Day 5: Mikumi National Park
Take a full-day self-drive safari in Mikumi, which is frequently referred to as a “mini-Serengeti” due to its expansive savannahs and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for lions, hyenas, and herds of buffalo, zebra, and impala.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Vuma Hills Lodge
Day 6: Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Take a short drive to the Udzungwa Mountains, a fascinating park renowned for its uncommon primates, rainforest, and waterfalls. Hike through thick tropical foliage to Sanje Falls, where you may take in the expansive vistas and bathe in natural pools.
Camping public campsite
Lodge Udzungwa Falls Lodge
Day 7: Udzungwa to Ruaha National Park
Travel to Ruaha National Park by a lengthy and picturesque trip across the Great Rift Valley. You enter the central highlands of Tanzania using this road.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Day 8: Safari in Ruaha National Park
Discover one of Tanzania’s most stunning yet little-known parks. Ruaha is renowned for its striking baobab trees, red-earth scenery, and amazing wildlife diversity, which includes endangered African wild canines, lions, elephants, and kudus.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Day 9: Extra Day in Ruaha National Park
You can spend time observing animal behavior and exploring more isolated parts of the park on your second day in Ruaha. Take pleasure in tranquil settings and fewer cars than in more well-known northern parks.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
Day 10: Ruaha to Kitulo National Park
Today you begin your journey toward the Southern Highlands. Reach the Kitulo Plateau, known as the “Serengeti of Flowers” due to the wildflowers’ seasonal blooms. This calm, cool spot is great for hiking and birdwatching.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Utengule Coffee Lodge
Day 11: Rest Day in Mbeya
Before heading north, take a day off from driving and rest.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Utengule Coffee Lodge
Day 12: Kitulo to Lake Tanganyika
To get to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, drive along the western rift. There are mountains and vegetation all around this deep, clean lake. Your lodge is right on the sea, making it the ideal place to unwind with a refreshing drink or swim at sunset.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Lake Shore Lodge
Day 13: Lake Tanganyika
You may explore nearby fishing communities, go kayaking, or go snorkeling during the day. The lake provides a lovely location to take in Tanzania’s natural splendor away from the safari route and is safe for swimming.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Lake Shore Lodge
Day 14: Lake Tanganyika to Katavi National Park
Enter Katavi, one of Africa’s most untamed and isolated national parks, after leaving the lakeshore. With its vast floodplains, abundant animal life, and low tourist numbers, this is true wilderness.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Mbambali Katavi Lodge
Day 15: Safari in Katavi National Park
Explore Katavi’s unspoiled grasslands for the day. Here, massive herds of lions, buffalo, elephants, and crocodiles roam freely. Wildlife is frequently spotted near water sources, particularly in the dry season.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Mbambali Katavi Lodge
Day 16: Katavi to Kigoma
Approach Kigoma, a port town on Lake Tanganyika, by driving north along the lake. There are rural settlements along the path, which is serene and picturesque. Spend the night at a lodge with a view of the lake.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Kigoma Hilltop Lodge
Day 17: Gombe Stream National Park
Visit Gombe, which is well-known for Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee studies, via boat across the lake. Hike through the forest to witness chimpanzees in the wild and take in the magnificent views of the lake if you decide to go.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Kigoma Hilltop Lodge
Day 18: Kigoma to Mwanza
It’s a lengthy but worthwhile journey along the southern coasts of Lake Victoria today. Before arriving in Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, travel through small fishing communities and undulating highlands.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Rock City Bay Lodge
Day 19: Mwanza to Serengeti National Park
Through Ndabaka Gate, you can enter the Serengeti from the west. As you go along the corridor to your main camp or lodge, take pleasure in a leisurely safari drive. As soon as you go inside, you might start seeing wildlife.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Mawe Tented Camp
Day 20: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Explore the boundless expanses of the Serengeti for the entire day. You might see the Great Migration or big prides of elephants, lions, and cheetahs, depending on the season.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Mawe Tented Camp
Day 21: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Take a last game drive in the Serengeti to start the morning. After that, proceed southeast toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, making stops at vantage points en route to your lodge close to the crater’s edge.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Angata Camp
Day 22: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Drive to Tarangire
Take a breathtaking morning safari by descending into the Ngorongoro Crater. Your last safari nights will be spent in Tarangire National Park, which you will drive to later.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Baobab Tented Camp
Day 23: Safari in Tarangire National Park
Spend a leisurely day in Tarangire, which is home to striking baobab trees and Tanzania’s largest population of elephants. Keep an eye out for vibrant birds, lions, and leopards.
Camping Public campsite
Lodge Baobab Tented Camp
Day 24: Tarangire to Arusha
Begin your return drive to Arusha.
End of safari.
Safari inclusion
- 4×4 Land Cruiser with rooftop tent or lodge option
- Basic third-party insurance
- Tracks4Africa GPS navigation system
- Camping gear
- Park entry fees and conservation fees
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Route planning assistance and backup support
Price exclusions
- International flights
- Fuel (vehicle supplied with full tank and returned full)
- Food and drinks
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to do this self-drive trip?
Road conditions and wildlife viewing are best during the dry season, which runs from June to October. Although there are less tourists and more beautiful landscape during the green season (November to May), some areas may have slick roads.
Do I need to be an expert driver?
No. You will do well as long as you are comfortable with long-distance road travel and have the confidence to drive a 4×4. Our staff offers 24-hour assistance, GPS with Tracks4Africa, and a comprehensive briefing.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Indeed. You can add parks, change the number of nights, or enhance your lodging to suit your tastes.
Is it safe to travel through the southern and western parks?
Indeed. Despite their remoteness, these places are friendly and safe. We offer daily travel advice, emergency contacts, and safety precautions as you pass through sleepy towns and communities.
What type of vehicle is provided?
A fully furnished 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a fridge, GPS, complete insurance, and optional camping equipment. For dependability, cars are repaired prior to each journey.
Is this trip suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania?
Of course. You get a rich, genuine Tanzanian experience throughout this well-rounded tour. Even though some places are far away, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
What are the road conditions like?
Both pavement and dirt roads will be present. Although there are some tough spots near Katavi and Ruaha, most are in good shape; your 4×4 is designed for this type of terrain.
Where can I stock up on food, fuel, and essentials?
Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Iringa, Mbeya, Kigoma, Mwanza, and Arusha are important locations for restocking. We offer a comprehensive information on where to get local SIM cards, shop, and refuel.
Are park fees and permits included in the price?
Yes, all national park fees, conservation area permits, and entry expenses are included in the entire package.
Is chimp trekking at Gombe Stream National Park included?
Yes, the boat transfer and permit for chimp trekking in Gombe are completely included. To ensure a seamless experience, we will plan the logistics beforehand.
What accommodation options are available?
You have the option of full-board lodging stays or self-catering campsites. We can mix and match to fit your spending limit and level of comfort.
Can I mix camping and lodge accommodation?
Yes, based on your tastes and financial constraints, you can combine lodge stays with camping. We modify the lodging schedule to accommodate your degree of comfort.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is required to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. There is a $1,000 deductible for auto insurance.
What kind of support do I get on the road?
We offer check-in locations along your route, a local cell phone, and round-the-clock remote assistance. Help is only a phone call away; you’re never alone.
How do I book, and what are the payment terms?
Your reservation is secured with a 30% deposit. Before your vacation starts, the remaining amount is due. Your booking confirmation will include comprehensive terms and conditions.