3-Day Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam: Wildlife & Game Drives

Summary

Mikumi National Park Safari: Lions, Buffalo & Birdwatching Adventure

You’ll get up close with Mikumi’s wildlife—lions dozing under trees, buffalo herds moving through open grassland, and birds everywhere you look. This safari gives you real time in nature with guides who know every corner of the park—and plenty of chances to just watch and listen.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Dar es Salaam started early—city sounds fading as we headed west. Somewhere near Morogoro, the Uluguru Mountains showed up in the haze, their blue-green slopes poking through morning clouds. Our guide, Joseph, pointed out roadside fruit stalls where kids waved at passing cars. The air smelled faintly of wood smoke and dust. By midday, we rolled into Mikumi National Park just as the sun got serious. Animals were already lounging under acacia trees, barely moving in the heat. Lunch was simple but filling—rice, chicken stew, and a cold soda right inside the park.

Later that afternoon, after a quick rest at our cottage (the fan was a lifesaver), we set out for our first game drive. The light was softer now. We watched a herd of buffalo grazing not far from the road—huge animals with birds hopping on their backs. Every so often, you’d catch flashes of color as lilac-breasted rollers darted past. Joseph knew exactly where to look for lions; he slowed down near a cluster of bushes and there they were—two females stretched out in the shade, barely blinking at us. Dinner back at the cottages felt well-earned; I still remember how quiet it got once night fell.

The next morning meant an early start—out by 6:30 while it was still cool enough for animal activity. That’s when we had our best luck: zebra crossing right in front of us and giraffes nibbling on thorny branches. After breakfast back at camp (fresh chapati and coffee), we went out again for another drive before lunch. The park’s birdlife is wild—hornbills calling overhead and flashes of yellow weaverbirds everywhere you look. There was time to relax in the heat of the day before heading out again in the evening for one last round with the binoculars.

On our final morning, we packed up after breakfast but didn’t rush—the drive back to Dar es Salaam doubled as one last chance to spot wildlife along the highway edge. Saw a few more elephants off in the distance before city life crept back in. It’s easy to forget how close all this wildness is until you’re right there in it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Park

• Drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi via Morogoro, see Uluguru Mountains
• Arrive Mikumi, lunch, afternoon game drive, check-in cottages

Day 2 — Mikumi National Park Game Drives

• Early morning game drive, breakfast, midday game drive, rest, evening drive

Day 3 — Mikumi to Dar es Salaam

• Drive from Mikumi to Dar es Salaam with animal viewing en route

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can join—the vehicles are comfortable and there are options for infant seats or strollers if needed.

What kind of accommodation will I stay in?

You’ll sleep in simple but comfortable cottages or camp lodges inside or near Mikumi National Park—private rooms with fans and mosquito nets.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes—all main meals are provided during your stay at Mikumi (breakfasts, lunches, dinners). Snacks are available during drives too.

Will I see lions or elephants on this trip?

Lions are often spotted early mornings or late afternoons; elephants are common too but sightings depend on luck and season.

What’s included

Your private transport from Dar es Salaam is sorted—no crowded buses here! All park fees and taxes are covered too. Meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) are included while you’re at Mikumi cottages or camp lodges. Wheelchair access is available throughout; just let us know your needs ahead of time so we can make it smooth for everyone.