Dar Es Salaam to Mikumi Safari by Train: Day Trip & Wildlife

Mikumi National Park Safari by Train: Wildlife Adventure from Dar

Get up close with Tanzania’s wildlife on this day trip by train from Dar Es Salaam to Mikumi National Park. You’ll spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more: all with an expert local guide and no stress about transport or timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day Trip Safari to Mikumi

• Pickup and train to Morogoro
• Drive to Mikumi National Park with breakfast stop
• Check-in and game drives with lunch
• Drive back to Morogoro to catch train to Dar Es Salaam
• Arrival and transfer to residency/hotel

The experience

Alarm went off at 4:30am, and honestly, I almost hit snooze. But the city was already waking up: street vendors setting up, the air a bit humid but fresh. Our driver showed up right on time, and by 5:30 we were weaving through Dar Es Salaam’s early morning traffic, heading for the train station. The SGR Express left at 6 sharp, and I grabbed a window seat. Watching the city fade into green fields as the sun came up was something I won’t forget: kids waving at the train, the smell of coffee from someone’s thermos nearby.

We rolled into Morogoro just before 8am. Our guide, Joseph, met us with a big grin and a minivan ready to go. Quick stop at a local café: can’t remember the name, but their chapati and sweet tea hit the spot. The drive to Mikumi took about an hour and a half, and the landscape kept changing: rice paddies, little villages, then suddenly, open savannah.

At the park gate, we checked in and switched to a safari vehicle. Right away, giraffes were munching on acacia trees, and a herd of zebras crossed the road so close you could hear their hooves on the dirt. Joseph knew every bird call. He pointed out a lilac-breasted roller, which I’d only seen in guidebooks before. Around midday, we stopped for lunch at a shaded picnic spot inside the park. You could hear hippos grunting somewhere nearby, and the breeze carried that earthy, wild scent you only get out here.

We spent the afternoon tracking elephants and watching a pride of lions lounging under a sausage tree. By 4pm, it was time to head back to Morogoro. The return train left at 7:25pm, and honestly, we were all pretty wiped out. Most of us dozed off on the ride back. Pulled into Dar just after 9pm, and our driver was waiting to take us home. Long day, but worth every minute.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dar Es Salaam, round-trip train tickets to Morogoro, all park entry fees, guided game drives in Mikumi National Park, plus lunch and drinks during the safari. Just bring your camera and some curiosity!

Options for this experience

3 options

Day trip to Mikumi in English04:30, 05:00 and 05:30Breakfast and lunch are included. English-guided tour: this tour is conducted in English with an English guide. Pickup is included.

Day trip to Mikumi in French05:00French guide: this upgrade includes a French guide and is offered in French. Pickup is included.

Day trip to Mikumi in German05:00German guide: this upgrade is offered in German. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 12h–16h, runs every day at 04:30, 05:00 and 05:30, from US$ 415 per person, with live guides in 5 languages, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:30, 05:00 and 05:30Another time? ›

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Book up to1d before

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Watu Safaris (T) Ltd

Traveler reviews

4.53★★★★★★★★★★Excellent19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, at 04:30, 05:00 and 05:30. In French and German, at 05:00.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?

Pickups usually start around 5am, but your exact time will be confirmed the day before. It’s an early start to catch the express train.

Is lunch included during the safari?

Yes, lunch and refreshments are provided inside Mikumi National Park. If you have dietary needs, just let us know when booking.

What animals can I expect to see?

You’ll likely see elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos, buffaloes, and plenty of birds. Wildlife sightings vary with the season and luck.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Kids are welcome but must be with an adult. Just note that it’s a long day with early starts and late returns.