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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

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!