2 Days Mikumi With Night Game Drive by Open Jeep: morogoro

Planning a safari that balances exciting wildlife encounters with comfort and authenticity? The 2-Day Mikumi With Night Game Drive offered by Mmary Wild Expedition promises just that. It’s a trip designed for those craving an intimate experience of Tanzania’s wilderness, with a unique opportunity to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.

What draws most travelers to this tour are the chance to see big cats hunting at night, staying inside the park overnight, and exploring Mikumi’s diverse wildlife in open safari vehicles. We love the combination of guided expert insight, authentic overnight stays within the park, and the thrill of a night game drive—a rare and memorable experience.

One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s price point of $750 per person, which reflects the inclusion of park fees, meals, overnight accommodation, and professional guides. However, it might be considered a premium experience for some travelers, especially those on a tighter budget. This safari is best suited for adventurous travelers who seek a genuine, slightly rustic safari experience with the comfort of knowledgeable guides and a well-organized itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Staying overnight inside Mikumi Park offers a close-up of wildlife in a natural setting.
• Night Game Drive: The evening and late-night drives increase chances of spotting nocturnal animals, including predators.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides ensure you understand what you’re seeing and enhance the experience.
• All-inclusive Value: Price covers park fees, meals, transfers, and accommodation—no hidden extras.
• Limited Time: The 2-day format is ideal for travelers with limited time but still wanting a meaningful safari.
• Personalized Encounters: Open Jeeps provide a more intimate and flexible game viewing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins in Morogoro

The adventure kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel, train station, or even your home in Morogoro, making logistics straightforward. The two-hour drive to Mikumi National Park is scenic and manageable, giving you a taste of Tanzania’s landscape before the wildlife excitement begins.

Arriving at Mikumi Main Gate

Once you arrive at the main gate, the real adventure begins. Jumping into an open safari jeep provides unobstructed views and a feeling of real exploration. The guides here are often described as very knowledgeable, with guests appreciating their ability to spot animals quickly and share insightful details about their behavior and habitat.

Daytime Game Drives

During the day, you’ll go on a classic game drive across Mikumi, which is home to Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, and many more. The scenery is open and inviting, perfect for photographs. Travelers frequently mention the diversity of wildlife, which means you’re likely to see a good number of the Big Five, along with cheetahs, hippos, and giraffes.

One reviewer highlighted how the guides’ spotting skills stood out, often pointing out animals that guests might have missed on their own. Lunch is enjoyed inside the park, adding convenience and a true safari feel.

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The Night Game Drive

As evening approaches, the tour shifts into an exhilarating night game drive starting at 8 PM. This is the highlight for many: the chance to see lions hunting, leopards resting, civets, hyenas, and other nocturnal animals in their natural environment. It’s described as “the most thrilling part” by those who have experienced it.

Travelers have noted that the nighttime sightings are unpredictable but incredibly rewarding. The guides use spotlights cautiously to avoid disturbing animals, making the experience as authentic and respectful as possible. Seeing lions stalking or hyenas scavenging outside the waters provides a visceral, wild feel you can’t get during daylight.

Overnight Stay Inside the Park

After the night drive, guests retire to lodges or cottages located within the park itself. Staying inside Mikumi offers the advantage of waking up early for more game viewing without long transfers. Reviewers mention the comfort level varies but is generally good, with some noting the rustic charm of sleeping in close proximity to wildlife.

Morning in Mikumi and Return to Morogoro

The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, the tour concludes with a scenic transfer back to Morogoro. Many guests reflect on how the experience felt like a true immersion into the wilderness, different from more commercial safaris because of the overnight inside the park and the guided expertise.

Why This Tour Offers Excellent Value

For $750, this safari package covers almost everything—park fees, meals, overnight accommodation, and expert guiding. The inclusion of both day and night game drives maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for those eager to see elusive nocturnal species. Staying overnight inside the park is a significant perk that enhances the authenticity and intimacy of the safari experience.

Guests suggest that the guides are well-trained and attentive, often helping guests spot animals in challenging conditions or explaining animal behavior, making the journey not just exciting but educational.

The vehicle type—open safari jeeps—ensures unobstructed views and great photo opportunities. The small group size typical of this tour adds to the personal touch, allowing guides to tailor some parts of the experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your passport for park entry and ID purposes.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, given the nature of the accommodation and vehicle access.
• Contact the tour operator via WhatsApp after booking to confirm details or ask specific questions.
• Pack warm clothing for the night drive, as temperatures drop after sunset.
• Be prepared for early mornings and long days, so comfortable clothing and good footwear are recommended.
• Camera gear with good zoom lenses will help capture wildlife shots, especially during the night drive where animals are less predictable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Safari for You?

This 2-day Mikumi adventure is ideal for travelers with limited time but eager to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in a genuine and immersive way. The overnight stay inside the park offers a rare chance to wake up with animals outside your window, creating memories that last a lifetime.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast who values guided expertise, authentic overnight experiences, and the thrill of nighttime animal sightings, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s also perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and educational insight.

While it might be a bit pricey compared to daytime-only safaris, the inclusion of overnight accommodation and the uniqueness of the night game drive make this a solid value for an unforgettable Tanzanian safari.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the price include all expenses?
Yes, the $750 covers park fees, meals, overnight accommodation inside the park, and guided game drives. Extras like drinks at guesthouses or optional activities are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour is designed for those comfortable with early mornings, long drives, and uneven terrain. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and may be less ideal for very young children.

What animals might I see during the night drive?
You might encounter lions hunting, leopards resting, civets, hyenas, hares, dik-diks, hippos outside waters, and other nocturnal creatures.

How long are the game drives?
The daytime drive lasts until evening, while the night game drive runs from 8 PM to 11 PM, allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing.

What’s the accommodation like inside Mikumi?
Guests stay in lodges or cottages that are comfortable and functional, providing a real safari experience with basic amenities and proximity to wildlife.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport for park entry, warm clothing for night drives, a camera with zoom capabilities, and any personal essentials.

How flexible is the schedule?
You can reserve and pay later, giving you flexibility to plan or adjust your travel dates. Contact the provider via WhatsApp for specific arrangements.

Can I extend the stay?
While this tour is 2 days, many guests choose to combine it with other safaris or extend their stay in Morogoro or Zanzibar.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, safaris in Mikumi tend to be good year-round, with dry seasons offering better wildlife sightings.

Final Words

This 2-Day Mikumi Safari with Night Game Drive offers an engaging mix of daytime wildlife encounters and the electrifying experience of nocturnal animal sightings. Staying overnight inside the park enhances the feeling of true adventure, with guided expertise ensuring you gain the most from every moment.

Ideal for travelers seeking a balanced, authentic safari experience with the thrill of the night creatures, this tour combines value, comfort, and adventure. Whether it’s your first African safari or a repeat trip, Mikumi’s wilderness will leave a lasting impression, especially when experienced through the lens of knowledgeable guides and open vehicles.

For those ready for a wildlife adventure that’s both immersive and memorable, this tour could very well be the highlight of your Tanzanian journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: