3-days 2-night from Dar-es-Salaam to Mikumi National Park

Planning a Tanzanian safari often means dreaming of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but there’s something uniquely refreshing about exploring Mikumi National Park—a vast, lesser-known wilderness that offers authentic wildlife encounters without the crowds. We’ve reviewed a 3-day, 2-night tour from Dar es Salaam that promises a mix of adventure, comfort, and genuine nature immersion.

What we love about this experience is how it combines scenic drives, cultural stops in Morogoro, and close-up wildlife viewing, all for a reasonable $400 per person. Plus, the convenience of traveling in a luxury van and staying at a lodge inside or near the park makes it a practical choice. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that long drives and early mornings are part of the package, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of adventure.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a cost-effective safari option that balances wildlife viewing with comfort and authentic Tanzanian landscapes. It’s suitable whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to experience a different side of Tanzania beyond the usual northern circuits.

Key Points

• Affordable Value: At $400, this safari offers a comprehensive experience with transport, park fees, and accommodations included.
• Wildlife & Landscapes: Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and many more in their natural habitat.
• Authentic Experience: Less commercialized than northern parks, Mikumi provides a more relaxed, genuine safari experience.
• Comfort & Convenience: Traveling in a luxury van with a professional guide makes logistics smooth and enjoyable.
• Flexible & Bookable: Keep your plans flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later, plus a full refund policy if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Cultural & Scenic Stops: The journey includes a midday stop in Morogoro for local cuisine, adding a cultural touch to your adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park

The journey starts early at 8:00 AM, with a pickup from your hotel or airport in Dar es Salaam. Traveling in a luxury van, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the highway, passing through the Tanzanian countryside. The road trip itself is part of the adventure—expect views of villages, farms, and open landscapes that set the tone for your safari.

A highlight is the stop in Morogoro Town around midday, where you can indulge in a local Tanzanian lunch. Reviews mention that this break is well-timed and offers a taste of authentic cuisine, making the long drive more enjoyable. After lunch, the drive continues into Mikumi National Park, arriving late afternoon. Check-in at your lodge or hotel inside or near the park, such as Mikumi Resort or Chambo Villa, both offering comfortable accommodations amidst nature.

The evening is relaxed—ideal for unwinding after the drive, with a chance to settle in and enjoy dinner. The lodges typically offer hearty meals, and many reviews note the friendly staff and peaceful surroundings as a welcome respite.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive Safari

Wake up early with a breakfast at 7:00 AM, preparing for a full day exploring Mikumi’s vast plains and woodland areas. The tour uses an open safari jeep, which is perfect for wildlife viewing—giving you unobstructed views and the opportunity to take photos.

The park’s highlight is its impressive diversity of animals. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests. The park’s landscape, characterized by sprawling savannahs and scattered trees, is a photographer’s dream. Crocodiles and hippos are often seen around water bodies like the hippo pool, adding to the thrill.

According to reviews, the guides are knowledgeable and passionate, sometimes pointing out rare sightings such as wild dogs or leopards. One reviewer noted that the guides are great at spotting animals, even those hiding in the bush, which is crucial in a wild environment.

For lunch, most lodges or designated picnic areas serve hot buffet meals—a welcome break in the middle of the day. The afternoon continues with more game viewing, often in quieter parts of the park. As the sun sets, you’ll head back to your lodge for dinner and another restful night.

Day 3: Return to Dar es Salaam

After an early breakfast, it’s time to pack up and leave Mikumi. The return journey begins around 7:00 AM, retracing the route through Morogoro with a refreshment stop. Expect to arrive in Dar es Salaam early to mid-afternoon, depending on traffic.

This last leg offers a chance to reflect on your adventure, sharing stories about the wildlife sightings and landscapes experienced over the previous days. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel, the airport, or ferry terminal—perfect if you’re heading to Zanzibar next.

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What Sets This Safari Apart?

The Convenience of a Guided Small Group Tour

Traveling in a luxury van with a professional guide simplifies logistics and means you don’t have to worry about navigation or park fees. The guide, typically fluent in English, will keep you informed about the wildlife, flora, and park history—adding depth to your experience.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters

Unlike some tours that rush through parks, the full-day game drives allow you ample time to spot animals, take photos, and observe behavior. The open jeep provides excellent visibility, making animal sightings more memorable.

Cultural & Scenic Midday Stop

The lunch in Morogoro adds a cultural element often missing from longer safaris. Many reviews mention the quality of the local food and the relaxed atmosphere, which makes the trip more than just a wildlife run.

Comfort & Flexibility

Staying at well-rated lodges inside or near the park, you’ll wake up to the sounds of nature, not just the engine. The pay-later booking option and full refund policy provide flexibility, especially helpful if your plans are still uncertain.

Practical Details & Considerations

Price & Value

For $400 per person, this package includes all transportation, park entrance fees, accommodation, meals, and a professional guide with soft drinks. When you compare this to other safaris, it offers strong value—particularly given the inclusive nature of the costs.

Transportation & Timing

The use of a luxury van ensures comfort during the long drives, which are about 4-5 hours each way. Starting early in the morning maximizes your time in the park and reduces the risk of late-afternoon traffic back to Dar es Salaam.

Group Size & Guides

The tour is designed for small groups, which enhances the experience by allowing more personalized attention from guides. From reviews, guides like Fredy are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the safari informative and enjoyable.

Accommodation

Stays are at lodges such as Mikumi Resort or Chambo Villa, both reviewed as comfortable and convenient. Many travelers appreciate the chance to relax in a natural setting after a day of game viewing.

Food & Drinks

Meals are included—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—so you won’t need to worry about extra expenses. Soft drinks are also part of the package, which is refreshing during the hot daytime safaris.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 3-day safari from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi offers excellent value for those wanting a well-rounded wildlife experience without the crowds or high costs of northern parks. It suits first-timers eager to see Tanzania’s iconic animals, as well as adventurous travelers who appreciate authentic landscapes and cultural stops.

It’s perfect if you prefer comfortable transport, guided insights, and a balanced mix of wildlife sightings and scenic drives. However, if you’re looking for a high-adrenaline, luxury-focused safari or want to visit the more famous parks, you might prefer a different itinerary.

This tour provides a practical, enjoyable, and affordable way to experience Tanzanian wildlife, especially if you’re open to exploring outside the usual tourist spots.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park?
The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions.

What is included in the tour price?
The package covers transfers from Dar es Salaam, park entrance fees, accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), a professional guide, and soft drinks.

Can I book this tour now and pay later?
Yes, the tour offers a “reserve & pay later” option, allowing you to secure your spot with no immediate payment.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What kind of vehicle is used for the safari?
An open safari jeep is used, which offers excellent visibility and photo opportunities during game drives.

Are accommodations inside or near the park?
Guests stay at lodges like Mikumi Resort or Chambo Villa, both situated inside or near the park, providing convenient access.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour’s long drives and early mornings might be more suitable for older children and adults comfortable with a bit of adventure.

This 3-day Mikumi safari offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and culture, all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re after your first Tanzanian safari or simply want to experience a different landscape, it’s a practical choice that highlights the authentic beauty of Mikumi National Park.

You can check availability for your dates here: