6 Days Safari to Mikumi Np, Udzungwa Mountain NP and Nyerere NP (Selous GR)

Introduction

Our review focuses on a comprehensive 6-day safari tour through some of Tanzania’s most captivating natural landscapes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and extensive inclusions highlight it as a well-rounded adventure for wildlife lovers.

What makes this safari appealing? First, the chance to visit three diverse environments—Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa Mountains, and Selous Game Reserve—offers a great mix of savannah wildlife, lush forests, and pristine wilderness. Second, the tour is designed to maximize wildlife sightings, with experienced guides and well-planned game drives. Third, the price includes accommodation, park fees, and meals, making it a solid value for a multi-day adventure.

A possible consideration is the long drives involved—up to five or eight hours on some days—which might be tiring for some travelers. Still, for those seeking an authentic, deeply immersive safari experience, this tour seems to deliver on many levels.

This experience is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and those eager to explore Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems on a private, guided basis.

Key Points

• Diverse Ecosystems: Combines savannah, mountain forests, and riverine habitats for a rich wildlife experience.
• All-Inclusive Value: Price covers accommodation, park fees, meals, and guiding, making it straightforward to budget.
• Expert Guides: The reviews praise knowledgeable guides, especially for showing you the best sights at optimal times.
• Authentic Encounters: Opportunities like walking safaris, mountain treks, and boat safaris add depth to the journey.
• Long Drives: Expect some lengthy travels between parks, which could be tiring but also scenic.
• Small Group or Private: The tour is private, giving you personalized attention and flexibility.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Mikumi National Park

Your adventure kicks off with a roughly five-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, with a scenic stop in Morogoro for a hot lunch. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania’s fifth largest, is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.

We loved the way the itinerary emphasizes afternoon game drives—most likely to catch the animals active during cooler parts of the day. Mikumi’s landscape feels like a classic African safari backdrop, with open plains dotted with acacia trees.

Tip: The overnight stay at Mikumi Bastian Camp provides a relaxed setting, with meals planned to fuel your game drive excitement. Reviewers noted that the guides do their best to find the animals, making this a highlight for wildlife sightings.

Day 2: Full Day in Mikumi & Transfer to Udzungwa

After breakfast, you’ll spend a whole day exploring Mikumi, with packed lunch for flexibility. This extended game drive allows plenty of time to spot lions lounging and elephants wandering.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head south to Udzungwa Mountain National Park, about 8 hours on the road. This long drive is a chance to see rural Tanzanian life and scenic countryside, setting the stage for the next day’s mountain adventure.

Day 3: Trekking in Udzungwa Mountains

This day blends adventure and nature as you visit the park headquarters before embarking on a mountain trek. The highlight is reaching the Sanje Waterfall, a stunning 170-meter cascade, where you can take a refreshing swim in the plunge pools.

Expect breathtaking views and lush forest scenery, as Udzungwa’s forest is described as one of Tanzania’s most pristine. The trek requires some physical effort but rewards with spectacular scenery and the thrill of being in untouched wilderness. Afterward, you return to Mikumi Bastian Camp for rest.

Insight from reviews: Visitors appreciate guides who enhance the experience with local knowledge, making the walk both educational and enjoyable.

Day 4: Journey to Selous Game Reserve

Early breakfast begins your long scenic drive into the heart of Tanzania’s wildest landscapes, passing through villages and crossing rivers. The drive to Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest wildlife reserve, is roughly four hours and is described as “the most rewarding and adventurous” part of the trip by those who’ve done it.

Arriving in Selous, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive—expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and perhaps wild dogs or lions. The reserve’s size offers a sense of untouched wilderness, with fewer travelers and more authentic encounters.

Day 5: Full Day of Game Viewing & River Safari

This day is packed with activity. A full-day game drive allows extensive exploration, increasing your chances to see different animals and landscapes. The reviews highlight the expertise of guides in finding the best viewing spots and capturing perfect photos.

Later, a boat safari along the Great Rufiji River is an unmissable experience, especially at sunset. You’ll get close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, making this a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Tip: The boat safari is often praised for its peaceful, intimate connection with nature—definitely a moment to cherish.

Day 6: Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam

Waking early, you’ll go on a guided walking safari—a rare chance to experience the wilderness on foot, with an armed ranger nearby for safety. Expect a gentle, immersive experience that brings you closer to the smaller sights and sounds of the bush.

After breakfast, you’ll pack up and begin the roughly four-hour drive back to Dar es Salaam, with a packed lunch. The trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel, ferry, or airport—ready to share your stories and photos from this wildlife-packed adventure.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The Mix of Ecosystems

Travelers will find that this itinerary offers a balanced taste of Tanzania’s landscapes—from savannahs and grasslands in Mikumi to mountain forests in Udzungwa, and riverine ecosystems in Selous. Such diversity boosts both the number and variety of animals and plant species you’ll encounter.

Authentic Encounters and Activities

Beyond the usual game drives, the tour includes a mountain trek to Sanje Waterfall and a walking safari, which are often highlighted as memorable experiences. The boat safari adds a tranquil, wildlife-rich perspective along the Rufiji River.

Experienced Guides and Personalization

Both reviews praise the guides—like Yunus—who are knowledgeable and attentive, making the safaris more engaging. Since this is a private tour, you benefit from personalized attention, flexible timing, and the opportunity to customize your experience.

Value for Money

For $1,651.16 per person, this package covers accommodation, park entrance fees, meals, transport, and a private guide—offering a lot of inclusions that reduce the hassle of planning independently.

Practical Considerations

While the long drives might be tiring, they also provide scenic routes and insight into local life, making the journey part of the adventure. The tour operates year-round, with flexibility to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day safari presents a fantastic way to see some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes without the hassle of multiple bookings. The carefully curated itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and authentic nature experiences, all delivered with knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations.

If you’re seeking a deep dive into Tanzania’s wilderness, enjoy diverse landscapes, and appreciate guided expertise, this tour is a strong contender. It offers a genuine safari experience that emphasizes both animal sightings and immersive activities, making it ideal for those who want more than just a drive through the park.

However, be prepared for the long travel days—patience and a sense of adventure are key. This trip suits travelers who value guided insight, small group intimacy, and a well-rounded exploration of Tanzania’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are the drives between parks?
The drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi takes about 5 hours, and traveling from Mikumi to Udzungwa is roughly 8 hours. The journey to Selous also involves a long scenic drive, around 4 hours.

What activities are included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy game drives in Mikumi and Selous, mountain trekking to Sanje Waterfall, a walking safari in Selous, and a boat safari along the Rufiji River.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the 6 days.

What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is provided at Mikumi Bastian Camp for the first two nights and at Africa Safari Camp in Selous. The reviews suggest these are comfortable and suitable for safari travelers.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, allowing a personalized experience.

Can children join this safari?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18, and children’s rates apply when sharing with adults.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable, smart casual clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate footwear for trekking and walking safaris.

What is the price point and is it good value?
At around $1,651 per person, the tour offers substantial value given the inclusions of park fees, accommodation, meals, and private guiding. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the experience and guide quality.

This detailed tour review should help you decide whether this Tanzanian safari is the right fit for your travel style. If you’re eager to explore diverse ecosystems with dedicated guides and authentic activities, this 6-day adventure is definitely worth considering.