EXPLORE

Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

2 Days | 1 Night

From $528/ person 

Your trip overview

Mikumi National Park is the perfect safari destination for individuals who don’t have a lot of time because wildlife encounters are almost guaranteed. Mikumi National Park is a well-liked destination for weekend tourists from the city because it is only 185 miles from Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania.

The main hub of Mikumi, the Mkata Floodplain, is frequently compared to the more well-known Serengeti Plains because of its expansive vistas and profusion of species. Lions can be seen inspecting their grassy realm, staring at buffalo herds moving under them and the flattened tops of termite mounds, while safari game drives are taking place.

Our 2-day Safari to Mikumi is a quick trip from Dar es Salaam that brings you to one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking national parks in the southern circuit, this is an Ideal short Safari that starts from Dar es Salaam and perfect for tourists or residents with limited time and budget for a long safaris. Enjoy the thrill of a safari in this short safari trip, get away from the busy city to somewhere cooler and quieter and appreciate nature and all that it has to offer!

Why is Mikumi National Park unique? The presence of the largest antelope in the world, and the most powerful eland, is what distinguishes Mikumi National Park. The Mkata Floodplain in Tanzania is possibly the best location to see the strong eland, the largest antelope in the world. Animals that are regularly seen in the serene landscapes of Mikumi National Park includes Elephant, Giraffe, Antelope, Civet, eland, impala, kudu, reedbuck, buffalo, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra, crocodiles, monitor lizards, baboons, hippos, and pythons. Mikumi is home to approximately 300 different bird species, including the battler eagle, saddle-billed stork, hammer kop, malachite kingfisher, lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated long-claw and more.

You can see the big 5 at Mikumi National Park. The Big 5, which are the cheetah, lion, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos, are the most notable species of wildlife that can be found in this area. Therefore when you don’t have the time and budget for a long safari, Mikumi National Park is the ideal safari destination.

Geographically speaking, travelers usually fly into Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s main city, which is located on the country’s east coast. Tour companies can pick up visitors at the airport or hotel and drive them to Mikumi National Park.

Weather: The long rainy season begins in early March and ends in May, with daytime highs ranging from 26C/79F to 31C/88F.

Best time to visit: While you may watch wildlife in Mikumi at any time of the year, late June to early October is the finest period, which is the dry season. Animals congregate near waterholes at this time of year because the foliage is sparser. When the dry season comes to an end in September and October, this time is specifically rewarding because large herds of wildlife gather to drink at the few remaining water sources.

The park has a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury camps to budget lodges. These accommodations are found inside and outside the park, just few kilometers from the entrance gate at the small town of Mikumi.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

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Planning Your Safari

Organizing your safari from Zanzibar, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

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Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Dar Es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Since these 2-day safari involves a long drive, leaving Dar es Salaam as early as possible is essential. Your safari will begin with an early morning pick-up at around 5am from your hotel in Dar es Salaam and a roughly 5 to 6 hour journey to Mikumi National Park. 

Take in beautiful vistas of the countryside. After you arrive, immediately you will start your first game drive for a few hours before stopping for lunch. After lunch, you will continue with your next game drive for more animal sightings opportunities. Remember, Mikumi National Park is the most easily accessible national park from Dar es Salaam, which is also Tanzania’s fourth-largest National Park. 

Many animals including buffalo, giraffes, elephants, lions, pythons, zebras, leopards, and crocodiles, will be visible to you. By 4pm, the game drive comes to an end as you will be transferred to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight inside or outside the park depending on your budget.

Where to stay

Day 2: Mikumi National Park to Dar Es Salaam

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart the camp for a game drive. Because the animals are most active in the morning, this is the greatest time to see them. The hidden secrets of Mikumi are always pleased to be revealed to you by our knowledgeable guide. 

These secrets cover a wide range of topics, such as how Darwin’s theory of evolution (survival of the fittest) works in the region and why Mikumi will never die. As you return to Dar es Salaam in the late afternoon, keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive to the exit gate, our guide will drive you safely back to Dar es Salaam.

Rates Per Person

Start Dates 2 people Sharing rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
$528

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees

All activities All accommodation

A professional driver/guide

All transportation

All Taxes/VAT

Transfer from/to Dar es Salaam

All Meals

Exclusions

International flights

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips (Tipping guideline US$5.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

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