12-Day Private Tanzania Safari Southern Circuit

Book This Safari

Overview

The 12-Day Private Tanzania Safari – Southern & Northern Circuit is a carefully designed journey that blends Tanzania’s remote southern wilderness with the iconic wildlife regions of the north. This private safari is ideal for travelers seeking variety, exclusivity, and unforgettable game viewing across some of the country’s most diverse ecosystems.

Your adventure begins in the Southern Circuit, exploring Mikumi National Park and Nyerere National Park, where open plains, river systems, and vast untamed landscapes offer exceptional wildlife encounters, including large elephant herds, lions, and rich birdlife. You then continue north to experience Tanzania’s legendary parks—Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobabs and elephants, and the world-famous Serengeti National Park, home to abundant predators and the Great Migration. Traveling privately with expert local guides, comfortable safari vehicles, and carefully selected lodges, Lehi Tanzania Safaris delivers a seamless safari experience that balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam / Kilwa

Welcome to Tanzania! As soon as you land, a friendly Lehi Tanzania Safaris representative will meet at Arrival in Dar es Salaam / Kilwa

Overview: Land at Dar es Salaam International Airport. Your private driver/guide will greet you for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

Activities: Check-in, relax, and enjoy refreshments.

Safari briefing: overview of Southern circuit parks, logistics, and what to expect.

Optional short city or cultural tour if time permits.

Wildlife & Scenery: Urban transition to Tanzanian bush; your eyes start adjusting to the unique landscapes.

Logistics: ~5–6 hrs drive or 1-hr light aircraft transfer. Private vehicle for your group.

Activities:

Afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Introduction to the park’s wildlife: elephants, hippos, lions, wild dogs, crocodiles.

Optional river safari on Rufiji River to see hippos and crocodiles from close.

Experience: Selous is a remote and rarely crowded park, offering a true wilderness feel, away from the typical tourist trail.

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives with your private guide.

Optional walking safari or boat cruise.

Photographic opportunities in savannah, riverine forests, and floodplains.

Wildlife: Rare sightings like wild dogs and sitatunga antelopes, alongside elephants, lions, and buffalo.

Logistics: Drive (~4–5 hrs). Scenic views of Southern Tanzania landscapes.

Activities:

Afternoon game drive in Mikumi.

Smaller and more accessible than Selous, Mikumi offers classic East African savannah experiences.

Wildlife: Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeest.

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives across the park.

Opportunity to observe predator-prey interactions in open savannahs.

Experience: Ideal for wildlife photography; the landscape is dotted with acacia trees, rolling plains, and occasional rivers.

Activities: Morning game drive in Mikumi.

After breakfast, private transfer to Dar es Salaam (~4–5 hrs) or optional light flight to Arusha for Northern circuit.

Experience: Closing the southern safari adventure; reflections on remote wilderness encounters.

Activities: Morning transfer (~2–3 hrs).

Afternoon game drive in Tarangire.

Wildlife: Large elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and the park’s iconic baobab trees.

Experience: Tarangire offers a different ecosystem from the southern parks: rolling hills and dry-season migrations of elephants.

Activities: Drive (~4–5 hrs) with optional stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of key archaeological discoveries.

Afternoon game drive in Serengeti.

Wildlife: Predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas; large herds of wildebeest and zebras.

Experience: Serengeti is iconic for its endless plains and dramatic wildlife interactions.

Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives to explore different regions of the park.

Optional luxury hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast.

Wildlife: Lions hunting, cheetahs sprinting across plains, vast herds on migration (seasonal).

Experience: The Serengeti gives classic African safari vistas and unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities.

Activities: Morning drive in Serengeti.

Transfer to Ngorongoro (~4–5 hrs). Afternoon game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater.

Wildlife: Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard) and dense concentrations of herbivores.

Experience: Dramatic scenery — volcanic caldera walls, dense wildlife, and scenic lakes.

Activities: Optional short morning game drive or rim walk.

Private transfer (~3–4 hrs) to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Experience: Concluding reflections on a full Tanzanian safari: remote southern wilderness + iconic northern savannahs and crater ecosystems.

Wildlife & Ecosystem Highlights

Inclusions & Exclusion

  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

12-Day Private Tanzania Safari Southern Circuit

Budget

2 pax

$6,500 USD*

4 pax

$5,700 USD*

6 pax

$5,200 USD*

Mid-Range

2 pax

$11,000 USD*

4 pax

$8,500 USD*

6 pax

$7,800 USD*

Luxury

2 pax

$21,000 USD*

4 pax

$16,500 USD*

6 pax

$14,500 USD

Ready to Book Your Tanzania Safari?

Reserve your spot today or let us tailor the experience to your travel dates and preferences.

Book This Safari

Frequently Ask Questions

What currency should I bring?

We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it’s always good idea to have local currency.

You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. The other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.

Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).

Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).

A 30% to 50% deposit will already be taken to reserve your slot. The remaining balance can be paid by using one of the below methods:
  • Cash in USD before the tour start.
  • Pay by card before the tour starts with a 5% card processing fee. (Applicable throughout Tanzania)
  • Pay by bank transfer at least 4 weeks in advance.

Waterproof, windproof, breathable pants and jacket with hood Goretex is excellent. packs (like Camelbaks) also work well, although the hose can freeze on the summit climb. Headlamp with extra batteries You might also consider a backup flashlight in case your headlamp fails.

Kilimanjaro and Safaris Packing List You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania.

Should I bring a First aid kit?

There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, also we have it for the Kilimanjaro climbing, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets,

The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.

It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.

Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping.

Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.

Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).

The crews for one person for Kilimanjaro climbing include:
=> 1 Guide 
=> 1 Chef Cook
=> 1 Waiter
=> 1 Toilet Porters 
=> 4 Supporting Porters