If you’re dreaming of stepping into the wild heart of Tanzania, this 5-day safari combining Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park promises just that. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and itinerary paint a vivid picture of what to expect — a genuine, eye-opening journey into some of Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas.
What we love about this experience? First, the expert guidance—travelers consistently praise guides like Davis, who seem to have a talent for spotting wildlife and sharing insights. Second, the variety of activities — boat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris — create a well-rounded safari adventure. Third, the stunning scenery and wildlife diversity—from hippos in the river to lions in the open plains.
A potential consideration is the long travel times between locations, which could be tiring if you prefer a more relaxed pace. However, these journeys are part of the adventure, offering a glimpse into the local landscapes and communities.
This tour suits travelers seeking an authentic, immersive experience without sacrificing comfort. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers to Tanzania, or those wanting a comprehensive safari with a mix of water-based and land-based safaris.
Key Points
- Extensive Wildlife Encounters: Expect elephants, lions, wild dogs, and over 300 bird species.
- Diverse Safari Activities: Boat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris deepen your connection to nature.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Davis make wildlife spotting and learning engaging.
- Beautiful Scenery: From the Rufiji River to the open plains of Mikumi, the views are spectacular.
- Value for the Price: At $1,300 per person, the 5-day experience covers detailed safaris and expert guiding.
- Long Travel Days: The journey involves some lengthy drives, but they are part of the adventure.
Exploring the Itinerary
Looking for more options in Dar es Salaam? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Day 1: Arrival at Selous Game Reserve & River Safari
Starting with a morning departure from Dar es Salaam, the journey to Selous takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, passing through rural villages and lush farmland. A stop in Kibiti offers a chance for a hot lunch, providing a breather before the main activity.
The highlight here is the afternoon boat safari along the Great Rufiji River. This is where the magic truly begins. Our review highlights the close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and birds, with boats approaching animals on the banks as if they’re long-lost friends. The experience is highly visual, with hippos grunting and blowing steam, and crocodiles gliding just below the surface.
Expect to see elephants, waterbuck, and other river-adapted species, often within meters of your boat. This activity not only offers wildlife sightings but also a sense of tranquility and connection to the riverine environment.
Day 2: Walking Safari & Full-Day Game Drive
Waking early, you’re treated to a guided walking safari—a rare chance to feel the wilderness on foot. Armed guides lead you through the bush, pointing out footprints, droppings, and signs of animals you might otherwise miss on a vehicle. This brings a much more personal and tactile element to wildlife viewing.
Reviewers like Davis emphasize how engaging this is, noting that seeing the footprints of elephants and lions makes the experience truly tangible. After breakfast back at the camp, the focus shifts to a full-day game drive across Selous, home to elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, and more.
The guides are praised for their knowledge and patience, making sure you see the big cats and other iconic animals. The terrain offers classic African savannah views, with plenty of opportunities for photography.
Day 3: Transfer to Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, the journey continues—this time with a game drive en route to Mikumi, crossing stunning landscapes, rivers, and small villages. The drive is around 8 hours, but reviewers appreciate how it reveals the true wildness of Tanzania, making it more than just a transfer.
Traveling through the Uluguru Mountains and passing local farms, you’re exposed to the local life and diverse scenery. Though tiring, many say that this drive is part of the adventure, offering a firsthand look at rural Tanzania.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Mikumi
Mikumi National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species. The full-day game drive is the core activity, with packed lunch allowing you to maximize your wildlife viewing time.
Expect to see large herds of elephants, herds of giraffes stretching across the plains, and possibly leopards and pythons. The guides are experienced, and the park’s accessibility means you’ll cover a lot of ground, seeing a wide array of animals. Reviewers mention how Mikumi’s landscapes resemble the iconic savannahs of the Serengeti, with vast open plains perfect for game spotting.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Return to Dar es Salaam
The last morning begins with an early game drive at Mikumi, watching the sunrise light up the landscape. For those staying inside the park, this offers a final wildlife encounter before breakfast. Afterward, you’ll drive back to Dar es Salaam, stopping for a hot lunch along the way.
The trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel, airport, or ferry terminal, making it convenient whether you’re heading to Zanzibar or back home. The review notes that the return journey takes about 9 hours, but the opportunity to reflect on your safari makes it worthwhile.
Practical Details & Value
The tour is priced at $1,300 per person, which includes all activities, park entrance fees, and guiding services. Given the diversity of experiences—from boat safaris, walking safaris, to extensive game drives—many travelers find this to be good value for such a comprehensive adventure.
The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience. Pickup is offered, simplifying logistics, especially after a long flight into Tanzania.
The timing starts at 7 am each day, giving you early access to wildlife when animals are most active. The tour operates in good weather conditions, and cancellations are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility.
Authentic Experiences and Highlights
What sets this safari apart, based on reviews, is the guides’ expertise and enthusiasm. Davis, in particular, is commended for his ability to spot wildlife and share fascinating facts—making the game drives informative as well as exciting.
Reviewers also highlight the variety of habitats—the riverine environment of Selous, the open plains of Mikumi—and how the combination offers a well-rounded picture of Tanzanian wildlife. The boat safari, in particular, is noted for bringing viewers close to hippos and crocodiles, with some reviewers mentioning that animals approach the boat quite fearlessly.
Many travelers appreciated the seamless organization and the effort made by the tour operators, with pre-trip communication and smooth transfers, making the experience stress-free.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re after an immersive safari experience that covers both river and land wildlife, this tour ticks all boxes. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided activities, expert wildlife spotting, and a balanced itinerary.
Travelers looking for a value-packed tour that includes multiple parks and diverse activities will find this appealing. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors to Tanzania who want to see the best of Selous and Mikumi without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.
Final Thoughts
This 5-day safari offers a deep dive into Tanzania’s wild side, with highlights including boat safaris, walking adventures, and wide-ranging game drives. The expertise of guides like Davis, coupled with the stunning scenery and enormous animal populations, creates an experience that many reviewers call unforgettable.
While the travel days are long, they are part of the adventure—offering a broader view of rural and wilderness Tanzania. The tour’s price reflects its comprehensive nature, including multiple activities and expert guiding, making it good value for wildlife lovers.
For those hungry for authentic encounters, incredible wildlife sightings, and the chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals up close, this safari is a compelling choice. It’s best suited for travelers who want a mix of adventure, education, and stunning scenery, all with a trusted local operator.
FAQ
Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup from your location in Dar es Salaam is offered, and all transfers during the tour are included in the price.
How long does the journey to Selous take?
The drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous takes about 5 to 6 hours, with a stop in Kibiti for lunch.
What activities are included on this safari?
The tour features boat safaris, walking safaris, and game drives, providing a variety of ways to see wildlife and explore nature.
Is this tour suitable for children or family groups?
While not explicitly stated, the activities are generally suitable for travelers comfortable with long drives and outdoor adventures. Confirm with the operator for specific age restrictions.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, and over 300 bird species.
Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
This safari offers a well-balanced glimpse into Tanzania’s wilderness, combining expert-guided activities with breathtaking scenery—perfect for those who crave authentic adventure and wildlife encounters.