Mikumi: 2-Day Safari from Dar es Salaam with Pickup & Lodge

Summary

Wildlife, mountain views and local flavors on a mikumi safari

You’ll start early from Dar es Salaam with hotel pickup, sharing laughs over chai before heading towards Mikumi’s wild plains. Expect close encounters with elephants, giraffes and maybe even lions as your local guide shares stories along the way. Savor lunch with Uluguru mountain views and spend a night at a cozy lodge under new constellations. It’s not just about what you see — it’s how Tanzania feels.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road out of Dar es Salaam to feel so long before sunrise. We were barely awake when our driver, Salim, showed up right on time — big smile, thermos of chai in hand. The city faded fast behind us. I remember the way the air shifted somewhere past Morogoro, suddenly cooler and thick with green. Salim pointed out the Uluguru Mountains as we rolled into town for lunch. The rice was steaming and there was this fresh tomato relish I tried to pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Swahili — definitely butchered it). You could see the mountains just hanging over everything, kind of hazy but close enough that you felt small.

By the time we reached Mikumi, it was late afternoon and honestly I was tired — but then giraffes just sort of appeared near the road like they’d been waiting for us. No drama, just chewing. Our guide knew every bird call; he’d stop mid-sentence to point at something moving in the brush. Elephants lumbered by so close you could almost smell the dust off their skin. There’s this moment when you’re watching a lion nap under an acacia tree and all you hear is wind and distant hooves — it sticks with you longer than photos ever could.

Night at Bastian Camp was quiet except for frogs (loud ones). Dinner tasted smoky and simple, eaten outside under stars I’d never seen before. Morning came early — birdsong instead of alarms. We set out again before breakfast for one last drive through Mikumi. Saw wildebeest chasing each other in that pinkish dawn light, which felt unreal after all those hours in traffic just yesterday. On the way back to Dar es Salaam I kept replaying bits in my head — like how everyone waves here, even strangers by the roadside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and wildlife viewing in Mikumi

• Pick up from Dar es Salaam hotel
• Drive to Mikumi National Park
• Stop in Morogoro for mountain views and lunch
• Wildlife viewing in Mikumi National Park

Day 2 — Morning safari and return to Dar es Salaam

• Early breakfast at camp
• Morning safari for predators and wildlife
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam
• Transfer to hotel or next location

Top questions

How long does it take to drive from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi?

The drive usually takes most of the morning—plan on leaving around 6:00 am to arrive by midday for your first wildlife viewing.

Is accommodation included on this Mikumi safari?

Yes, accommodation at Bastian Camp 3* lodge is included in the tour price.

Will I see lions or elephants on this tour?

Lions and elephants are commonly seen in Mikumi; sightings are likely but can’t be guaranteed as animals move freely.

Are meals provided during the 2-day safari?

Dinner is included at the lodge; lunch is also arranged during your stop near Morogoro with mountain views.

Is hotel pickup available in Dar es Salaam?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included for your convenience.

What kind of vehicle is used for the safari drives?

You’ll travel in a private vehicle suitable for game drives within Mikumi National Park.

Are park entry fees included in the price?

All fees and taxes required for park entry are covered by your booking.

What’s included

Your two days include private transportation from Dar es Salaam with hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary park entry fees and taxes, dinner at Bastian Camp lodge plus comfortable overnight accommodation—and lunch near Morogoro with sweeping Uluguru mountain views before heading into Mikumi’s wildlife-rich plains.