5-Day Mikumi & Selous Safari from Dar es Salaam

Summary

Mikumi and Selous Game Reserve Safari Adventure

If you want real wildlife encounters—not just photos from afar—this 5-day Mikumi and Selous safari is for you. You’ll travel with local guides who know every shortcut and story, see elephants up close, cruise down the Rufiji River at sunset, and sleep under African skies. It’s not polished or fancy—it’s just real Tanzania.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Dar es Salaam started early—sun barely up, city still yawning. Once we hit the open road, the air changed; dust mixed with that earthy scent you only get after a night of rain. Six hours later, we rolled into Mikumi National Park. Our guide, Joseph, knew every bump in the track and pointed out giraffes before I even spotted them. The park sits between the Uluguru and Lumango Mountains—wide open plains where zebras graze and buffaloes wander close to the road. That first afternoon game drive felt unreal: lions lounging under acacias, a python curled near a waterhole, elephants moving quietly through tall grass. We spent the night at Camp Bastian—simple rooms but hot showers and cold drinks hit just right after a long day.

Next morning was all about Mikumi again. Packed breakfast boxes in hand (the chapati was still warm), we set off for a full day’s drive. There’s something about eating lunch out in the bush—just you, your group, and whatever wildlife decides to wander by. Our driver picked a shady spot near some baobabs; I’ll never forget how quiet it got when the wind dropped for a moment. By evening, back at camp, everyone swapped stories over dinner—someone had seen a leopard cross the track at dusk.

Day three meant heading south to Selous Game Reserve with another packed lunch for the road. The landscape changed as we drove—more wild, less predictable. Entering Selous in the afternoon felt like stepping into another world: huge herds of buffaloes kicking up dust, hippos grunting in the Rufiji River, birds everywhere (I counted at least five different calls before we even reached our lodge). Joseph shared stories about Frederick Courtney Selous—the reserve’s namesake—and how he’d died here during World War I.

The next day started slow; coffee by the riverbank watching crocodiles slide into the water. Morning game drive brought us close to wild dogs—a rare sight—and then back to camp for lunch (rice and spicy beans this time). Later on, we took a boat cruise along the Rufiji River as sunset turned everything gold. Hippos surfaced right beside us; you could hear them snort and splash.

Last morning kicked off before sunrise with a walking safari—nothing beats hearing your own footsteps crunching dry leaves while looking for animal tracks with our guide leading the way. After breakfast back at camp (eggs cooked over charcoal), it was time to head home to Dar es Salaam. We got dropped off right where we’d started—tired but honestly wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Mikumi National Park

• Drive to Mikumi National Park and afternoon game drive

Day 2 — Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi

• Full day game drive with picnic lunch

Day 3 — Drive to Selous Game Reserve

• Drive to Selous Game Reserve and afternoon game drive

Day 4 — Game Drive and Boat Cruise

• Game drive, lunch, relax, and evening boat cruise

Day 5 — Walking Safari and Return to Dar

• Morning walking safari and drive back to Dar es Salaam

Top questions

How much driving is involved each day?

The first day is about 6 hours from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi; other days have shorter drives within parks or between locations.

Are meals included during game drives?

Packed lunches are provided for full-day drives; breakfasts and dinners are served at camp or lodge.

Is this tour suitable for families?

It can be suitable for families with older children who enjoy adventure; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What kind of animals will I see?

You’re likely to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles—and sometimes leopards or wild dogs if you’re lucky!

Do I need any special gear?

No special gear required—just comfortable clothes for warm days and cool mornings; binoculars are handy but not essential.

What’s included

Your safari includes all guided game drives in both Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve, park entry fees, accommodation at Camp Bastian and Selous River View Lodge (with hot showers), daily breakfasts and dinners at camp/lodge plus packed lunches on travel days. Boat cruise on Rufiji River is also included along with an early morning walking safari led by experienced local guides. Transport from Dar es Salaam and back is covered too.