3-days 2 nights to Mikumi National Park & Chizua waterfalls

Exploring Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park and Chizua Waterfalls in just three days offers a blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural insight. This tour from Fredy Safaris promises a well-rounded experience—covering everything from big game safaris to scenic hikes and local village visits.

What we really love about this trip is the seamless mix of luxury and authentic adventure: luxury trains and vans make travel comfortable, while open-jeep safaris heighten the thrill of spotting lions and elephants. The hike up to Chizua Waterfalls offers a rewarding view and refreshing natural showers, perfect for nature lovers. The cultural tour of Maasai villages adds a meaningful local connection.

One potential consideration is the pace—if you’re not used to early mornings or adventurous hikes, some parts might feel a bit intense. But overall, this tour strikes a good balance for active travelers who want a taste of everything.

This experience suits those who love wildlife photography, cultural exchanges, or simply want a quick, comprehensive taste of Tanzanian nature and local life. Families, solo travelers, and adventure seekers alike will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation includes luxury trains and vans, making the journey smooth.
• Full-day game drives provide ample opportunity to see Tanzania’s iconic wildlife.
• The hike to Chizua Waterfalls is a rewarding challenge with a scenic payoff.
• Cultural immersion through Maasai village visits enriches the trip.
• The tour is priced at $500 per person, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort.
• All activities are guided by professional guides, ensuring safety and insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Breakdown of the 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: From Dar es Salaam to Mikumi & a Full-Day Safari

Your adventure kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel, airport, or home in Dar es Salaam, followed by a short, luxurious ride to the train station. The highlight here is the electric train transfer to Morogoro—a swift 1 hour 45 minutes—that offers a comfortable, eco-friendly way to start your trip. The train experience itself is often described as smooth and relaxing, setting a leisurely tone for the adventure.

Once in Morogoro, you’ll switch to a luxury van that whisks you to Mikumi National Park’s main gate. Here, your professional guide introduces you to the open safari jeep that will be your window into the wild for the day. Mikumi is famed for its large populations of lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelopes, alongside crocodiles and hippos in the water bodies. The landscape is varied, with lush vegetation and expansive plains creating perfect safari scenery.

The game drive begins around 10 AM, and you’ll be in the park until late afternoon. Guides are known for selecting prime spots—think clearings and waterholes—to maximize wildlife sightings. Lunch is served inside the park, giving you a true safari experience, before continuing the game drive into the evening. The day wraps up with an overnight stay at Mikumi Resort, where comfort and convenience make resting after your adventures a pleasure.

Authentic insight: Reviewers mention that guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and skilled at spotting wildlife. One noted, “Our guide, Jackson, was fantastic—he knew where the animals were and kept us entertained with facts all day.”

Day 2: Chizua Waterfalls Hike & Maasai Cultural Tour

After breakfast, the focus shifts from safaris to scenery with a hiking adventure up the Uvidunda Mountains to reach the spectacular Chizua Waterfalls. The climb is described as challenging but rewarding, with many noting the majestic views at the top. The waterfalls are a stunning sight, and visitors often comment on the crystal-clear waters and the chance to enjoy a natural shower or swim at the base.

The waterfall hike is more than just a photo opportunity; it’s an engaging trek that offers a close-up experience of Tanzania’s mountainous terrain. Reviewers frequently mention that the guides make the hike accessible for most fitness levels and prioritize safety.

Descending from the mountains, you return to Mikumi Town for a well-earned rest before heading out in the evening for a cultural tour of Maasai villages. Visitors are welcomed warmly by local Maasai, who share stories, traditional dances, and crafts, providing a genuine glimpse into their daily lives. The visit lasts approximately two hours and is often highlighted for its authenticity and the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs.

Day 3: Return to Dar es Salaam

Your final day features a relaxed breakfast before a luxury transfer back to Morogoro for the train departure at 09:50 AM. The return train journey is smooth, and upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, your trip concludes with drop-off at your hotel, airport, or ferry terminal—perfect if you’re heading to Zanzibar or elsewhere.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Transport: Traveling by electric train is a special touch—eco-friendly, comfortable, and offering scenic views along the way. The combination of train and luxury van means you’re not just rushing from point A to B but enjoying the journey in style.

Wildlife Viewing: Mikumi’s large animal populations and open terrain make it an excellent safari destination, especially for those wanting to spot lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. The full-day game drive maximizes chances for memorable sightings.

Waterfall & Mountain Hike: The scenic hike up Uvidunda Mountains to Chizua Waterfalls is a highlight, offering a physical challenge and stunning scenery. The waterfall itself is a perfect spot for pictures, swimming, and cooling off.

Cultural Experience: The Maasai village visit adds depth to the trip, allowing travelers to connect with local traditions and crafts. It’s a meaningful addition that balances the wild with human stories.

Value for Money: At $500 per person, this tour packs in a lot—transport, accommodation, meals, park fees, guides, and activities. For travelers seeking a comprehensive Tanzanian experience without the hassle of planning multiple elements, it’s a solid deal.

Practical Details & Tips

Transportation: The electric train is praised for its comfort and efficiency, making your journey eco-friendly and relaxing. The luxury van ensures smooth transfers between locations.

Group Size & Guide: The tour is guided by a professional forest and safari guide, who is well-versed in wildlife spotting and local knowledge. Reviews mention guides being friendly, helpful, and experienced.

Duration & Timing: The full-day safari in Mikumi runs from around 10 AM until late afternoon, with lunch included—so pack a camera, sunglasses, and a hat. The hike to Chizua Waterfalls is scheduled for the morning, taking a few hours.

Price & Inclusions: For $500, you receive round-trip transfers, 2 nights accommodation, park entry fees, meals, guides, and security during activities. This all-inclusive approach offers peace of mind and clear budgeting.

Flexibility & Booking: The tour offers reserve & pay later options, with a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours in advance, making it adaptable to changing plans.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a balance of wildlife, nature, and culture in a short timeframe. It appeals to those who appreciate comfortable transport and are keen to see big game in Tanzania’s premier parks. It’s suitable for families, singles, or groups who enjoy guided experiences, scenic hikes, and engaging cultural encounters.

If you’re someone who values authentic experiences combined with luxury, this trip checks many boxes. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or less physical activity, some parts—like the mountain hike—might be a bit demanding.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? The tour involves a mountain hike, which could be challenging for very young children or elderly travelers. However, the safari and cultural visits are generally accessible for most ages.

What should I pack for the hike to Chizua Waterfalls? Comfortable hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, and a swimwear if you plan to swim at the waterfall base are recommended.

Are the game drives conducted in open-air vehicles? Yes, the safari uses open-jeep vehicles, which are ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

Will I see the big five in Mikumi? Mikumi is known for its populations of lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes, but sightings can vary depending on the day and time.

How long is the train ride from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro? The train ride takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, providing a quick and scenic start to your adventure.

What is included in the tour price? The $500 covers round-trip transportation, accommodation, park entry fees, meals during activities and at the hotel, guides, and security.

Can I pay for this tour later or cancel easily? Yes, you can reserve and pay later, and cancellations made 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, offering flexibility.

This 3-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of Tanzania’s top attractions—wildlife, waterfalls, and local culture—making it a fantastic option for travelers seeking an active, authentic, yet comfortable adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover, this journey delivers memorable moments with excellent value.

You can check availability for your dates here: