Mikumi National Park Safari Day Trip: Game Drive & Transfers

Fly to Mikumi at dawn and spend the morning hunting for wildlife across the park's open plains

A day trip safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park includes round-trip air transfer, hotel pickup, a professional driver-guide, game drive in a shared safari vehicle, lunch and soft drinks. You arrive at the park by 7:45am and drive until 1pm, then resume after lunch before flying back to Zanzibar the same afternoon. The guide speaks English, French or German, and the vehicle holds six to eight passengers depending on the day's group size.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari and transfers in Mikumi Park

• Driver picks you up in Zanzibar
• Drive to airport for transfer
• Fly to Mikumi National Park
• Meet guide and start game drive
• Lunch inside the park
• Continue game drive
• Guide assists to airstrip
• Fly back to Zanzibar
• Driver returns you to hotel

The experience

Your driver picks you up at your Zanzibar hotel before dawn and takes you to the airport for a 7:00am flight to Mikumi. You land at 7:45am and meet your guide at the airstrip, then climb into a 4x4 Land Cruiser to begin the game drive. The park's open grasslands and scattered acacia trees make wildlife visible from a distance: giraffe, elephant, buffalo, zebra, hippo and baboon are commonly seen, and the guide knows where to look for them. You drive until 1pm, break for lunch inside the park, then resume the afternoon game drive before heading back to the airstrip for your return flight to Zanzibar.

The whole day runs about ten hours door to door. Because the flight departs early and the return is timed to your arrival back in Zanzibar, this tour fills most of the daylight but leaves your evening free. You travel in a shared vehicle with other travelers, typically six to seven passengers total, so the cost stays lower than a private jeep, and the guide's attention spreads across the group. Bring your passport, wear layers for the cool morning air and the midday heat, and pack sunscreen and a hat. The park has no shade during the drive.

All transfers, park entry, the guide, lunch and soft drinks are included. The operator asks for at least a week's notice to book, so plan ahead. If you speak English, French or German, request your preferred language when you reserve.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Zanzibar and return drop-off.
• round-trip air transfer to and from Mikumi.
• park entry and all fees.
• professional driver-guide speaking English, French or German.
• safari vehicle shared with other travelers.
• lunch and soft drinks during the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:30

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Senior (101 and older) · Youth (6 to 7 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Mo Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?The ten-hour commitment, early pickup through late-afternoon return, means you lose most of the day but keep your evening free. Book this if you want to see Mikumi's wildlife without staying overnight, and you're comfortable with an early start and a shared vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 7 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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.

What animals am I most likely to see on the Mikumi game drive?

Giraffe, elephant, buffalo, zebra, hippo and baboon are commonly spotted during the drive. Jackals, hartebeest and crocodiles appear occasionally, and leopards and spotted hyenas are rare but possible.

How much time do I actually spend on the game drive in Mikumi?

You drive from 7:45am until 1pm, break for lunch, then resume the afternoon drive before heading to the airstrip. The morning and afternoon combined give you several hours of wildlife viewing across the park.

Do I travel alone in the safari vehicle or with other people?

You share the 4x4 with other travelers booked on the same day, typically six to seven passengers total depending on the group size. The vehicle is a standard safari setup with good sightlines from all seats.

What's included in the day trip price?

Hotel pickup in Zanzibar, round-trip air transfer to Mikumi, park entry, the professional driver-guide, the safari vehicle, lunch and soft drinks are all included. You only need to bring your passport and personal items.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not in great physical shape?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You spend most of the day sitting in the vehicle during the game drive, so no hiking or strenuous activity is required.

How early do I need to wake up, and when do I get back to my hotel?

Your driver picks you up before 7:00am to reach the airport on time. You return to Zanzibar in the late afternoon and are dropped at your hotel by early evening, leaving your night free.